WestJet to charge some travellers for first checked bag

[Tinordi]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Sorry, apparently thats a slur now. Also I don't keep tabs on your posts to see if they are the dictionary definition of socialism.

Is that a round about way to admit that you have no idea what you're talking about then?

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

All good points which are beside the point I'm making.

The advantages of the cheaper fare will be offset by more passengers bringing carry on bags. Timely loading and deplaning is of value to me.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

Is that a round about way to admit that you have no idea what you're talking about then?

I'll spare the forum going back and forth with one of the more shrill posters who's obviously upset by a loose label.

[Resolute 14]

Not sure if it is representative of WestJet's pricing as whole, but when I went to San Francisco last month, I found that my fare each way was exactly $25 more than Air Canada's fares for the same day. The savings granted by WestJet's current policy were largely illusionary.

[Tapestar]

One of the problems we are facing now is our reliance on expensive technology when we travel. Who is going to check their bag with their laptop, headphones, cameras, etc. and risk it being stolen? For most, these items have to be accessible during the flight as well. It will always be in the carry-on. Add that to the clothing for a short trip, and you've got everyone carrying 2 bags onto the flight. And only a few want to give up the little bit of room to stretch your feet out, so both bags go up.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Tapestar

And only a few want to give up the little bit of room to stretch your feet out, so both bags go up.

And that's where the rule should be changed. If you carry on two items, only one gets to go up. If you don't want to give up your leg room, only carry one item onboard.

[Acey]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Not sure if it is representative of WestJet's pricing as whole, but when I went to San Francisco last month, I found that my fare each way was exactly $25 more than Air Canada's fares for the same day. The savings granted by WestJet's current policy were largely illusionary.

Nah, there's some variation. I could do some phantom bookings right now and find some transborder routes where AC or Rouge are ~$25 more than WestJet. Depends on the destination, day of the week, when you book, etc... could go either way.

[andy_521]

That's the problem with Westjet saying it will result in lower fares, prices are based on market conditions, supply, demand, load levels etc. Based on that it's untruthful for them to imply that it means lower fares.

I also take issue with them saying that 1 in 5 passengers will be impacted. Those who fly frequently or have their Credit Card will still get free bags, It's the people that can least afford this fee who will be impacted (those who can only afford occasional vacations or have to fly for an emergency), those who can afford the fee don't have to pay it. Seems backwards and like they are picking on a certain segment of the population, a family of 5 would have to pay an additional $250 return, may make or break their decision to take a trip.

[llwhiteoutll]

Originally Posted by andy_521

That's the problem with Westjet saying it will result in lower fares, prices are based on market conditions, supply, demand, load levels etc. Based on that it's untruthful for them to imply that it means lower fares.

I also take issue with them saying that 1 in 5 passengers will be impacted. Those who fly frequently or have their Credit Card will still get free bags, It's the people that can least afford this fee who will be impacted (those who can only afford occasional vacations or have to fly for an emergency), those who can afford the fee don't have to pay it. Seems backwards and like they are picking on a certain segment of the population, a family of 5 would have to pay an additional $250 return, may make or break their decision to take a trip.

The reason they are saying this is that the fee only impacts ECONO travelers, not those who book Flex or Plus seats. On all flights, there is a significantly less amount of Econo seat pricing allocated. Pricing between Flex and Econo isn't a huge gap.

[Calgary14]

Looks like the Westjet World Elite Mastercard holders get the first checked bag free (as well as their guests)

http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/baggage.shtml

[MoneyGuy]

I have no idea how profitable airlines are. If they're very profitable, which seems unlikely, then I hate with this. If, as I expect, they're not very profitable, then from a cost point of view I have no problem with this move. Anyone know if these businesses lose money or make minimal profits? If that's the case, how can you argue against the extra cost. I have no problem with businesses making money. The extra carry-on baggage is another matter.

[Acey]

That information is entirely public.



They're taking delivery of 5 new airplanes this year that list at just over $93.3 million each (though long time Boeing customer WestJet won't pay that much per frame)

So if the chart didn't answer your question, yeah they're doin' alright.

[Jimmy Stang]

And four days after Westjet, Air Canada has predictably added their own $25 fee today.

[Bigtime]

Here's the release from AC:

http://aircanada.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=807

Holy crap I think they are kind of sticking it to WS in the release, starting right off with the title:

Air Canada Aligns Domestic First Checked Bag Policy with Other Canadian Carriers

This change is expected to affect an estimated one in five Air Canada passengers on domestic flights within Canada

[Acey]

Just like I guaranteed. So what are you all going to do now. Stay home?

[Regular_John]

Free market capitalism guys!

[Ducay]

Oddly enough, I don't see the econo fares dropping by $25 this week....must be a glitch in the system

[Tron_fdc]

I wonder when people will start to realize that Westjet is no longer "the little airline that could", and is nothing more than a budget carrier charging market prices, shuttling cattle like everyone else.

But hey, they tell jokes on the PA system. That's gotta be worth something.

[Fire]

I though AC already had the $25 fee or was that just to the U.S?

[verda13]

Originally Posted by Fire

I though AC already had the $25 fee or was that just to the U.S?

Yes, it was for transborder routes.