CALGARY — WestJet will charge a $25 fee for a first checked bag on Econo fares for travel within Canada and between Canada and the U.S.

The new fee will apply to bookings made from Sept. 15 onward, for travel on or after Oct. 29, 2014. Guests flying to any of WestJet’s international destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe may continue to check a first bag at no charge.

This change, which will apply to Econo fares only, is expected to affect approximately one in five WestJet guests. Guests who select a Flex fare will receive one free checked bag while guests choosing a Plus fare will enjoy two complimentary checked bags in addition to waived fees, seat selection, more legroom and many other amenities. For more information on WestJet baggage fees, visit westjet.com/baggage.

The baggage allowances for military personnel (with identification), infant and child equipment, mobility devices and codeshare and interline guests are not impacted.

WestJet also launched its new WestJet Rewards tiers program featuring three levels – Teal, Silver and Gold. Guests who qualify for the Silver tier will be able to check a first bag at no cost. Guests who qualify for the Gold tier will get two free checked bags. For more information on all the significant benefits offered with the new WestJet Rewards tiers, visit westjet.com/tiers.

In addition, the carrier has added a free first bag as an enhanced benefit to the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard credit card program.

Along with the launch of WestJet Rewards tiers, the airline also introduced a price-drop guarantee on WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages. Guests who see that the price of their flight or their vacation package has dropped since their original purchase can receive the difference in WestJet dollars. For terms and conditions, visit westjet.com/pricedropguarantee.