Swoop Airlines ceased operations on October 29, 2023, when it merged with WestJet. Therefore, Swoop’s independent baggage policy no longer applies, and passengers booking flights previously operated by Swoop will follow WestJet’s baggage policy. Below is a summary of Swoop’s baggage policy as it existed before the merger, based on available information, followed by a note on WestJet’s current policy for reference.
Swoop Airlines Baggage Policy (Historical, Pre-Merger)
Swoop was an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), and its baggage policy reflected a strict, fee-based structure to keep base fares low. The policy varied by flight distance, purchase timing, and baggage type.
Carry-On Baggage
Free Allowance:
- One personal item per passenger, free of charge.
- Size Limit: Maximum 41 x 15 x 33 cm (16 x 6 x 13 in), including handles and wheels. Must fit under the seat.
- Examples: Small backpack, purse, laptop bag, or briefcase.
- Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, strollers), jackets, umbrellas, diaper bags, and duty-free items did not count toward this limit.
Carry-On Bag:
- One additional carry-on bag was allowed for a fee.
- Size Limit: Maximum 52 x 23 x 38 cm (21 x 9 x 15 in), including handles and wheels. Must fit in overhead bins and the airport’s sizing device.
- Weight: No specific weight limit, but the bag had to be manageable for overhead bin storage.
- Military Benefit: Active Canadian military members received one free carry-on bag.
Checked Baggage
Allowance:
- No free checked baggage; all bags incurred a fee.
- Maximum 4 checked bags per passenger.
- Size Limit: Maximum 157 cm (62 in) total combined dimensions (length + width + height).
- Weight Limit: Maximum 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag.
Fees (in CAD, USD equivalent for U.S. departures):
- Fees varied by flight distance and purchase timing (online, check-in, or airport).
- Additional $2 fee applied during peak seasons (June 29–Sep 4, 2023; Dec 15, 2023–Jan 3, 2024).
- Exact fees depended on the number of bags and route, typically increasing for each additional bag.
- Example: First checked bag fees ranged from $40–$80 (online) to $60–$100 (airport), with higher costs for longer flights.
Overweight/Oversized Baggage:
- Overweight: Bags 24–45 kg (51–100 lbs) incurred a fee of $105–$115 per bag. Bags over 45 kg were not accepted.
- Oversized: Bags 157–203 cm (62–80 in) incurred a fee of $105–$115 per bag, in addition to standard checked bag fees.
- Fees applied at the airport during check-in.
Special Baggage
Sports Equipment:
- Counted as checked baggage with regular fees if within size (157 cm) and weight (23 kg) limits.
- Oversized equipment (e.g., bicycles) required flat packing and incurred a $105–$115 fee if exceeding 157 cm, up to 203 cm.
- Bicycles required partial deflation of tires, removed pedals, and handlebars aligned with the frame; max length 118 in (300 cm).
Infants:
- Allowed one carry-on bag up to 5 kg (11 lbs) and one personal item.
- Strollers and car seats could be checked for a fee if exceeding size/weight limits.
Smart Bags:
- Lithium-ion batteries had to be removed if checked; non-removable battery bags were not allowed.
Pets:
- Swoop did not allow pets in the cabin or cargo hold.
Lost or Damaged Baggage
Reporting:
- Damaged baggage: Report within 7 days of flight arrival at the airport with the bag for assessment.
- Delayed baggage: Report within 21 days of flight arrival to a Swoop representative.
Process: A delayed baggage report was created with contact and bag details to assist in the search.
Additional Notes
- Strict Enforcement: Swoop was notably strict about weight limits (e.g., 50 lbs max for checked bags), with no leniency. Passengers reported having to remove items or pay high fees (e.g., $106 for 5 lbs over).
- Cost Savings: Purchasing baggage online during booking was the cheapest option, with fees increasing at check-in or the airport.
- Sources: Information compiled from historical data on Swoop’s website, SeatGuru, Skyscanner, and other travel sites
