Two More Airlines Increase Baggage Fees to Counter Jet Fuel Price Rise

Canada’s two largest airlines, Air Canada and WestJet, have joined the list of carriers increasing checked bag prices to offset operational costs, primarily the rise in jet fuel prices since the conflict in the Middle East started.

Air Canada’s new pricing, which took effect for tickets purchased on or after April 13, now charges up to $45 CAD for the first checked bag and $60 CAD for the second. Both fees represent a $10 CAD increase from previous rates.

The fee applies to passengers on Economy Basic, Standard, and Flex fares for travel within Canada, to and from the U.S., and to and from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

WestJet’s pricing, which went into effect April 23, is now $5 CAD higher than previous rates for prepaid checked bags. For those who prepay, the first bag will cost between $45 CAD and $65 CAD, depending on the fare, and the second bag will range from $60 CAD and $83 CAD.

At the airport, WestJet is now charging $10 CAD more for the first and second bags, with the first bag costing up to $94 CAD or more if paid at the counter. WestJet is also implementing a new $50 CAD surcharge for overweight or oversized luggage.

The increases are part of a broader trend of airlines looking to offset the rise in jet fuel prices, utilizing ancillary fees in addition to base fare hikes. As of late April 2026, the Argus US Jet Fuel Index shows spot prices averaging approximately $4.23 to $4.81 per gallon across major hubs (NYC, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles). Prices were around $2.50 per gallon just before the conflict began.

Recently, every major American carrier has also announced an increase in the cost of checked bags.

American was the last of the Big Three airlines, and one of the last major U.S. airlines in general, to increase the cost of checking a bag when it boosted the price to $50 for domestic and short-haul international flights earlier in April.

JetBlue started the wave in late March, United followed on April 3, Delta on April 8, and Southwest and Alaska joined the club also earlier this month. American, United, and Delta are all charging essentially the same amount now, including a $5 discount if travelers prepay.