What’s that famous song by Queen. Oh yes – Another one bites the dust – as WestJet announces fees on luggage.
WestJet Boeing 737-700 at Toronto Pearson Airport – Image GhettoIFE.
WestJet are to charge for for bags on their Econo fare on Canadian Domestic and US <> Canada routes from 15th September, for travel from 29th October, making it another low cost carrier.
Or is it? Note the destinations – Canadian Domestic and US <> Canada routes will get dinged for baggage fees. Other destination inculding Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and European destinations will attract no extra fee for the first bag.
See below – the ticks indicate you have to pay.
Source: http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/fares/service-fees.shtml
In addition, WestJet Rewards Silver and Gold members of their frequent flyer, as well as those who hold WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCards can check a bag for free on affected flights.
The airline estimates that 1 in 5 passengers should be affected, and if they wish to avoid the fee, they can upgrade to Flex or Plus fares.
There is a fair bit of difference in these fares, that add a fair chunk:
Econo is pretty reasonable, however the difference between Flex and Plus is…. very small difference (About C$10.70). For that you get two bags, food, extra space seat, and all the benefits.
For those who need to take a bag with them in the hold, it’s still a lot less than a flex fare.
Still, if you’re heading through Canada on WestJet, and have got hold luggage, be prepared to be dinged for another charge.
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