Last Updated: April 2026  

Most last-minute gate checks happen because bags are oversized, packed too heavily, or passengers assume their fare includes more than it actually does.

Understanding the size limits and carry-on rules before you pack can help you avoid extra fees and stressful boarding situations.

Quick Answer: WestJet Carry-On Rules

WestJet allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item per passenger. Carry-on size must not exceed 56 × 23 × 36 cm (22 × 9 × 14 inches) . There is no strict weight limit, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin. These rules help you avoid gate-check fees and last-minute baggage issues at the airport. 

WestJet Carry-On Baggage Allowance

Under the WestJet Airlines carry-on policy, most passengers can bring:

• 1 carry-on bag
• 1 personal item

Both are allowed as part of the standard WestJet cabin baggage allowance on most fares.

Item	Allowance	Storage Location
Carry-on bag	1 per passenger	Overhead bin
Personal item	1 per passenger	Under the seat

Both items are included at no extra charge on Econo, EconoFlex, and Premium fares. 

WestJet Carry-On Size and Weight Rules

WestJet has clear size limits for carry-on bags, while weight rules are more flexible.

Carry-On Size Limit

The maximum carry-on size is 56 × 23 × 36 cm (22 × 9 × 14 inches)  (including wheels and handles). Your bag must fit in the overhead bin.

If your bag exceeds this limit:

• It may be checked at the gate
• You may incur a checked baggage fee
• Gate fees are usually higher than paying online in advance

Measuring your bag at home helps avoid last-minute issues. Also, airline measurements can differ slightly from brand dimensions, so always check the actual size.

Carry-On Weight Guidelines

WestJet does not publish a strict weight limit. This means the WestJet carry-on weight allowance is flexible, but passengers must still handle their bag independently. 

•  You must lift your bag into the overhead bin
• Staff may check bags that appear too heavy

Keeping your bag under 10 kg is a practical guideline. 

WestJet Personal Item Rules

Along with your carry-on bag, WestJet allows one personal item per passenger. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Common personal items include:

• Laptop bag or sleeve
• Small backpack or daypack
• Handbag or tote
• Camera bag
• Small briefcase

While WestJet does not always enforce strict dimensions, a general guideline is around 41 × 33 × 15 cm, and the item should remain compact and easy to store under the seat. 

If it does not fit, it may be treated as your carry-on bag and your main bag could need to be checked. 

Items Not Permitted in Carry-On Baggage

• Corrosive materials
• Explosives
• Flammable liquids
• Firearms (unless declared and stored per security regulations)
• Sharp or bladed objects
• Liquids exceeding 100 ml
• Toxic or poisonous substances
• Large tools

For a complete list of restricted items, refer to airport security guidelines at your departure airport. Rules may vary between Canadian and US departure airports.

Liquid Rules on WestJet Flights

WestJet follows standard international airport security rules for liquids in cabin baggage:

• Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less
• All containers must fit in one clear resealable 1-litre bag
• One bag per passenger is permitted through security
• Baby food, formula, breast milk, and essential medicines are allowed in reasonable quantities

WestJet International Carry-On Rules

WestJet international carry-on rules generally match domestic flights, but space availability can vary on long-haul routes. 

However: 

• Long-haul flights may have stricter space availability
• Boarding order can affect overhead bin access
• Larger aircraft (like 787) offer more cabin space

Always check your boarding group if you are carrying a full-size bag.

WestJet Carry-On Checklist Before You Fly

Before heading to the airport, quickly check this:

✔ Carry-on bag stays within 56 × 23 × 36 cm
✔ Personal item fits under the seat
✔ Liquids are under 100 ml in a clear resealable bag
✔ Basic fare rules checked before travel
✔ Check in early for better overhead bin space

A quick check at home can help you avoid gate-check fees and last-minute stress.

Travelling With Infants on WestJet

Lap infants do not receive a separate carry-on allowance. Parents may bring:

• One diaper bag in addition to their standard allowance
• Baby food, formula, and essential medicines
• One stroller and one car seat can be checked free of charge

Strollers can be checked at the ticket counter or at the boarding gate. Compact strollers are typically returned at the jet bridge while larger ones are collected at baggage claim.

Who Should Pay Attention to WestJet Carry-On Rules?

These rules matter most for:

• Basic fare travelers → Carry-on rules can vary by route
• Passengers with connecting flights → Other airlines may have different size limits
• Families with infants → Baby items follow separate allowance rules
• Frequent travelers on busy flights → Overhead bin space fills quickly

Checking your fare and bag size before travel can help avoid gate-checks and airport stress.

WestJet Checked Baggage Basics

For passengers who need to check a bag, here is a quick overview of WestJet checked baggage allowance by fare type: 

Fare Bundle	Free Checked Bags	Weight Limit
Basic	None on most routes	23 kg (50 lbs) if paid
Econo	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
EconoFlex	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Premium	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs)

For baggage costs, see our WestJet baggage fees guide, and for seat upgrades, check our WestJet seat selection guide. 

Common Carry-On Problems WestJet Travelers Face

Here’s where travelers usually run into trouble:

• Bags may fit the size limit but still get rejected if they are overpacked or bulky
• Boarding late often means no overhead bin space left
• Personal items that are too large may be treated as carry-ons
• Basic fare travelers sometimes assume carry-on is included when it may not be on their route

Most of these issues are avoidable if you check your fare, measure your bag, and board early.

Practical Packing Tips for WestJet Flights

Measure your bag properly
Do not rely only on the bag label. Use a tape measure, as airline measurements can differ from manufacturer sizing.

Pack smartly
Keep heavier items like shoes at the bottom of your carry-on. Store essentials in your personal item so you don’t need to open your bag during the flight.

Check rules for connecting flights
If you’re flying with multiple airlines, make sure your bag meets each airline’s size limits, not just WestJet’s.

Avoid gate-check fees
If your bag is close to the limit, it’s usually cheaper to check it online in advance than at the gate.

How WestJet Carry-On Rules Compare to Other Airlines

WestJet’s carry-on policy is similar to Air Canada, with one carry-on and one personal item included on most fares. Compared to US airlines like Delta Air Lines or American Airlines, WestJet is usually more flexible with carry-on weight. However, Basic fare restrictions can feel similar to low-cost airlines, where cheaper tickets may come with fewer cabin baggage benefits.

Before You Pack for Your WestJet Flight

Most issues happen due to size limits and Basic fare restrictions. Measure your bag, check what your fare includes, and plan ahead if you’re worried about overhead space.

For broader travel planning, see our complete airline baggage fee comparisons guide. For seating options, check our WestJet seat selection and upgrade options guide. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Flytripinfo.com provides independent travel guidance and is not affiliated with WestJet Airlines.

Disclaimer: All information on Flytripinfo.com is provided for general travel guidance only. Airline policies, baggage rules, and fees can change at any time without prior notice. While we strive to keep our content accurate and updated, travelers should always verify details directly with the airline before their journey. Flytripinfo.com is not responsible for any errors, delays, or decisions made based on the information provided.