WestJet Airlines Carry-on & Baggage Rules (2025 Guide)

The first time I flew with WestJet, I was honestly just looking for a cheaper ticket to Toronto. I didn’t think much about baggage rules, I just booked and packed my bag like I usually do. Big mistake. At the gate, I watched a couple of passengers ahead of me get pulled aside because their carry-ons didn’t fit the little sizer box. The look on their faces said it all — that awkward mix of frustration and embarrassment while they tried to cram their bag in. Spoiler alert: it didn’t fit.

That’s when I realized WestJet, while generally chill and budget-friendly, doesn’t mess around when it comes to carry-on sizes. And trust me, you don’t want to be the person holding up the boarding line because your bag is too bulky.

So in this guide, I’ll break down WestJet’s carry-on and baggage rules in plain English. No airline jargon, just the stuff you actually need to know before you head to the airport. If you’re flying WestJet for the first time — or if you’ve flown them before but keep wondering what exactly counts as a personal item — this will save you a lot of stress (and maybe a few bucks too).

WestJet Carry-on Size Rules

Alright, here’s the deal: WestJet lets you bring one standard carry-on bag plus one personal item. The official carry-on size limit is 21 inches x 15 inches x 9 inches (including wheels and handles). Translation: a small rolling suitcase or a decently sized duffel usually works fine.

Now, are they strict? From what I’ve seen, it depends. I’ve been on flights where people walked on with bags that looked way bigger than the allowance and no one blinked. But I’ve also seen gate agents eye a bag suspiciously, then point straight to that dreaded metal sizer box. And once your bag goes in there… let’s just say you better have strong arms because you’ll be pushing, twisting, and praying it fits.

If it doesn’t, they’ll tag it and check it for you, usually with a fee attached if your fare doesn’t include checked luggage. That’s why I always play it safe. My personal trick? I use a soft-sided carry-on instead of a hard-shell. It’s just easier to squish into overhead bins or — worst case — shove into the sizer if someone calls me out.

Pro tip: WestJet’s overhead bins are decent, but if you board late and the bins fill up, they might gate-check your bag even if it’s technically within size. That’s just airline life. So keep anything important (passport, wallet, laptop) in your personal item where you can grab it.

Personal Item Rules

Besides your main carry-on, WestJet also lets you bring one personal item. Think of it as your “just in case” bag — the one that goes under the seat in front of you. The official size limit is 16 inches x 13 inches x 6 inches. Not huge, but enough for a backpack, a laptop bag, or even a roomy tote.

Here’s where it gets tricky: people often assume a giant hiking backpack counts as a personal item. It doesn’t. If your bag bulges out and can’t slide under the seat, it’s basically another carry-on, and WestJet will treat it that way.

Personally, I like to use a simple backpack as my personal item. It fits my laptop, headphones, a hoodie, snacks (lots of snacks), and still slides under the seat with no drama. The bonus is that I don’t have to keep reaching up into the overhead bin every time I want something mid-flight.

I once saw a guy try to squeeze a duffel bag that looked like it belonged in the gym locker room under the seat. He kept shoving it with his foot, and the poor person sitting next to him was giving him the side-eye the entire time. Moral of the story? Stick to something modest. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not fighting with your bag for legroom.

Checked Baggage Policy

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, a carry-on just won’t cut it. That’s where WestJet’s checked baggage policy comes in. The standard size limit is 62 linear inches (that’s length + width + height added together) and the weight cap is 50 pounds. Pretty standard across most airlines.

Now, here’s the catch — whether or not your first checked bag is free depends on the fare you booked. If you’re flying on the cheaper end (like WestJet’s Basic or Econo fares), you’ll almost always pay for your first checked bag. Usually it’s cheaper if you pay online in advance rather than waiting until you’re at the airport. Seriously, don’t wait until check-in — the price jump feels like daylight robbery.

From experience, if you’re going on a longer trip, sometimes it’s less stressful to just check a bag. I tried cramming two weeks’ worth of winter clothes into a carry-on once. Let’s just say my bag looked like it was going to explode, and I spent half the trip re-rolling sweaters that never quite fit right. After that, I started checking a bag for longer journeys, and life got way easier.

