The price of air travel is rising quickly, and this time it's impacting more than just ticket prices. As fuel costs climb and airlines look for ways to keep profits steady, Canadian travellers are seeing changes across the board. Routes are being cut, fuel surcharges are creeping up, and baggage fees are rising.
This includes both a WestJet baggage increase and an Air Canada baggage increase.
Key Takeaways
- A Wesjet baggage price increase is now in effect.
- The Air Canada baggage increase hits lower fares the most other fares.
- Several airlines are cutting flights due to rising global fuel costs.
- More fees and surcharges are being added to the cost of commercial flights.
- The right credit card can help offset these price hikes.
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Air Canada baggage increase is hitting lower fares
Air Canada has updated its baggage fees, and many won't be happy about the change. For Economy Basic and Standard fares purchased on or after April 13, 2025, the first checked bag now costs $45, and the second costs $60 for many routes. Economy Flex still includes one free checked bag, but lower-fare classes no longer offer the same value.
WestJet baggage increase is adding pressure too
WestJet has also raised its baggage fees, and the changes depend on when you pay. For newer bookings, prepaid first-checked-bag fees on Econo fares now range from $40 – $48, while UltraBasic fares can range from $50 – $59.
Travellers who pay their baggage fees in advance when booking a flight will see a $5 increase. Alternatively, travellers who wait and pay at the airport will be hit with a $10 increase, making it extra important to plan ahead if saving is a priority for you. These changes will impact reservations booked on or after April 23, 2026.
Flight cuts and changes are already happening
Baggage fees are only part of the story – airlines are also adjusting how much they fly and how frequently. WestJet says it reduced capacity by about 1% in April, 3% in May, and nearly 6% in June as fuel costs rise. It hasn't cut routes yet, but is consolidating flights on some routes and reviewing its summer schedule.
This same pressure is manifesting as added fees for travellers. WestJet has introduced a temporary $60 fuel surcharge on companion voucher bookings, noting that fuel is now the largest contributor to its operating costs.
Air Canada is making similar moves. It has suspended 6 routes that are no longer profitable due to rising fuel costs, including some flights from Toronto and Montreal to New York City.
Air Transat is also scaling back, with a plan to reduce capacity by about 6% between May and October, including fewer flights to Europe and the Caribbean, as well as an extended suspension of service to Cuba.
The bottom line is simple: Fuel prices have surged due to global supply issues, and airlines are adjusting wherever they can. For travellers, this likely means fuller planes, fewer scheduling options, and higher prices across the board.
The right credit card can help
Right now, the biggest challenges are the increases in WestJet and Air Canada baggage fees. While Air Transat and Porter haven't announced increases for baggage fees yet, it wouldn't be surprising if those airlines follow the same path given the pressure they're facing from increased fuel costs.
There's a simple way to ease the pain of these changes for frequent fliers. Many Air Canada, WestJet, or Porter-branded credit cards offer free checked bags or travel credits that cover baggage fees. In many cases, these perks apply not just to the cardholder, but to the people they travel with, too.
For example, TD, RBC, BMO, and National Bank all offer credit cards with travel perks that can save you from paying to check a bag altogether.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card gives you a free first checked bag on Air Canada flights. The benefit applies to you and up to 8 people travelling on the same booking, as long as your trip starts with an Air Canada flight. It also gives you preferred pricing on Aeroplan reward flights and the chance to earn elite status qualifying miles as you spend.
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
A very popular option, this card helps travellers avoid baggage fees on WestJet flights. You'll get your first checked bag free, and the benefit also applies to up to 8 additional people travelling on the same reservation. As long as WestJet flies to your destination, the perk applies – just make sure your WestJet Rewards ID is linked to your booking.
This card also includes a companion voucher each year that provides extra savings.
BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
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$150 GeniusCash + Get up to $2,400 in value + Automatic VIPorter Venture membership.*
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1x Award winner This card offers a range of benefits, including 1 free checked bag and 1 free carry-on bag for Porter flights. This benefit applies to the cardholder and up to 8 additional guests travelling on the same reservation.
These perks cannot be applied retroactively, so make sure to use your BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard card when you make your booking.
National Bank World Elite Mastercard
While this airline-neutral card doesn't offer a free checked bag directly, it helps cover the cost in a different way. Cardholders receive an annual travel credit of up to $150 that can be used toward baggage fees, seat selection, and other travel expenses.
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FAQ
Why are airlines increasing baggage fees right now?
Airlines are raising baggage fees due to the rising cost of fuel around the globe. As operating expenses increase, carriers like WestJet and Air Canada are adding fees and surcharges, cutting and cancelling various routes, and adjusting schedules to manage costs and maintain profit margins.
How much has Air Canada increased baggage fees?
For many routes, Air Canada now charges $45 for a first checked bag and $60 for a second on lower fares. The higher-end fares often still include a checked bag. These changes mainly impact Economy Basic and Standard tickets.
What is the WestJet baggage increase?
WestJet has increased its baggage fees and now charges $40 – $48 for a prepaid first checked bag on Econo fares and $50 – $59 on UltraBasic fares. These updated fees apply to new bookings and reflect broader cost pressures driven by skyrocketing fuel prices.
Are airlines cutting flights because of fuel costs?
Yes, due to rising fuel costs, many Canadian airlines are reducing capacity and cancelling flights on routes that are no longer profitable. WestJet and Air Canada have already reduced capacity, and Air Transat is following suit by reducing the frequency of its flights from May through October.
How can I avoid paying airline baggage fees?
One of the best ways to avoid paying airline baggage fees is to use the right credit card. There are several travel credit cards that include free checked bags on flights, and they're very much worth checking out, especially if you're someone who flies often.
creditcardGenius is the only tool that compares 126+ features of 238 Canadian credit cards using math-based ratings and rankings that respond to your needs, instantly. Take our quiz and see which of Canada's 238 cards is for you.
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