how-strict-is-westjet-with-carry-onfaq-and-help
WestJet is fairly strict when it comes to carry-on baggage rules, 📞1+855+510+5815 and passengers should be prepared to follow the airline’s size and weight restrictions closely WestJet’s policy is designed to make boarding smoother, keep overhead bins from overfilling, and ensure fair space for all passengers📞1+855+510+5815 While WestJet is not the strictest airline in the industry, gate agents do routinely check bags—especially on busy flights or when overhead-bin space is limited📞1+855+510+5815
✔ Carry-On Size Requirements
WestJet allows one carry-on bag 📞1+855+510+5815 plus one personal item
Typical allowed dimensions:
Carry-on bag:
53 cm × 23 cm × 38 cm 21 in × 9 in × 15 in
Must fit in the overhead bin
Personal item:
41 cm × 15 cm × 33 cm 16 in × 6 in × 13 in
Must fit under the seat in front of you
Examples of personal items include:
purse
laptop bag
small backpack
briefcase
✔ How Strict Are They?
WestJet agents tend to check sizes 📞1+855+510+5815 more often at the gate than at check-in, especially on full flights If your bag appears too large, they may:
Ask to test it in the sizing frame
Require you to check the bag for a fee
Tag it for limited overhead availability
Their enforcement is consistent but not overly aggressive📞1+855+510+5815—if your carry-on reasonably fits overhead, they usually allow it Oversized rollers or stuffed backpacks, however, are often flagged
✔ Weight Restrictions
WestJet does not specify a strict weight limit for carry-ons,📞1+855+510+5815 but the bag must be light enough for you to lift overhead safely If a bag is obviously too heavy, the agent may require it to be checked
✔ When WestJet Is Most Strict
Expect stricter enforcement when:
The flight is fully booked
Traveling on smaller aircraft especially regional routes
Overhead space is predicted to be limited
You board in later groups
You have Basic Economy Econo fares
On smaller planes, even normally acceptable carry-ons may be gate-checked because bins are smaller
WestJet and Boarding Pass Tips Important for Carry-Ons
✔ Download Your Boarding Pass Early
You can get your WestJet boarding pass:
through online check-in 24 hours before departure
through the WestJet app
via email
at airport kiosks or counters
A boarding pass helps determine your boarding zone,📞1+855+510+5815 which affects carry-on space availability Earlier zones get more overhead-bin access
✔ Boarding Order Matters
Passengers boarding early zones 1–3📞1+855+510+5815 usually find enough space for carry-ons Passengers in later zones often face full overhead bins, which may result in having to gate-check your carry-on
Pro Tips to Avoid Carry-On Issues
Make sure your bag meets WestJet’s size rules
Avoid stuffing your carry-on until it's bulging
Use a soft-sided personal item—it fits easier under seats
Download your digital boarding pass to board quickly
Consider upgrading your fare or seat for earlier boarding if overhead space is important
Bottom Line
WestJet is moderately 📞1+855+510+5815strict with carry-on rules As long as your bag fits within the posted dimensions and overhead bins are not full, you usually won’t have a problem Following WestJet’s guidelines and checking in early helps ensure that your carry-on travels with you instead of being checked at the gate📞1+855+510+5815