One more tip: WestJet is usually pretty fair if your bag is just a pound or two over the weight limit. But if you show up with a bag that’s pushing 60 pounds, you’re almost guaranteed to get hit with an overweight fee. It’s not worth the gamble — toss a small scale in your room before heading to the airport.

Specialty Items (Baby Gear, Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments)

WestJet is actually pretty decent when it comes to specialty items. If you’re traveling with kids, you get some freebies that can save a lot of stress. For example, you can check a stroller and a car seat at no extra cost, which is a lifesaver for parents. I remember seeing a mom at Calgary airport juggling a toddler, a diaper bag, and a folded stroller — and WestJet staff just swooped in, tagged it, and made things super easy for her. That’s the kind of stuff that makes family travel a little less overwhelming.

For sports gear, like skis or golf clubs, WestJet treats them as regular checked baggage as long as they fit within the size and weight limits. If you’re a skier heading to Banff or Whistler, you’ll probably see half the plane rolling out ski bags. Just make sure you pack them properly, because WestJet doesn’t cover damage if you toss your snowboard in without a bag.

Musical instruments can go either way. Smaller ones like violins or guitars often fit in the overhead bins, but it really depends on how full the flight is. I once saw a guy with a guitar case argue with a flight attendant because there was no overhead space left. He eventually had to check it, and you could tell he was stressing the entire flight. If your instrument is precious, I’d recommend boarding early or buying a seat for it if it’s really large. It sounds extra, but I’ve seen musicians do it.

Bottom line: WestJet gives you a fair shake with special items, but the smoother your packing, the smoother your trip.

Extra Fees and Add-ons

Here’s the not-so-fun part about flying WestJet — the add-ons. If you’re flying on their Basic fare, you don’t get a free checked bag and, in some cases, you might not even get a full-sized carry-on without paying extra. It’s basically WestJet’s way of keeping base ticket prices low while making money on the extras.

Now, I’ve been burned by this once before. I booked what looked like a great deal from Vancouver to Los Angeles, only to realize at check-in that my carry-on wasn’t included. I ended up paying almost as much in fees as the ticket itself. Since then, I always double-check what’s actually included in the fare before I hit “confirm.”

Other common fees you’ll want to watch for:

• Overweight bags: Go over 50 pounds and you’re paying more.

• Second checked bag: More expensive than the first.

• Seat selection: If you want to pick your seat ahead of time, WestJet charges extra on most fares.

• Priority boarding: Nice if you want guaranteed overhead bin space, but honestly, I usually skip it.

The trick is to price everything out before you book. Sometimes upgrading to a slightly higher fare that includes a bag and seat selection is actually cheaper than buying a Basic ticket and adding everything later.

Think of it like ordering fast food — you could buy the burger, fries, and drink separately, but the combo deal almost always makes more sense.

Quick Packing Tips for WestJet

Packing for WestJet doesn’t have to be a stress test. After a few trips with them, I picked up a handful of tricks that save me from sweating it out at the gate.

1. Roll, don’t fold.
It sounds simple, but rolling your clothes really does save space. I once packed for a 5-day Calgary trip with just a small backpack using this method. Okay, I wore the same hoodie twice, but nobody cared.

2. Invest in compression cubes.
These little guys are game changers. You stuff your clothes in, zip it up, and it flattens everything down. On my last trip, I squeezed in two pairs of jeans, three shirts, and a sweater into one cube — something that would’ve easily overflowed otherwise.

3. Put heavy stuff in your personal item.
WestJet doesn’t usually weigh personal items, so that’s where I stash things like books, chargers, or even my extra pair of shoes. Just make sure it still fits under the seat.

4. Keep your “in-flight bag” ready.
Before boarding, I always pull out my headphones, snacks, and phone charger into a small pouch. That way, when I toss my carry-on in the overhead, I don’t spend the first five minutes of the flight climbing up and down like a squirrel hunting for nuts.

5. Don’t overthink toiletries.
WestJet follows the usual liquids rule (under 100ml each, all in one quart-sized bag). Honestly, I just buy stuff when I land half the time. A $3 travel-size toothpaste beats airport security drama any day.

With a bit of planning, you’ll walk onto your WestJet flight looking like a packing pro — and avoid those awkward moments of trying to zip-shut an overstuffed bag in public.

