WestJet carry-on
WestJet Hand Luggage, Explained
Measurements, weight caps, how closely bags get checked and the popular bags that slot inside WestJet’s official numbers.
WestJet carry-on in brief
WestJet includes a personal item of up to 41 × 33 × 15 cm on every fare. A carry-on of up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm comes with Econo fares and above. UltraBasic includes only the personal item, except on trips to Europe and Asia or when Extended Comfort is bought.
The numbers
Personal item
41 × 33 × 15 cm
No weight cap · Included on every fare, UltraBasic too
Carry-on
56 × 36 × 23 cm
No weight cap · Included from Econo up; UltraBasic only on Europe and Asia trips
Personal item
Room to spare
Under 41 × 33 × 15 cm
Each side sits 1–2 cm inside the limit, so even a well-stuffed soft bag slips into the metal frame.
See roomier-fit bags
Right at the limit
41 × 33 × 15 cm
Every allowed centimetre is yours. Pack it flat and it passes; let the front pocket balloon and it may not.
See full-size bags
Too big
Say, 42 × 33 × 15 cm
A single extra centimetre can mean a hold-luggage charge at boarding. Example only — not an airline figure.
Carry-on
Room to spare
Under 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Each side sits 1–2 cm inside the limit, so even a well-stuffed soft bag slips into the metal frame.
See roomier-fit bags
Right at the limit
56 × 36 × 23 cm
Every allowed centimetre is yours. Pack it flat and it passes; let the front pocket balloon and it may not.
See full-size bags
Too big
Say, 57 × 36 × 23 cm
A single extra centimetre can mean a hold-luggage charge at boarding. Example only — not an airline figure.
Rules verified October 2026. Ticket type changes what you may bring, and carriers revise policies without much warning — glance at your booking confirmation before packing.
Living with the rules
WestJet’s carry-on is long but narrow: at 36 cm wide it rules out many 40 cm-wide cases sold as “cabin size”. Check the width before you buy.
The personal item is a little smaller than Air Canada’s. A 41 × 33 × 15 cm backpack or tote fits both airlines.
There is no published weight limit, but you must lift the bag into the bin unaided. A diaper bag for an infant is allowed on top of the allowance.
↑ ContentsDoes WestJet really measure bags?
Firm
Bags that fail the sizer are turned into paid checked bags. On UltraBasic, a carry-on brought to the gate costs the checked-bag fee plus a service fee.
On WestJet Encore’s Q400 turboprops, carry-ons can be tagged at the aircraft door even when they fit, because bin space is limited.
A personal item and a carry-on — allowed?
Yes, from Econo fares up: a personal item plus a carry-on. UltraBasic includes the personal item only, unless you fly to Europe or Asia or buy Extended Comfort.
Well-rated bags inside WestJet’s limit
A handful of top-rated picks, ordered by stars and number of reviews, all within WestJet’s official measurements. Tap any of them for the full description.
Personal items
Every personal item for WestJet
Carry-ons
Quick answers about WestJet
What size is WestJet’s carry-on?
56 × 36 × 23 cm, including wheels and handles.
And the personal item?
41 × 33 × 15 cm, stowed under the seat in front of you.
Can UltraBasic passengers buy a carry-on?
Generally no — only on trips to Europe or Asia, or when Extended Comfort is purchased for the whole direction.
Will a 40 cm-wide suitcase work on WestJet?
Strictly, no. WestJet’s carry-on width is 36 cm, so pick a slimmer case if WestJet is on your trip.
Does WestJet weigh carry-on bags?
No weight limit is published; you just need to lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
Small extras that help
100 ml bottles, a clear 1 litre bag and a padlock make WestJet’s allowance easier to live with.
WestJet against the other big Canadian airlines
| Carrier | Personal item (free) | Carry-on | Weight | Gate checks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | 43 × 33 × 16 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm costs extra | No weight cap | Very strict |
| WestJet this guide | 41 × 33 × 15 cm | 56 × 36 × 23 cm costs extra | No weight cap | Firm |
| Porter Airlines | 43 × 33 × 16 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm costs extra | 9 kg carry-on | Firm |
| Flair Airlines | 43 × 33 × 15 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm costs extra | 10 kg carry-on · 7 kg personal item | Very strict |
| Air Transat | 43 × 31 × 13 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm costs extra | No weight cap | Firm |