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Starting November 5, 2025, the WestJet RBC Mastercard portfolio will undergo significant changes, as covered in detail here. One of the critical updates relates to the free checked bag benefit, which has long been a key feature for the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard.
Under the new rules, effective November 5, 2025, the free checked bag benefit will only apply when:
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The flight is paid for using an eligible WestJet RBC Mastercard, and
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The WestJet Rewards ID associated with that card is included in the booking.
This shift raised several questions for existing bookings, points redemptions, and third-party travel purchases. I reached out to RBC for clarification on each of those points, and below are their responses.
Q1: What About Existing Reservations?
Question:
For travellers who have already booked flights for upcoming months but did not use their RBC WestJet Mastercard at the time of booking, will they still get the free checked bag, or will they lose this benefit after November 5?
Answer:
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If a flight is booked on or after November 5, you must use your RBC WestJet Mastercard to qualify for the free bag.
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If a flight was booked before November 5, even for travel after that date, you do not need to have used the card to retain the free bag benefit.
In other words, existing reservations are grandfathered. Cardholders will still enjoy their free bag benefit even if they didn’t use their RBC WestJet Mastercard for payment, provided the booking was made before the November 5 transition date.
Q2: Impact on Points Redemptions
Question:
If a traveller books a WestJet flight entirely with WestJet points (including taxes), will the free bag benefit still apply?
Answer:
Yes. Even if no cash transaction occurs, cardholders will continue to enjoy the free checked bag benefit when redeeming WestJet points for a flight.
This is an important confirmation for points travellers that they won’t lose the baggage perk just because points fully cover their trip.
Q3: Third-Party Bookings
Question:
If a WestJet flight is booked through a third-party portal (e.g., Amex Travel, Expedia, or another OTA) and paid for using the RBC WestJet Mastercard, will the free checked bag benefit still apply?
Answer:
Not necessarily. For the free bag benefit to apply, “WestJet” or “WestJet Vacations” must appear as the merchant of record on the payment.
This means:
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Direct bookings with WestJet or WestJet Vacations are eligible.
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Bookings through third-party travel agencies, Visa Checkout, or other portals may not trigger the benefit — even if you used your RBC WestJet Mastercard.
The safest approach: book directly with WestJet if the free bag benefit is important to you.
Key Takeaways for Cardholders
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Book before November 5, 2025: Any reservations made before this date are safe, regardless of which payment method was used.
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After November 5, 2025: Always use your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard and attach your WestJet Rewards ID to your booking.
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Points bookings remain covered: Flights booked entirely with WestJet points will still include the free bag benefit.
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Avoid third-party risk: To guarantee eligibility, book directly with WestJet or WestJet Vacations.
I hope this clarification helps alleviate concerns for travellers who were worried about losing a core benefit tied to their RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard. While the changes create new conditions for future bookings, the reassurance that existing reservations and points bookings are protected should be a meaningful relief for many.
