Starting Wednesday, some passengers with Calgary-based airline WestJet will pay a bit more to take to the skies.
The carrier has enacted a new $25 fee charging passengers for their first checked bag on the lowest economy fares within Canada or the U.S.
International passengers (excluding flights to the United State) are still permitted to check one piece of luggage at no charge.
The company announced the fee last month stating the move was to keep up with the global industry.
WestJet has also instilled its new rewards program, where customers can decide on the level of service they want to pay for.
Passengers flying WestJet on Wednesday have mixed feelings about the new rule.
"I don't mind," says George Olan. "I'm used to that because I travel a lot. Every airline does that; this is nothing new to me."
Another passenger says she is willing to accept the fee, but with a change. "When you travel a lot, it adds up. One bag should be free and any more should be charged. That's my opinion," said Sabrina Dawe. "I used to travel lots for work and if that was the case, we'd be paying a lot of money through the company and personally."
Air Canada is expected to start charging similar fees this weekend.
