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WestJet Cabin Bag Rules 2026 22 x 9 x 14"

By Caden Sorenson Updated May 9, 2026 Sourced from the official WestJet policy

Exact WestJet cabin bag dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

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On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. WestJet dimensions
  3. Weight limit
  4. Carry-on fee
  5. Bag fit matrix
  6. Fare class breakdown
  7. Overhead bin size
  8. What counts as a personal item
  9. Common mistakes
  10. Gate-check process
  11. vs Air Canada
  12. Checked bag fees
  13. Special items
  14. Basic economy
  15. FAQ

Quick answer

WestJet cabin bag bags can be up to 22 x 9 x 14" (56 x 23 x 36 cm), with no published weight limit, and no cabin bag fee on most fares.

  • Carry-on size: up to 22 x 9 x 14" (56 x 23 x 36 cm)
  • Weight limit: no published weight limit
  • Carry-on fee: free on most fares
  • Personal item: up to 16 x 13 x 6", free on every fare
  • Gate-check risk: Medium
  • Last verified: May 9, 2026
WestJet carry-on maximum size, 22 x 9 x 14 inches (56 x 23 x 36 cm) 22" (56 cm) 14" (36 cm) 9" (23 cm) L H W
WestJet maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (in)
22 x 9 x 14"
Max dimensions (cm)
56 x 23 x 36 cm
Weight limit
No published limit
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Medium

Basic fare does not include a carry-on, only a personal item. Econo and above include the full carry-on allowance.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (in)
16 x 13 x 6"
Max dimensions (cm)
41 x 33 x 15 cm
Included
Yes, free

Must fit under the seat in front of you.

See checked bag fees & more

WestJet cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum WestJet cabin bag size is 22 x 9 x 14 inches, which works out to 56 x 23 x 36 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on WestJet match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 22 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

WestJet cabin bag weight limit

WestJet does not publish a specific carry-on weight limit for domestic travel. The operational rule is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help. Very heavy bags can still be refused at the gate, and on some regional aircraft the crew may ask you to check an overweight bag as a courtesy.

Does WestJet charge for cabin bag bags?

No. WestJet includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.

What bags fit as a WestJet personal item

Common bag types compared against the WestJet personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag type Typical size On WestJet
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Fits
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Too big

WestJet carry-on by fare class

Fare Carry-on Personal item Notes
UltraBasic Not included Included One personal item only, except on flights to or from Europe and Asia or when Extended Comfort is purchased, in which case one carry-on plus personal item is allowed.
Basic Included Included Standard carry-on and personal item included.
Econo Included Included Standard economy with carry-on and personal item.
EconoFlex Included Included Economy with more flexibility on changes.
Premium Included Included Premium cabin with priority boarding.
PremiumFlex Included Included Flexible premium with added change benefits.
Business Included Included Lie-flat Business on 787 Dreamliner long-haul routes.
BusinessFlex Included Included Fully flexible Business fare.

WestJet overhead bin size by aircraft

WestJet flies a 737-heavy fleet plus 787 Dreamliners on long-haul. Carry-ons must fit 56 by 23 by 36 cm (22 by 9 by 14 inches) and be light enough to lift into the bin unassisted.

What counts as a personal item on WestJet

Allowed

  • Briefcase
  • Purse
  • Camera bag
  • Laptop bag
  • Small musical instrument

Common WestJet carry-on mistakes

  • Booking UltraBasic on a domestic or cross-border flight and trying to bring a standard rollerboard. UltraBasic allows only a personal item on those routes.
  • Over-packing a personal item. At 41 by 15 by 33 cm, the WestJet personal item is tighter than what many US airlines allow.

What happens if your bag does not fit on WestJet

Bags that do not fit the sizer or exceed the carry-on allowance are treated as checked baggage and charged the checked bag fee. UltraBasic passengers face both a checked bag fee and a service fee if their carry-on does not meet the exceptions.

