Baggage fee increase by Air Canada and WestJet: How to get free bags

Air Canada and WestJet, Canada’s 2 largest airlines, increased their fees for checked baggage in early March. Paying for luggage instead of saving your money to travel more (or to spoil yourself more or to invest elsewhere) is a real shame in our opinion.

Flight pros never have checked baggage, which is obviously the simplest way to avoid these fees. Not only is it more affordable, it’s so much more enjoyable.

But there’s another very simple way to get free baggage on these airlines if you insist on bringing too much stuff.

Here’s how.

2 ways to avoid Air Canada and WestJet baggage fees

It’s much better that airlines increase bag fees (that are easy to avoid) rather than increase the ticket prices (which you don’t have the option of avoiding). That’s a logical reasoning that’s very basic: it’s always better to at least have the choice than to not have the choice at all, obviously.

U.S. airlines increased their fees, so Air Canada and WestJet followed. You can avoid this.

There are 2 simple and easy ways:

• Don’t bring checked baggage (so much better — and it’s pretty easy)
• Get one of the cards that give you free checked bags on Air Canada and WestJet

Don’t bring a checked bag

To do like pro fliers, who always travel with carry-on baggage only, don’t miss our detailed guide very soon. 

In the meantime, in short… just bring less stuff. 

It’s not much more complicated than that! But it can be difficult the first time, especially for people who are so used to bringing too much stuff. We want to help because it’s so wonderful to travel lighter. 

As we mentioned, it’s not even just a matter of saving to travel more — although that alone should be a great reason if you love to travel.

Even when I get the free bag with the simple tip below (or even by flying business class), I still don’t take any with me.

You’re allowed 2 carry-ons, which is enough for 99% of your trips. I’ve taken 490 flights and visited 71 countries, including winter destinations and month-long trips. I’ve never needed checked baggage. And I often travel solo, with a buddy or more it’s even easier. Kevin, the other co-founder of Flytrippers, leaves 11 and a half months a year and never has a checked bag. 

In short, it’s okay not to want to, but to say it’s not feasible is objectively completely wrong. We’ll have plenty of tips to show you how. How to concretely bring less stuff.

You can read a teaser in our article on the only 6 travel items that are truly essential. 

Traveling with carry-on luggage only allows you to:

• Save money
  • Roundtrip baggage fees are at least $80
  • That’s enough for 2 full days of travel in many countries
  • Works with all airlines in the world, instead of just 2 below
• Save time at check-in
  • You go straight to the security checkpoint
• Save time on arrival
  • You get to enjoy your destination straight away
• Save time at check-in during your return
  • You enjoy your destination more
• Save time on arrival at home
  • You get home faster after your trip
• Simplify connections
  • Connections are the best way to save money
• Simplify the flight disruptions (which are unavoidable)
  • You always have priority with no luggage
• Simplify transport at your destination
  • No big suitcase to lug around
• Ensure you don’t lose your bag
  • Airlines are very good at losing them
• And many more
  • Sign up for free to get our guide

Have a card that gives you free checked bags

If you insist on bringing a checked bag, the other easy way is to simply get the right credit card.

Of course, you’ll get a huge welcome bonus and improve your credit score by applying for more cards (yes, contrary to the common myth… as long as you follow the 3 simple rules).

But on top of that, you’ll get great benefits… like the free first checked bag for yourself and for up to 8 other people on the same booking.

Free checked bags on Air Canada

Here are the 7 cards that give you the free bag benefit on Air Canada.