Handy Travel Gear for WestJet Flyers

When it comes to flying WestJet, the right gear makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve tested a bunch of bags and gadgets, and a few stand out as my go-tos.

1. Carry-on Suitcase: Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage

This is one of those bags that just feels reliable. I’ve dragged mine through Calgary snow, tossed it in overhead bins, and it still looks sharp. The spinner wheels make airport dashes so much easier, and it’s perfectly sized for WestJet’s carry-on limits. If you want a bag that balances style and durability, this is it.

2. Personal Item Backpack: Nomatic Navigator Backpack 15L to 21L

This backpack is sneaky good for flights. It looks slim, but it expands when you need extra space. I usually throw my laptop, hoodie, and snacks in here, and it slides under the seat with no problem. Bonus: tons of hidden compartments for keeping stuff organized (which I desperately need when traveling).

3. Packing Cubes: BAGAIL 6-Set Packing Cubes

Packing cubes honestly changed the way I travel. These ones are super affordable and come in different sizes, so you can separate clothes, toiletries, and random stuff without making a mess. I like knowing exactly where my socks are instead of digging through a chaotic pile of clothes in a hotel room.

4. Compression Bags: TRIPPED Travel Gear Compression Packing Bags

These are lifesavers when you’re trying to squeeze bulky clothes into a carry-on. I once fit two hoodies and a puffer vest into one of these, and it actually zipped shut. They don’t need a vacuum, you just roll the air out. Perfect if you’re flying WestJet and don’t want to pay for a checked bag.

5. Portable Luggage Scale: Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale

This little gadget has saved me from overweight fees more times than I can count. I keep it in the front pocket of my backpack and use it before heading to the airport. Way better than doing that awkward “weigh yourself with and without the bag” trick on a bathroom scale.

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These are the things I personally reach for before flying WestJet. They’ve kept me organized, saved me money, and honestly just made the whole travel process smoother.

FAQ About WestJet Carry-on Rules

Can I bring a backpack as my personal item on WestJet?
Yes, totally. As long as it’s not massive. A regular school-size backpack or laptop bag counts as a personal item and should fit under the seat. If it looks like a full-on camping pack, though, WestJet might treat it as a second carry-on.

Does WestJet check carry-on size at the gate?
Sometimes. I’ve flown WestJet where no one cared about bag size, and I’ve flown other times where the gate agents were standing right next to the sizer box, eyeing every bag. It’s kind of a toss-up, but it’s safer to stick to the rules.

Are strollers and car seats free on WestJet?
Yep. If you’re traveling with kids, you can check a stroller and a car seat for free. You can even bring a diaper bag in addition to your carry-on and personal item. That’s a huge relief for parents juggling a million things.

What happens if my bag is overweight?
If your checked bag is over 50 pounds, WestJet will charge you an overweight fee. If it’s just a pound or two, you might slide by, but don’t count on it. I’ve seen travelers unpack shoes and sweaters at the counter to avoid the fee — not fun.

Does WestJet Basic fare include a carry-on?
Not always. This is where a lot of travelers get tripped up. Basic fare usually includes just a personal item. If you want a full-sized carry-on, you’ll need to pay extra or book a higher fare class. Double-check before you book so you’re not caught off guard.

Conclusion: Stress-free Flying with WestJet

Flying with WestJet is actually pretty smooth once you know their baggage rules. The airline has a reputation for being friendly and fairly straightforward, but like most budget-friendly carriers, they make their money on extras. If you plan ahead — pack smart, measure your bags, and know what’s included in your fare — you’ll save yourself both cash and stress.

I’ll be honest, the first time I flew WestJet I felt like I was playing a guessing game with my bags. But after a couple of trips, I realized it’s not that complicated. Stick to the size limits, keep a backpack as your personal item, and don’t get surprised by the Basic fare restrictions. Once you’ve got that down, the rest of the trip is easy.

At the end of the day, nobody wants to be that person holding up the boarding line while wrestling a giant bag into the sizer box. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen — and it’s not pretty. A little planning goes a long way with WestJet, and if you’ve got your baggage strategy sorted, you can just sit back, relax, and maybe even enjoy a ginger ale at 30,000 feet without a worry.