WestJet has announced an immediate increase in checked baggage fees, citing rising fuel costs and industry trends. The Calgary-based airline is raising the price for customers checking their first and second bag in advance by $5 each, and an additional $10 each for the first and second checked bag at the airport, according to an email from WestJet reported by The Canadian Press.
Additional Fee Hikes
The air carrier is also increasing the fee for overweight or oversized baggage by $50. “These updates are due to industry revenue trends as well as impacts from current global conditions,” said WestJet spokesperson Jen Booth.
WestJet’s new baggage fees mirror those implemented last week by Air Canada, which raised its first checked bag fee from $35 to $45 for basic economy class on North American and sun destination flights.
Industry-Wide Adjustments
Canada’s major airlines have introduced various measures to recoup costs tied to the spike in fuel prices, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The two-month war in the Middle East has effectively halted shipping traffic along the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that carries 20% of the world’s crude oil from Persian Gulf states.
Earlier this week, WestJet announced it was cutting flight capacity in the lead-up to the busy summer travel season, reducing capacity by about 1% in April, 3% in May, and nearly 6% in June. On Wednesday, Air Transat announced it was cutting flights to Europe and the Caribbean from May to October, representing a 6% reduction in planned capacity. Last week, Air Canada said it was suspending six routes, including trips to New York City’s JFK airport from Toronto and Montreal between June 1 and Oct. 25.
Fuel Surcharges
Earlier this month, Air Canada Vacations implemented a fuel surcharge of $50 per passenger for its “sun destination” packages. Porter Airlines followed with a temporary $40 “peak surcharge” each way, while Flair added a “carrier surcharge.” WestJet has a temporary fuel surcharge on bookings made with its companion voucher.
These measures come as airlines grapple with rising operational costs and seek to offset the financial impact of higher fuel prices.
