Newsletter

WESTJET BAGGAGE FEES HAVE INCREASED

The increase affects tickets bought on or after Sept. 16, 2025. 

Baggage fees are based on where passengers are travelling, the cost of their fare, which fare tier they have purchased and how many bags they are checking (second and allowable subsequent bags are more expensive than the first).

Overall, most fee categories have increased $5. Note that fees are generally charged in the currency the ticket was bought in, but sometimes are charged in the currency of the destination. Passengers should double check to avoid surprises.

Prepay for bags and save. For the lowest price on up to 2 checked bags, guests are encouraged to prepay for their first and second checked bags online through Manage Trips at any time up to 24 hours before your flight as bag fees are higher when checked at the airport.

Click here for the details on the new fee structure 

EUROPEAN UNION LAUNCHES NEW DIGITAL BORDER SYSTEM - EES

The European Union has launched a new digital border system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), went into effect on October 12, 2025.

Here’s what you need to know:

Travellers coming into contact with the system for the first time will undergo biometric registration. At passport control, instead of having your passport stamped, they will:

• Have your passport scanned
• Photograph taken
• Fingerprint taken (visa-exempt travellers only, children under 12 are exempt)
• Have your information verified
• Have a digital record created

The system will then automatically calculate how many days travellers spend in the Schengen area. The Schengen area allows people to travel freely between member countries without going through border controls.

What countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area includes 29 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries have no internal border controls, allowing for free travel within the area.  

What is EES?

The EES is a digital system that will replace manual passport stamps at the external borders of 29 European countries, and applies to all non-EU nationals visiting for less than 90 days.

The long-delayed scheme marks a significant change, affecting all countries in the Schengen Zone. (Ireland and Cyprus are excluded).

The EES will eventually fully replace the current system of passport checks and stamps, countries have until April 10 2026 to fully implement the system. In the meantime, travellers can expect a mixture of manual checks while some borders will use EES.

Estonia is reportedly going to be the first country to be fully ready for the EES at air, sea and road from day one on October 12. Until April 2026, the message for travellers entering and exiting the Schengen Area is to prepare for more checks, and potentially more wait time in line-up at border control.

For further information on the EES, please click here

HOW TO FLY SAFELY WITH LITHIUM BATTERIES

A recent IATA (International Air Transport Association) passenger survey found that most travellers fly with lithium-powered devices:

•    83% of travellers carry a phone
•    60% carry a laptop
•    44% carry a power bank

While 93% of travellers consider themselves knowledgeable on the rules for carrying lithium-powered devices (including 57% rating themselves as very familiar with the rules), critical misconceptions persist:
​​​​​

• 50% incorrectly believe it’s okay to pack small lithium-powered devices in checked luggage
• 45% incorrectly believe it’s okay to pack power banks in checked luggage
• 33% incorrectly believe that there are no power limits on power banks or spare batteries

Seven simple safety rules

• Only bring the devices and batteries you really need.
• Stay alert: If a device is hot, smoking, or damaged, tell the crew (or airport staff) immediately.
• Keep devices with you: Always carry phones, laptops, cameras, vapes (if allowed) and other battery-powered items in your hand baggage, not in checked baggage.
• Protect loose batteries: Keep spare batteries and power banks in their original packaging, or cover the terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits.
• Gate check reminder: If your hand baggage is taken at the gate to go in the aircraft baggage hold, remove all lithium batteries and devices first.
• Check battery size: For larger batteries (over 100 watt-hours, such as those used in larger cameras, drones, or power tools), check with your airline as approval may be required.
• Check airline rules: Always confirm your airline’s policies, as requirements may differ in compliance with local regulations.

Travel Safe!