Best credit cards for a free checked bag on Air Canada
NEW American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
Card: $0 minimum income requiredNo minimum income required.
Bonus: spend $3k in 3 mos.
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $555Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on min. spend: 3,000 pts (≈ $45) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$120) Renewal bonus: 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$120)
Rewards: ≈ $675
Card fee: $120
Best for: Available for all travelers but fewer benefits
NEW TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Card: $60k minimum income requiredMinimum personal income of $60,000 or minimum household income of $100,000
Bonus: spend $10k in 12 mos. (or $6k for lower bonus)
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE ends June 3rd
≈ $622Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Welcome bonus (after $6k min. spend): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Earn on $6k min. spend: 6,000 pts (≈ $90) Anniversary bonus (after another $4k in spend): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Earn on another $4k in spend: 4,000 pts (≈ $60) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$139) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$139)
Rewards: ≈ $761
Annual fee: $139
Best for: $5k spend option also offered & best Visa card
Show more
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Card: $60k minimum income requiredMinimum personal income of $60,000 or minimum household income of $100,000
Bonus: spend $6k in 4 mos.
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $540Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Welcome bonus (after min. spend): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Earn on min. spend: 6,000 pts (≈ $90) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) Also offered but not included in Valuation: renewal bonus of 20,000 pts with $15k spend (≈ $300)
Rewards: ≈ $540
Card fee: showFee: $139 (first year annual fee rebated)† Annual Interest Rate (purchases): 20.99%† Annual Interest Rate (balance transfer): 22.99%†, 21.99%† (for Québec residents) Annual Interest Rate (cash advance): 22.99%†, 21.99%† (for Québec residents)
Best for: Fewer points than TD version right above
NEW American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
Card: $0 minimum income requiredNo minimum income required.
Bonus: spend $7.5k in 3 mos.
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $442Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $900) Earn on min. spend: 9,375 pts (≈ $141) Card fee: deducted (-$599) Also offered but not included in Valuation: renewal bonus of 25,000 pts (≈ $375) with extra $2500 spend
Rewards: ≈ $1041
Card fee: $599
Best for: AC lounge access & benefits available to all
NEW American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
Card: no business required
Bonus: spend $10.5k in 3 mos.
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $573Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 65,000 pts (≈ $975) Earn on min. spend: 13,125 pts (≈ $197) Card fee: deducted (-$599) Also offered but not included in Valuation: renewal bonus of 25,000 pts (≈ $375) with extra $3500 spend
Rewards: ≈ $1172
Card fee: $599
Best for: Similar to previos with no incorp. business req.
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Card
Card: $150k minimum income requiredMinimum personal income of $150,000 or minimum household income of $200,000
Bonus: spend $15k in 12 mos. (or $10k for lower bonus)
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE ends June 3rd
≈ $359Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Welcome bonus (after $10k min. spend): 40,000 pts (≈ $600) Earn on 10k min. spend: 12,500 pts (≈ $188) Anniversary bonus (after another $5k in spend): 25,000 pts (≈ $375) Earn on another 5k in spend: 6,250 pts (≈ $94) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$599) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$599)
Rewards: ≈ $958
Annual fee: $599
Best for: AC lounge access & benefits + 6 DP lounge passes
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Card: $150k minimum income requiredMinimum personal income of $150,000 or minimum household income of $200,000
Bonus: spend $25k in 12 mos. (or $15k for lower bonus)
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $471Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Welcome bonus (after min. spend): 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Renewal bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on min. spend: 31,250 pts (≈ $469) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$599) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$599)
Rewards: ≈ $1070
Card fee: showFee: $599† Annual Interest Rate (purchases): 20.99%† Annual Interest Rate (balance transfer): 22.99%†, 21.99%† (for Québec residents) Annual Interest Rate (cash advance): 22.99%†, 21.99%† (for Québec residents)
Best for: Min. spend higher than TD version right above
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards for a free checked bag on Air Canada		WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	Best for
NEW	American Express® Aeroplan®* Card Card: $0 minimum income requiredNo minimum income required. Bonus: spend $3k in 3 mos.	≈ $555Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on min. spend: 3,000 pts (≈ $45) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$120) Renewal bonus: 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$120) Rewards: ≈ $675 Card fee: $120	Available for all travelers but fewer benefits	SEE MORE
NEW	TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card Card: $60k minimum income requiredMinimum personal income of $60,000 or minimum household income of $100,000 Bonus: spend $10k in 12 mos. (or $6k for lower bonus)	≈ $622Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Welcome bonus (after $6k min. spend): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Earn on $6k min. spend: 6,000 pts (≈ $90) Anniversary bonus (after another $4k in spend): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Earn on another $4k in spend: 4,000 pts (≈ $60) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$139) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$139) Rewards: ≈ $761 Annual fee: $139	$5k spend option also offered & best Visa card	SEE MORE ends June 3rd
	CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card Card: $60k minimum income requiredMinimum personal income of $60,000 or minimum household income of $100,000 Bonus: spend $6k in 4 mos.	≈ $540Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Welcome bonus (after min. spend): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Earn on min. spend: 6,000 pts (≈ $90) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) Also offered but not included in Valuation: renewal bonus of 20,000 pts with $15k spend (≈ $300) Rewards: ≈ $540 Card fee: showFee: $139 (first year annual fee rebated)† Annual Interest Rate (purchases): 20.99%† Annual Interest Rate (balance transfer): 22.99%†, 21.99%† (for Québec residents) Annual Interest Rate (cash advance): 22.99%†, 21.99%† (for Québec residents)	Fewer points than TD version right above	SEE MORE
NEW	American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card Card: $0 minimum income requiredNo minimum income required. Bonus: spend $7.5k in 3 mos.	≈ $442Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $900) Earn on min. spend: 9,375 pts (≈ $141) Card fee: deducted (-$599) Also offered but not included in Valuation: renewal bonus of 25,000 pts (≈ $375) with extra $2500 spend Rewards: ≈ $1041 Card fee: $599	AC lounge access & benefits available to all	SEE MORE
NEW	American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card Card: no business required Bonus: spend $10.5k in 3 mos.	≈ $573Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 65,000 pts (≈ $975) Earn on min. spend: 13,125 pts (≈ $197) Card fee: deducted (-$599) Also offered but not included in Valuation: renewal bonus of 25,000 pts (≈ $375) with extra $3500 spend Rewards: ≈ $1172 Card fee: $599	Similar to previos with no incorp. business req.	SEE MORE
	TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Card Card: $150k minimum income requiredMinimum personal income of $150,000 or minimum household income of $200,000 Bonus: spend $15k in 12 mos. (or $10k for lower bonus)	≈ $359Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Welcome bonus (after $10k min. spend): 40,000 pts (≈ $600) Earn on 10k min. spend: 12,500 pts (≈ $188) Anniversary bonus (after another $5k in spend): 25,000 pts (≈ $375) Earn on another 5k in spend: 6,250 pts (≈ $94) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$599) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$599) Rewards: ≈ $958 Annual fee: $599	AC lounge access & benefits + 6 DP lounge passes	SEE MORE ends June 3rd
	CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card Card: $150k minimum income requiredMinimum personal income of $150,000 or minimum household income of $200,000 Bonus: spend $25k in 12 mos. (or $15k for lower bonus)	≈ $471Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Welcome bonus (after min. spend): 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Renewal bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on min. spend: 31,250 pts (≈ $469) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$599) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$599) Rewards: ≈ $1070 Card fee: showFee: $599† Annual Interest Rate (purchases): 20.99%† Annual Interest Rate (balance transfer): 22.99%†, 21.99%† (for Québec residents) Annual Interest Rate (cash advance): 22.99%†, 21.99%† (for Québec residents)	Min. spend higher than TD version right above	SEE MORE
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Aeroplan is the only rewards program with very strict rules regarding multiple welcome bonuses, so you must not have had a card of the same level if you want to get a bonus again. However, you can get a card from the other level without any problem though, so a main level card (fee in the $100s) if you’ve had a premium level card (fee of $599) and vice versa.

