WestJet extending bag fees to all international routes
Wednesday, 05 Nov, 2015
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Despite record profits, Canadian carrier WestJet is extending checked bag fees to all international flights from early next year.
The $25 baggage fee will now apply to all economy bookings for flights from January 6, 2016.
WestJet said it will also raise fees for some reserved seating in exit rows on flights of more than 300 miles.
Together the two ancillary fee increases are expected to generate about $15 million to $25 million a year.
WestJet CEO Gregg Saretsky said customers are still getting good value.
"With airfares that start at $299 to Europe from Toronto, for example, we’re not going to apologize for charging $25 for a first checked bag," he said.
"These fares are significantly lower than the market has seen and we’re very proud to be bringing our brand of low cost to these markets."
The airline says the fee increases will only affect about 25% of flyers as most will have the fees waived by travelling on higher-priced Flex or Plus fares or are top tier members of its rewards program.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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