Measure from the bag’s outermost points, including wheels, handles and other protrusions. WestJet requires cabin bags to fit its sizing device, and a carry-on must be light enough for the traveller to place it in the overhead bin without assistance. A bag that exceeds the allowance may need to be checked.

These limits apply to WestJet- and WestJet Encore-operated flights. UltraBasic has separate cabin-baggage rules, while a partner airline’s allowance may apply on partner-operated itineraries. 

WestJet UltraBasic Carry-On Rules in 2026 

UltraBasic is WestJet’s lowest-price option, and its cabin-baggage allowance is more restrictive than the standard WestJet allowance. See WestJet’s fare comparison before packing, as the included baggage entitlement varies by fare and route. On most UltraBasic itineraries, travellers are limited to one personal item that fits beneath the seat in front of them. A standard carry-on bag is not included and cannot be added as a separate carry-on purchase.

WestJet lists two key exceptions. UltraBasic guests travelling to or from Europe or Asia may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. The same allowance applies when Extended Comfort has been purchased for every flight in one direction, including any connecting flights.

For North American and Central American trips without one of those exceptions, plan around the personal-item allowance only. A laptop tote or handbag must serve as the one permitted personal item, so a travel pillow is safest packed inside it rather than carried separately.

A traveller arriving at the gate with a carry-on that does not meet an eligible exception may be required to check it. WestJet’s baggage terms and fare conditions can change, so review the fare details attached to the booking before leaving for the airport. 

Does a Travel Pillow Count as Carry-On on WestJet? 

Do not assume a travel pillow can be carried separately at no cost on a WestJet flight. WestJet’s published cabin-baggage rules set out an allowance for a carry-on bag and a personal item, but they do not identify a travel pillow as an additional permitted item.

The lowest-risk approach is to deflate the pillow and pack it inside the cabin baggage included with your fare. For travellers with a standard allowance, that may be the carry-on bag or under-seat personal item. Keeping it packed also avoids having a loose item to manage during boarding, particularly when overhead-bin space is limited.

UltraBasic travellers should be especially careful. Unless an eligible exception applies, their allowance is normally limited to one personal item, so the pillow should fit inside that item rather than be carried separately.

Your fare allowance applies at the time of travel, and WestJet asks guests to follow flight-attendant instructions for onboard storage. Check your booking details before departure rather than assuming a pillow will receive separate treatment. 

How to Pack a Pillowpacker Travel Pillow for a WestJet Flight  

A Pillowpacker travel pillow is rectangular rather than U-shaped, measuring 19 × 14 inches when inflated. It combines an adjustable inflatable air core with a soft outer pillow layer. The available fills vary by model: animal-free microfibre, duck down or goose down. Air can be added or released through the insert’s valve to create a firmer or softer feel, then released again before packing.

For a WestJet trip, keep the pillow inside the cabin baggage included with your fare rather than carrying it loose: 

WestJet Encore and Full Flights: Be Ready to Gate-Check 

On WestJet Encore flights, overhead-bin space can be tighter because the airline’s turboprop aircraft have less room for cabin bags. WestJet notes that travellers may be asked to check a carry-on before boarding, even when it fits the sizing device. The same issue can arise when available bin space fills early.

Keep the under-seat personal item reserved for the things you cannot afford to lose access to: identification, travel documents, medication, phone, laptop or other electronics, keys and valuables. Keep the Pillowpacker deflated and packed inside an allowed bag until you are seated and know how much space is available. That way, a carry-on being checked does not leave you with a loose pillow or essentials buried in the wrong bag. 

WestJet Carry-On Packing Checklist for Comfort Travellers 

Before leaving for a WestJet flight, run through these six checks: 

A small packing check before departure is simpler than rearranging items at the gate. 

Before You Board Your WestJet Flight 

Airline packing is simpler when the fare rules guide the bag plan from the start. Confirm your cabin-baggage entitlement, keep a deflated Pillowpacker inside the permitted personal item or carry-on, and place documents, medication and electronics where they remain accessible if a larger bag is gate-checked. Check WestJet’s current policy and your booking again before departure, particularly with UltraBasic. For a compact option designed to pack down between flights, explore Pillowpacker’s inflatable travel pillows. 

Before departure: Recheck your booking details and WestJet’s official baggage page for the latest cabin-baggage requirements, particularly if you are travelling on an UltraBasic fare or a connecting itinerary. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I bring a travel pillow on WestJet? 

You can pack a travel pillow inside the personal item or carry-on bag included with your fare. WestJet does not specifically list travel pillows as an additional permitted cabin item, so it is not wise to assume a pillow carried separately will be accepted at no extra cost. Keeping it packed avoids uncertainty at boarding. 

Does a travel pillow count as a personal item on WestJet? 

WestJet does not publish a separate classification for travel pillows. WestJet does not state that a travel pillow is exempt from, or separately permitted in addition to, the normal cabin-baggage allowance. The safer approach is to place it inside your permitted personal item or carry-on bag rather than relying on it to be treated separately.