Skip to content

WS · Canada · Low-cost

WestJet Carry-On Size 2026 56 x 36 x 23 cm

By Caden SorensonVerified Oct 2026Sourced from the official WestJet policy

Exact WestJet carry-on dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

ShareXFBPinRedditHN
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
  16. Sources

Quick answer

WestJet carry-on bags can be up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9"), with no published weight limit, and no carry-on fee except on the UltraBasic fare, which includes a personal item only on some routes.

  • Carry-on size: up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9")
  • Weight limit: no published weight limit
  • Carry-on fee: free except on the UltraBasic fare (personal item only on some routes)
  • Personal item: up to 41 x 33 x 15 cm (16 x 13 x 6"), free on every fare
  • Gate-check risk: Medium
  • Last verified: Oct 2026
WestJet carry-on maximum size, 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches)56 cm (22")23 cm (9")36 cm(14")LHW
WestJet maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

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

UltraBasic includes only a personal item, except on flights to or from Europe and Asia or when Extended Comfort is bought for the whole direction. Econo and above include the full carry-on allowance.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (cm)
41 x 33 x 15 cm
Max dimensions (in)
16 x 13 x 6"
Included
Yes, free
Weight
Not published

Must fit under the seat in front of you.

See checked bag fees & more

Does your bag fit on WestJet?

Check it against every airline

Alliance and loyalty

Alliance
None
Loyalty program
WestJet Rewards
Official partner airlines

WestJet cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum WestJet carry-on size is 56 x 36 x 23 cm, or 22 x 14 x 9 inches as WestJet publishes it. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can go over if its wheels push the total past 56 cm. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

WestJet carry-on weight limit

WestJet does not publish a specific carry-on weight limit. Our guidance: pack it light enough that you can lift the bag into the overhead bin yourself.

Does WestJet charge for carry-on bags?

No. WestJet includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on every fare except the UltraBasic fare, which includes a personal item only on some routes. 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 typeTypical sizeOn 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

FareCarry-onPersonal itemNotes
UltraBasicNot includedIncludedOne 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.
EconoIncludedIncludedStandard economy with carry-on and personal item.
EconoFlexIncludedIncludedEconomy with more flexibility on changes.
PremiumIncludedIncludedPremium cabin with priority boarding.
PremiumFlexIncludedIncludedFlexible premium with added change benefits.
BusinessIncludedIncludedLie-flat Business on 787 Dreamliner long-haul routes.
BusinessFlexIncludedIncludedFully 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 36 by 23 cm (22 by 14 by 9 inches).

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 33 by 15 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 36 by 23 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 carry-on weight cap; Air Canada only asks that you can 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$45
Weight limit50 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lb$150
63–80 inNot published

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. Overweight (more than 23 kg / 51 lb up to 45 kg / 100 lb, or up to 32 kg / 70 lb to/from Europe) and oversize (158-203 cm) now share a single combined fee of USD 150-177 depending on region; the prior per-tier figures are no longer published.

Ways to skip the WestJet checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the WestJet carry-on size.
  2. Check your WestJet Rewards status. See whether your tier includes a free checked bag on WestJet.
WestJet special items & sports equipment
Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
In CADsee details below
Pet in cabin
$50varies by route
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments that fit the overhead bin or under the seat count as your carry-on. Larger instruments must be checked; WestJet does not sell seats for instruments.

Sporting equipment is charged standard checked baggage fees, and a $50-59 handling fee applies to certain items. Bicycles count as a checked bag plus a CAD 50-59 handling fee at the airport (no flat bike price is published). In-cabin pet (carrier counts as your personal item) is $50-59 within Canada and the U.S. and $100-118 to international destinations, charged in CAD or USD depending on where the trip starts, each direction. The value shown is the low end of the US-origin range.

WestJet basic economy restrictions
UltraBasicWestJet's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
No
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
$55
  • Personal item only (no carry-on) except to/from Europe and Asia or with Extended Comfort
  • No checked bag included
  • Seat selection for a fee
  • No changes or refunds
  • Last boarding group
  • No WestJet Rewards earning

Frequently asked questions

What is the WestJet carry-on size limit?

WestJet allows carry-on bags up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9"), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. There is no published weight limit.

What are the WestJet carry-on dimensions in cm?

The WestJet carry-on size limit in centimeters is 56 x 36 x 23 cm. WestJet publishes the inch size as 22 x 14 x 9". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the WestJet hand luggage allowance?

WestJet hand luggage (the cabin bag that goes in the overhead bin) can measure up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm. A personal item that fits under the seat is included on every fare.

What is the WestJet carry-on weight limit?

WestJet does not publish a carry-on weight limit. Our guidance: pack it light enough that you can lift the bag into the overhead bin yourself.

Does WestJet charge for carry-on bags?

No. WestJet includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on every fare except the UltraBasic fare, which includes a personal item only on some routes.

What is the WestJet personal item size?

The personal item on WestJet must fit within 41 x 33 x 15 cm (16 x 13 x 6") 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?

Our guidance rates the gate-check risk on WestJet as Medium. It is our own rating, not a figure WestJet publishes. 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?

It depends on the route. Personal item only (no carry-on) except to/from Europe and Asia or with Extended Comfort.

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

Usually yes. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on suitcase fits within the WestJet carry-on limit of 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9"). Confirm your specific bag measures under the limit with wheels and handles included.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on WestJet?

Only a small one. A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) is larger than the WestJet personal item limit of 41 x 33 x 15 cm (16 x 13 x 6"). A backpack within that limit counts as the personal item, and a bigger one counts as the carry-on.

Is there a weight limit for personal items on WestJet?

WestJet does not publish a weight limit for personal items. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, within 41 x 33 x 15 cm (16 x 13 x 6").

How much does a checked bag cost on WestJet?

The first checked bag on WestJet costs $45. A second bag costs $60.

What are the WestJet overweight and oversize bag fees?

WestJet charges $150 for bags weighing 71 to 100 lb. 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.

WestJet head-to-head comparisons

In-depth comparisons between WestJet and another carrier, covering bags, seats, on-time performance, routes, and loyalty.

Sources

Facts, costs, and travel details in this carry-on guide were verified against the following sources. See our research methodology for how we vet and update data.

If a figure looks wrong, email hello@vient.org, see how we handle corrections, or browse past fixes in our public changelog.

Helpful guides

Gear, tactics, and packing help for your WestJet flight.

Compare other airlines