Prices are about to get a little higher for WestJet (TSX:WJA) passengers wanting to check in bags on the country’s second-largest airline.
The carrier announced September 15 passengers flying on economy fares would have to pay a $25 fee for the first checked-in bag for flights within Canada and flights to the U.S.
The fee goes into effect for bookings made from September 15 onward for travel on or after October 29.
WestJet said the change is expected to affect one out of five of its passengers.
WestJet is in the midst of major expansion plans after launching a regional carrier in 2013, introducing flights to Europe this past summer and announcing in July it would introduce wide-body aircraft into its fleet next year to boost its international presence.
The introduction of the new fee follows Air Canada’s (TSX:AC.B) decision in fall 2011 to introduce a $25 surcharge for the first checked bag on economy fares flying to the U.S.
