WestJet Raises Baggage Fees Amid Jet Fuel Surge

WestJet, the Calgary-based airline, announced increases to its baggage fees effective Thursday, citing soaring jet fuel prices driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The changes, which mark the carrier's third adjustment to baggage costs in two and a half years, will raise fees by $5 for the first and second prepaid checked bags, $10 for the first and second bags checked at the airport, and $50 for excess, overweight, or oversized luggage. Members of WestJet's Teal Rewards program will still receive a $5 discount on the first prepaid checked bag.

The fee hikes come amid global disruptions that have doubled jet fuel prices since late February, when military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran escalated into a broader regional war. In response, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that handles about one-fifth of the world's oil supply, or roughly 20 million barrels per day. The closure has led to threats of shortages and damage to refineries in the Persian Gulf from retaliatory attacks, pushing aviation fuel costs higher than crude oil prices. As of Thursday, jet fuel from the U.S. Gulf Coast was trading at approximately double its...