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Air Canada vs WestJet Baggage Allowance
Cabin bag size, checked allowance and excess fees for Air Canada and WestJet side by side — both from the airlines' official policies, checked 30 October 2026.
Air Canada
- Cabin bag: One standard carry-on article; max size 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm (9 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in), wheels and handles included; must be light enough to store in the overhead bin unassisted
- Personal item: One personal article (e.g. briefcase, laptop, diaper bag, camera case); max size 16 x 33 x 43 cm (6 in x 13 in x 17 in)
- Checked (Economy Basic (North America and Sun routes, tickets from January 3, 2025)): 1st checked bag $35 + tax; bags checked at the gate $65 + tax
- Prepaid vs airport: Fees payable at check-in online, on mobile, at airport kiosks or at a check-in counter; bags over 203 cm (80 in) in length or 292 cm (115 in) total linear dimensions are not accepted as checked baggage
WestJet
- Cabin bag: —
- Checked (UltraBasic): No bag included. 1st checked bag fee: prepay $50-59, self-serve check-in $60-71, airport check-in $70-83
- Prepaid vs airport: Prepaying is always the cheapest of the three channels on WestJet's official fee table; self-serve check-in costs more and airport check-in costs the most
The short verdict
By cabin volume and weight the two are closely matched — the real difference is in the fare tables below.
Both airlines count baggage differently across fares, so compare the checked tables before you book the cheaper ticket: a fare with no bag included can end up costing more.
Air Canada checked baggage by fare
| Fare / class | Checked baggage allowance |
|---|---|
| Economy Basic (North America and Sun routes, tickets from January 3, 2025) | 1st checked bag $35 + tax; bags checked at the gate $65 + tax |
| Economy Comfort (worldwide, tickets from January 3, 2025) | Two complimentary checked bags |
| Economy standard allowance (all fares) | Max 158 cm / 62 in total linear dimensions and max 23 kg / 50 lb per bag; free allowance depends on destination and fare - exact allowance and extra-bag fees shown in Air Canada's baggage calculator |
| Business Class | Up to 3 bags, max 158 cm / 62 in and max 32 kg / 70 lb per bag |
Fees shown in CAD on Canadian pages (+ tax where stated). Military personnel (Canadian and U.S., active, retired and reserve) get up to three checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each at no charge on Air Canada-operated itineraries.
WestJet checked baggage by fare
| Fare / class | Checked baggage allowance |
|---|---|
| UltraBasic | No bag included. 1st checked bag fee: prepay $50-59, self-serve check-in $60-71, airport check-in $70-83 |
| Econo / Member Exclusive | No bag included. 1st checked bag fee: prepay $40-48, self-serve check-in $50-59, airport check-in $60-71; 2nd bag prepay $55-65 |
| EconoFlex | 1st checked bag free; 2nd bag prepay $55-65 |
| Premium / PremiumFlex | 1st and 2nd checked bags free |
| Business / BusinessFlex | 1st and 2nd checked bags free |
Fee ranges shown are from WestJet's official baggage fee page (example table for tickets purchased on or after 16 Sep 2025 and before 23 Apr 2026, fees in CAD including the tax range). Amounts vary by route and purchase date; other purchase windows and route groups on the same page show different ranges.
Policy checked: 30 October 2026. Airlines change allowances and fees — confirm on the official page before you travel.
Policy checked: 30 October 2026. Airlines change allowances and fees — confirm on the official page before you travel.