Air Canada
Canada
WestJet
Canada's second-largest airline
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CanadaCountry
- WSIATA Code
- WJAICAO Code
- IndependentAlliance
- HybridAirline Type
Guide reviewed
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About WestJet
WestJet is Canada’s second-largest airline, flying from Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver across Canada and to the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Fares range from UltraBasic with only a personal item to Business with lie-flat seats. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in, the 2026 bag fee increases and how it compares with Air Canada and Porter.
Founded in 1994 as a low-cost airline in Calgary, it now flies Boeing 737s and 787 Dreamliners. It absorbed the low-cost airlines Swoop and Sunwing in 2024.
Contents
Power Bank Rules on WestJet
New international (ICAO) rules apply from 27 March 2026:
- Each passenger can carry up to two power banks, in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
- Power banks cannot be recharged on board, and many airlines also ban using them to charge devices during the flight.
- Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline. Keep them within reach, not in the overhead bin.
Check-In at Calgary
Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before US and international flights.
Families and Special Assistance
Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs and car seats can usually be checked in free. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.
Bag Fees in 2026
Checked bag fees rose twice in under a year:
- Fees went up again on 23 April 2026.
- Paying at the airport costs $10 more than prepaying.
- The airline’s RBC World Elite card and elite status give free bags.
How to Find Cheap WestJet Flights
- Compare UltraBasic with Econo: Econo includes a carry-on and points.
- Prepay bags to save $10 at the airport.
- Book Calgary flights early for the Stampede in July.
- Look at vacation packages for sun trips.
- Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Air Canada, Porter Airlines and others.
WestJet vs Air Canada vs Porter Airlines
Canada’s three biggest airlines.
| WestJet | Air Canada | Porter Airlines | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main hub | Calgary | Toronto | Toronto |
| Cheapest fare | UltraBasic | Economy Basic | PorterClassic Basic |
| Long-haul | Boeing 787 | Yes | No |
| Loyalty | WestJet Rewards | Aeroplan | VIPorter |
See our Air Canada guide and Porter Airlines guide to compare.
Arriving in Calgary
Calgary International Airport is about 15 km from downtown. Bus 300 runs to downtown, and taxis and rideshare are available. Banff is about 90 minutes by road.
You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.
Is WestJet a Good Airline?
Yes. It offers a large network across Canada, long-haul flights on the 787 and good-value fares, though bag fees have risen.
For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.
Facts checked in October 2026 against Prince of Travel on fares, Daily Hive on 2026 bag fees and Milesopedia on bag sizes. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.
Airline Partnerships
The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it codeshares with many major airlines.
Codeshare & Interline Partnerships
Its partners include Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM, and its regional airline Encore flies smaller routes.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Calgary (YYC) is the main hub, with large hubs at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR), plus Edmonton and Winnipeg.
Popular WestJet Routes
The busiest routes link Calgary with Vancouver and Toronto, plus flights to the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.
Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.
WestJet Reschedule & Cancellation Policy
Economy is sold as UltraBasic, Econo and EconoFlex, with Premium and Business above. UltraBasic cannot be changed or refunded.
Econo changes cost about $100–177 plus any fare difference, while EconoFlex has no change fee.
- UltraBasic No changes, no points, personal item only in North America.
- Econo Change fee plus fare difference.
- EconoFlex One free bag and no change fee.
- Premium and Business Two free bags and priority services.
- How to change or cancel Use Manage Trips on the website.
WestJet Seat Selection & Additional Services
Premium and Business include food and drinks, and Business on the Boeing 787 has lie-flat seats and lounge access.
Economy snacks are free, with more for sale.
- Economy Free snacks; more for sale.
- Business Lie-flat seats on the 787.
- Seats Paid on UltraBasic and Econo.
- Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help at least 48 hours ahead.
WestJet Baggage Allowance
Every passenger can bring a personal item (41 × 15 × 33 cm). A carry-on (56 × 23 × 36 cm) is included on all fares except UltraBasic within North and Central America.
UltraBasic and Econo checked bags cost $50–123 for the first bag after the April 2026 increase. EconoFlex includes one bag, and Premium and Business two.
- Personal item 41 × 15 × 33 cm.
- Carry-on 56 × 23 × 36 cm (not on UltraBasic in North America).
- Econo first bag $50–81 in North America.
- EconoFlex 1 free bag.
- Premium and Business 2 free bags.
WestJet Rewards: WestJet Loyalty Programme
The airline's loyalty programme is called Rewards. Members earn points on most fares except UltraBasic and can use them for flights and vacations. Elite members get free bags.
- Programme WestJet Rewards.
- Earn Points on Econo and higher fares.
- Redeem Flights and vacations.
WestJet: Frequently Asked Questions
01What are WestJet’s IATA and ICAO codes?
The airline's two-character IATA code is WS. It appears in flight numbers (for example WS 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is WJA, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.
02Which airline alliance is WestJet part of?
It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.
03Where is WestJet headquartered?
The airline is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
04When was WestJet founded?
The airline was founded in 1994.
05What are WestJet’s main hubs?
Its main hubs and focus cities are: Calgary (YYC) – Main Hub; Toronto (YYZ) – Hub; Vancouver (YVR) – Hub.
06Does WestJet UltraBasic include a carry-on?
Not within North and Central America, where it includes only a personal item. On Europe and Asia flights it includes a carry-on.
07How much is a WestJet checked bag?
From $50–81 for the first bag on Econo in North America, after the April 2026 increase.
08Which WestJet fares include a free bag?
EconoFlex includes one, and Premium and Business two.
09What is WestJet Rewards?
WestJet's loyalty programme, where you earn points on most fares except UltraBasic and spend them on flights and vacations.
10Can I use a power bank on WestJet?
On WestJet you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval). You cannot recharge them on board, and ICAO rules advise against using them to charge other devices in flight, so follow the crew's instructions. They are never allowed in checked bags.
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WestJet, its logo and trademarks are the property of WestJet Airlines Ltd. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by WestJet unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.