You are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse, a small backpack, or a laptop bag.
The carry-on bag must not exceed the following dimensions: 21 x 15 x 9 inches (53 cm x 38 cm x 23 cm), and the personal item must not exceed the dimensions of 16 x 13 x 6 inches (41 cm x 33 cm x 15 cm).
However; WestJet is not the strictest airline when it comes to carry-on size, but they will check your bag more carefully during busy flights or at smaller airports. If your bag looks obviously oversized, gate agents may ask you to place it in the sizer.
This post covers everything about west jet carry-on baggage policies, and how strict they are with cabin baggage, so you can pack smoothly and enjoy a comfortable trip.
TL;DR
TL;DR: WestJet Carry-On Rules
- 1 carry-on bag allowed (21″ x 15″ x 9″)
- 1 personal item allowed (16″ x 13″ x 6″)
- No weight limit, but must fit in overhead bin
- Oversized bags may be checked, especially on busy flights
- Checked baggage: 50 lbs (23 kg) / 62 in (157 cm) limit
- Checked bag fees vary by fare type (some fares include free bags)
- Liquids: 100 ml (3.4 oz) max per container, in 1 quart-sized bag

What Is Allowed On WestJet Carry-On?
When traveling on WestJet flights, each passenger is entitled to one carry-on bag and one personal item.
All carry-on bags must be light enough to be placed in the overhead compartment without assistance.
WestJet carry-on maximum size (length + width + height):
- Carry-on bag: 53 cm x 38 cm x 23 cm (21 inches x 15 inches x 9 inches )
This includes Laptop bags, backpacks, small suitcases
- Personal item: 41 cm x 33 cm x 15 cm (16 inches x 13 inches x 6 inches)
This includes Garment bags, briefcases, purses, camera bags, laptops
Also, make sure that all important items are packed near your person at all times. These include identification (ID, passport, or driver’s license), jewelry, keys, mobile devices, and medication.
Additional items
In addition to your cabin bag and personal item, you can also bring a few additional items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance.
These items may include:
- Coats or jackets
- Umbrella
- Diaper when traveling with a child
- Duty-free shopping items
- Medical devices and medications
allowable liquids carry on WestJet
WestJet also limits the amount of liquids allowed in carry-on luggage.
Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be 100 ml (3.4 oz.) or less for each container and placed inside a quart-sized bag.
Only one quarts sized bag is permitted per passenger.
How Strict Is WestJet With Carry-on Size And Weight?
You are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item that must fit within the airline carry-on size and weight limits.
WestJet may perform a size check for your bag or suitcase before boarding the airplane.
If your bag does not fit into the sizer or exceed the carry-on allowance will be subject to checked baggage rules.
WestJet might be lenient on some early morning flights or when planes aren’t full.
In regional or smaller airports the airline will tend to check sizes more strictly, and hard-shell suitcases usually draw more attention than soft-sided bags.
If your carry-on is gate checked due to size, a fee will apply. Only credit cards are accepted as payment at the gate.
On the other hand, your carry-on has no weight limit, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead compartment without assistance.
Here is what WestJet says about carry-on luggage restrictions on its website:

WestJet Checked Baggage Allowance & policies
For most flights, you can check up to 4 bags (service fees may apply).
On flights traveling to and from Jamaica, Trinidad, or Tobago, the maximum number of checked bags is 2.
Checked Baggage Restrictions
- Total dimensions (L x W x H): 157 cm (62 in.)
- Maximum weight: 23 kg (50 lbs.)
If your luggage exceeds these dimensions or weight, additional baggage fees may apply.
Read more here : How to calculate linear inches for checked baggage?
WestJet Baggage Fees Policies
The cost for checked baggage depends on your fare option. For some fares (EconoFlex, Premium, and Business), the first checked bag is free, With Premium and Business, the first two bags are free.
| Fare Type | Bag 1 | Bag 2 | Bag 3 | Bag 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic, Econo, Member Exclusive | $30-$35.40 | $50-$59 | $100-$118 | $100-$118 |
| EconoFlex | No Fee | $50-$59 | $100-$118 | $100-$118 |
| Premium | No Fee | No Fee | $100-$118 | $100-$118 |
| Business | No Fee | No Fee | $100-$118 | $100-$118 |
WestJet Special Item And Prohibited Items
If you’re traveling with special items, such as sporting equipment or musical instruments, they must be checked as baggage and are subject to fees depending on their size and weight.
Small items that fit inside your carry-on bag are allowed in the cabin, but larger items must be properly packed and checked.
Just like any other airline, dangerous items or objects that could be used as weapons are not allowed onboard.
Read also: What Items Are Not Allowed In Checked Luggage ?
Final Thoughts
As shown above, WestJet may enforce stricter carry-on size regulations, especially during busy flights.
If you show up with an oversized bag, a soft sided bag can often be squeezed into the luggage sizer.
Otherwise, be prepared for your carry-on to be gate-checked.
Happy travels.
