Calgary-based Westjet has announced that everyone who flys with them and needs to check their baggage will need to pay a fee.

The company says it will charge $25 for the first checked bag on flights for ‘econo fares’.

The fee will be added to domestic flights and flights between Canada and the U.S.

Robert Palmer, Westjet spokesperson, says that the move is for the company to keep up with the global industry and to offer customers more value to their flights. "This is, in fact, the way the global industry is moving and has been moving for some years now. The charge for the first checked bag refers to the fact that we can 'unbundle' our services. Using the lowest possible fares in the 'econo' bundle, we can remove that first bag fee so those people who aren't going to check a bag, essentially now have that option."

Palmer says the move makes it possible for business travelers, who don't typically check luggage, to avoid the extra cost.

He says the additional charge won't affect everyone who flies with the company. "It's not going to affect four out of every five of our guests because there are exemptions. If you have our top tier credit card for that matter, our World Elite RBC Westjet Mastercard, you won't have to pay. If you're part of our top two tier rewards program, you won't pay that fare. If you buy the flex or plus bundle, you won't pay that fee either."

Palmer says that they will be looking over carry-on luggage a bit more fervently now that this fee is in place. "You can bring one roller bag and one smaller personal item like a briefcase or a purse. We will be watching in the future to make sure people are abiding by those restrictions."

He says that the company is also including a number of other policies to provide customers with more value such as their 'Price Drop', which ensures if travelers book flights yet they find their flight had gotten cheaper for whatever reason closer to the date, the difference will be refunded in Westjet Reward dollars.

The fee will apply for flights taking place after October 29.