The best right now for most people is the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, or the Amex Aeroplan Card if your income is lower. If you want unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf airport lounges, the Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card is great.

As a holder of one of these 7 cards, you’ll get your first checked bag free. You don’t have to pay for the flight with the card, so you’ll get free baggage even on flights you’ve already booked in the past. 

The only restriction is that it’s an Air Canada-only benefit. So your check-in must be with Air Canada, not with a partner airline.

And to be clear, it’s the first free checked bag for you and 8 other travelers on the same booking. If you’re alone, you don’t get 8 free bags. If you already have one free bag, you don’t get a second. If your buddies book their flights separately, they don’t get anything.

It’s a no-brainer to get the cards the first year, like all cards with good welcome bonuses. But the free bag benefit makes it a no-brainer to keep at least a main-level Aeroplan card every year if you were going to pay for checked bags.

Free checked bags on WestJet

Here’s the card that gives you the free bag benefit on WestJet.

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
min. income: $80k (or $150k household)	Flytrippers Valuation of Welcome bonus (net value)	APPLY NOW ❯
	$ 406Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 250 WestJet dollars ($250) Welcome bonus (after min. spend): 200 WestJet dollars ($200) Earn on min. spend: 75 WestJet dollars ($75) Card fee: deducted (-$119) Rewards: $525* Card fee: $119	ends July 31st LEARN MORE
	spend $5,000 in 3 months	Interest rates: Purchases: 20.99%	Cash advances: 22.99% Cash advances (QC): 21.99%
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. RBC is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "Apply Now" to see most up-to-date information.

RBC has the least strict eligibility rules for welcome bonuses. So as with all RBC cards, you can get the welcome bonus as long as you don’t currently have the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.

The card’s new offer gives you a big chunk of simple airline rewards to go with quite a few interesting benefits. It’s worth noting that the Sunwing airline will be integrated into WestJet sometime in 2024, so this will eventually give you free bags on Sunwing too.

The WestJet free bag benefit works the same way as the Air Canada one.

Summary 

Air Canada’s and WestJet’s recent baggage fee increases are easy to avoid with the right credit card, which will also give you a nice welcome bonus. But to avoid all baggage fees on all airlines, it’s even more simple: learn to travel lighter.

Learning how to travel for less

Join over 100,000 savvy Canadian travelers who already receive Flytrippers’ free newsletter so we can help you travel for less — including thanks to the wonderful world of travel rewards!

What would you like to know about the baggage fee increase from Air Canada and WestJet? Tell us in the comments below.

See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights

Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards

Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration

Learn pro tricks: Travel tips

Featured image: Baggage preparation (photo credit: Unsplash+)

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