DL vs WS · 2026 comparison
Delta vs WestJet
Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; WestJet doesn't clearly win any category. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Delta
DLWins 1 category
- A carry-on on its cheapest fare
WestJet
WSNo clear category wins
Quick verdict
Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; WestJet doesn't clearly win any category. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Delta: 22 × 14 × 9 in · WestJet: 53 × 38 × 23 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Delta: Included on every fare · WestJet: Not on some basic fares
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Delta: $45 · WestJet: $32
Side by side
| Delta | WestJet | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 53 × 38 × 23 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Not on some basic fares |
| Carry-on weight limit | None published | None published |
| Personal item | Must fit under the seat | 41 × 33 × 15 cm |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | $45 | $32 |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | SkyTeam | None |
| Loyalty program | SkyMiles | WestJet Rewards |
| Main hubs | ATL, DTW, MSP, SLC, JFK | YYC, YYZ, YVR |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
Delta allows a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), and WestJet up to 53 × 38 × 23 cm (20.9 × 15 × 9.1 in).
Delta includes it on every fare, while WestJet's UltraBasic can be personal-item only.
Neither publishes a carry-on weight limit.
Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Delta, and 41 × 33 × 15 cm (16.1 × 13 × 5.9 in) on WestJet.
A first checked bag on Delta costs $45 on U.S. and short-haul international flights, and a first checked bag on WestJet costs $32 on flights within Canada and between Canada and the U.S..
Basic economy
Delta (Delta Main Basic): Main Basic (formerly Basic Economy) includes a carry-on and a personal item on U.S. flights. Checked bags cost extra.
WestJet (UltraBasic): UltraBasic fares include only a personal item on most routes.
Loyalty and where they fly
Delta is in SkyTeam and WestJet is not in an alliance.
Loyalty programs: SkyMiles (Delta) and WestJet Rewards (WestJet).
Delta's main hubs are Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK). WestJet's are Calgary (YYC), Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Delta if you want…
- a carry-on on its cheapest fare
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from ATL, DTW, MSP
Choose WestJet if you want…
- nonstops from YYC, YYZ, YVR
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
Delta vs WestJet FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; WestJet doesn't clearly win any category. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Delta Air Lines official baggage policy
- CNBC: Delta and Southwest raise checked bag fees $10 (Apr 7, 2026)
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- U.S. DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics: 2025 on-time performance by operating carrier (via AviationDB)
- Your Mileage May Vary: where every major U.S. airline stands on Wi-Fi (Oct 13, 2026)
- Simple Flying: how U.S. airline economy seat pitch compares in 2026
- WestJet official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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