WestJet vs Air Canada carry-on

WestJet and Air Canada mirror each other on carry-on size, with WestJet at 56 by 23 by 36 cm and Air Canada at 55 by 40 by 23 cm, a rounding difference more than a real one. Both basic-tier products, WestJet UltraBasic and Air Canada Economy Basic, now restrict North American passengers to a personal item, so the pricing battle has shifted to bag upsells rather than dimensions. WestJet's personal item at 41 by 33 by 15 cm is slightly shallower than Air Canada's 43 by 33 by 16 cm. Neither airline publishes a weight cap beyond being able to lift the bag overhead unaided.

See Air Canada carry-on size
WestJet checked baggage fees
Domestic economy
1st bag$45
2nd bag$60
Long-haul / international
1st bag$40
Weight limit50 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lb$88
71–100 lb$162
63–80 in$88

Fees are shown in USD (westjet.com/en-us), effective Apr 23, 2026. Econo/Member Exclusive prepay: 1st bag $45-53, 2nd bag $60-71. UltraBasic prepay: 1st bag $55-65, 2nd bag $70-83. Fees increase ~$15-18 for self-serve check-in and another ~$10-12 at the airport. EconoFlex includes 1st bag free; 2nd bag prepay $60-71. Premium, PremiumFlex, Business, and BusinessFlex include 2 bags. WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard primary cardholders and WestJet Rewards Silver, Gold, and Platinum members get first bag free.

Ways to skip the WestJet checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the WestJet carry-on size.
  2. Use a WestJet co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
WestJet special items & sports equipment
Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
$88
Pet in cabin
$37
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within allowance or booked as a cabin seat.

Ski, snowboard, and golf equipment count as a standard checked bag on WestJet if within 50 lb and 62 linear inches. Bicycles are approximately USD 88 (CAD 118). Pet-in-cabin is approximately USD 37 (CAD 50) within Canada/North America.

WestJet basic economy restrictions
UltraBasic WestJet's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
No
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
$50
  • Personal item only (no carry-on)
  • No checked bag included
  • No seat selection
  • No changes or refunds
  • Last boarding group
  • No WestJet Rewards dollars earning

Frequently asked questions

What is the WestJet carry-on size limit?

WestJet allows carry-on bags up to 22 x 9 x 14" (56 x 23 x 36 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. There is no published weight limit, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted.

What are the WestJet carry-on dimensions in cm?

The WestJet carry-on size limit in centimeters is 56 x 23 x 36 cm. In inches that converts to 22 x 9 x 14". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the WestJet carry-on weight limit?

WestJet does not publish a carry-on weight limit for domestic travel. The operational rule is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help. Very heavy bags can still be refused at the gate.

Does WestJet charge for carry-on bags?

No. WestJet includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only.

What is the WestJet personal item size?

The personal item on WestJet must fit within 16 x 13 x 6" (41 x 33 x 15 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Will my bag be gate-checked on WestJet?

WestJet currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

Can I bring a carry-on on WestJet UltraBasic?

No. WestJet UltraBasic passengers are limited to one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on either is not allowed or costs an extra fee.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a WestJet carry-on?

Not always. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on exceeds the WestJet published limit of 22 x 9 x 14" on at least one axis. A slightly smaller bag is a safer choice.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on WestJet?

A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) usually fits within the WestJet personal item limit of 16 x 13 x 6". The bag must slide fully under the seat in front of you. Oversized hiking or travel backpacks will not fit and count as a carry-on.

Does WestJet weigh personal items?

WestJet does not weigh personal items. The only requirement is that the bag fits fully under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, gate agents may ask you to move it to the overhead bin, which counts as a carry-on.

How much does a checked bag cost on WestJet?

The first checked bag on WestJet costs $45 for domestic economy. A second bag costs $60. International fares and premium cabins may include free checked bags.

What are the WestJet overweight and oversize bag fees?

WestJet charges $88 for bags weighing 51 to 70 lb, $162 for 71 to 100 lb, and $88 for bags measuring 63 to 80 linear inches. Bags over 100 lb or 80 inches are generally refused.

Flying WestJet out of these airports?

Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major WestJet hubs and focus cities.

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Sources & verification

Last verified 2026-05-09 against the official WestJet policy at https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/baggage/carry-on . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with WestJet before flying. See our research methodology.