Economy airline WestJet has announced a new fee for checking baggage.
WestJet will now impose a $25 fee for the first checked bag for passengers flying on Econo fares within Canada and between Canada and the United States.
“The new fee will only apply to bookings made today onward, for travel on or after October 29, 2014. Guests flying to any of WestJet’s international destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe may continue to check a first bag at no charge,” the airline elaborates.
The new surcharge will end up boosting overall travel costs for an estimated one out of five of their travelers.
How do you see to it you’re not subject to the charge? WestJet says the fee will not apply those flying on a Flex fare (one free checked bag) or those on a Plus fare (two complimentary checked bags). The new fee also does not apply to military personnel with identification, child or infant equipment, mobility devices and code-share and interline guests.
Travelers can expect to see more of this kind of pricing soon, according to the Globe and Mail. “Air Canada is likely to soon announce a similar fee,” an industry analyst told the publication.
Further shakeups to the airline biz in Canada could be forthcoming, too, if U.S. budget carrier Southwest Airlines joins the local market.
Featured image: Doug/Flickr
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