WestJet, which I think can best be described as the Canadian version of Southwest, announced new baggage fees yesterday, but rolled them out in what I'd consider to be a smart way. WestJet raising checked baggage fees for travel after October 29, 2014 First, here's how they announced the baggage changes:
Continue reading: WestJet Adds Baggage Fees
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I fly Westjet a lot due to the 10% discount that Amex Platinum Canada holders get. This news upsets me a bit as I tend to check a bag when I bring lots of stuff with me back and forth. Sometimes I have equipment with me which needs a second bag charge.
However, if they have a status matching scheme it might be a way for me to keep my first bag free - even though I usually credit my Westjet flights to AA.
All in all it's something that I wish didn't happen but I can see why Westjet wants to do it.
As a Calgarian, I can say that a lot of people I have talked to in the last two days are disappointed in WestJet. They liked having a popular home town airline to praise while they bash Air Canada. Now it's Westjet taking the lead on starting baggage fees for the first checked bag on domestic flights. People feel betrayed. Westjet has started to loose their way with keeping customers based on customer service friendly policies. Air Canada, meanwhile, seems to be doing very well rebranding themselves and the business community has noticed - just look at their shares over the last three years. From 80 cents to over $10. I suspect Air Canada will bring in the same fee within a week, but it will be greeted differently as it won't feel like something unexpected and dishonourable, but something you expect from the carrier Westerner's love to hate. But again, people are starting to warm up to Air Canada as they see their old, former friend Westjet deteriorate to new lows that they are not use to nor expecting.
I've become a frequent WestJetter this year for business travel, and this is great news! Although I love WestJet's in-flight entertainment (screens at each seat!) and overall cleanliness of planes, something just feels empty inside not getting points. With the tiers launching today, do you know if recent past flights can be retroactively applied for status?
@Paul, I can definitely understand how this would be disappointing from a Calgarian's perspective - it does take away a core benefit that's especially meaningful for the occasional traveler. But as an Atlantan who is accustomed to Delta's race to the bottom, that point didn't even phase me.