WestJet Carry-On Size and Weight Limits Explained
The official WestJet carry-on baggage size is 22″ × 14″ × 9″ (56 × 36 × 23 cm), which includes the dimensions of wheels and handles. Any suitcase larger than these dimensions may need to be checked at the gate for transportation.
WestJet also allows one personal item—such as a laptop bag, backpack, or purse—that must fit under the seat in front of you. While WestJet does not currently enforce a strict weight limit for carry-on bags, you must be able to lift your luggage safely into the overhead bin without assistance.
Quick rules to remember:
- Carry-on limit: 22″ × 14″ × 9″, including wheels/handles
- Personal item limit: should fit under the seat (approx. 16″ × 13″ × 6″ recommended)
- Weight: no official maximum, but must be light enough to stow overhead unaided
- Allowance per passenger: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item
By choosing luggage that meets the WestJet carry-on baggage size, you’ll avoid unexpected gate-checks, save time at boarding, and ensure a smoother travel experience.
Personal Item Rules and What Counts Under the Seat
Alongside your main carry-on, WestJet permits one personal item that must fit completely beneath the seat in front of you. This policy ensures that overhead bins are reserved for standard-sized carry-ons while every passenger still has room for essential items at their feet.
Acceptable personal items include small backpacks, laptop bags, handbags, and compact camera cases. The key factor is whether the bag can slide fully under the seat without sticking out into the aisle or pressing against your legs.
Although WestJet does not publish a rigid measurement for personal items, the practical guideline is around 16″ × 13″ × 6″ (41 × 33 × 15 cm). Keeping your personal items close to these dimensions helps ensure they will be accepted and provides enough space for essentials like passports, wallets, electronics, and travel documents.
If your personal item is too large, the airline may reclassify it as a carry-on. In that case, it would need to comply with the WestJet carry-on baggage size of 22 × 14 × 9 inches. This is why travellers should carefully distinguish between their under-seat bag and their overhead bin bag.
The best personal items often include a trolley sleeve, allowing them to slide securely over your carry-on handle. This makes airport navigation easier and reduces the strain of carrying multiple bags separately. For comfort and compliance, it’s also wise to avoid bulky shopping totes or oversized coats disguised as “personal items.”
When you pair a correctly sized personal item with a compliant WestJet carry-on baggage size bag, you take full advantage of your allowance. This approach streamlines boarding, keeps essentials close by during the flight, and minimizes the chance of being stopped at the gate.
How We Verify Bags Meet WestJet Carry-On Baggage Size
At Unluggage, we don’t just rely on manufacturer specs. Every suitcase listed in this collection is hand-measured against the official WestJet carry-on baggage size of 22 inches × 14 inches × 9 inches. This ensures that what you buy online will actually fit in WestJet’s overhead bins.
We measure from the ground to the tallest point, across the widest edge, and from front to back at the thickest spot. That includes wheels, handles, and corner bumpers. If a case exceeds even by half an inch, we don’t include it in this collection.
By carefully checking every model, we remove the guesswork and help you avoid costly gate-checks or stressful last-minute luggage swaps. You can shop with confidence knowing your carry-on has been verified to meet WestJet’s updated requirements.
Best WestJet Approved Carry-On Luggage
Our team selects each piece based on weight, wheel design, handle placement, and overall packing efficiency. The goal is to provide you with choices that travel smoothly, last for years, and ensure compliance every time you board a WestJet flight.
Lightweight WestJet Carry-On Options
A lighter suitcase makes a world of difference, especially since WestJet requires you to lift your own bag into the overhead compartment. Models under seven pounds are ideal, leaving more weight allowance for your clothes, shoes, and essentials.
Lightweight bags in this collection still meet the WestJet carry-on baggage size standard. They are crafted from durable materials, such as polycarbonate or high-denier nylon, so you don’t have to sacrifice strength for convenience.
Spinner vs. Two-Wheel WestJet Luggage
Choosing between a spinner and a two-wheel luggage depends on your travel style. Spinners glide easily in tight spaces, making airport navigation a stress-free experience. However, their taller wheels sometimes push the height close to the 22-inch limit.
Two-wheel uprights, on the other hand, often use recessed wheels that protect against curbs and keep the height within the WestJet carry-on baggage size. They may not maneuver as effortlessly in crowded terminals, but they’re a reliable choice when compliance is your top priority.
Hardside vs. Softside Carry-On Cases
Hardside luggage is sleek, protective, and water-resistant, making it a favourite for business and frequent travellers. The challenge is depth—some hardsides with expanders stretch beyond nine inches.
Softside luggage offers more flexibility. Fabric shells compress slightly, which can help when bins are tight. As long as the case zips closed within the 22″ × 14″ × 9″ rule, softside carry-ons are an excellent choice for travellers who want versatility without breaking WestJet’s guidelines.
Packing Tips to Stay Within WestJet’s 22″ × 14″ × 9″ Limit
Even if your suitcase meets the WestJet carry-on baggage size, how you pack it can determine whether it actually fits in the bin. Overstuffing front pockets or expanding the depth beyond nine inches can make a compliant case non-compliant.
Start by using packing cubes to compress clothing and keep items flat. Place heavier objects, such as shoes, near the wheels to maintain balance and stability. Keep bulky jackets out of the suitcase and wear them on the plane to save space.
If your bag has an expander, pack it with the zipper closed. Expansion features can be helpful once you land, but on a WestJet flight, the bag must stay within 22″ × 14″ × 9″ to be considered carry-on approved.
FAQs About WestJet Carry-On Baggage Size
Do wheels and handles count in the size?
Yes. WestJet measures the full external dimensions of your bag, including wheels and handles.
Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags?
WestJet does not publish an official weight limit, but you must be able to lift your carry-on into the overhead bin without assistance.
Can I bring both a carry-on and a personal item?
Yes. Every passenger may bring one carry-on bag that meets WestJet's carry-on baggage size requirements and one personal item that fits under the seat.
What happens if my bag is too big?
If your carry-on exceeds 22 inches × 14 inches × 9 inches, the airline may require you to check it at the gate. This can delay boarding and sometimes result in additional fees.
Which is better for WestJet—hardside or softside luggage?
Both can work, but hardsides must be chosen carefully to avoid exceeding nine inches in depth. Softsides offer more flexibility since they compress slightly under pressure.