Canada’s largest airline has now joined the ranks of other carriers in implementing fees for services that were formerly free. Air Canada announced it will begin barring carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers next month.
The airline released a statement on Wednesday saying that basic fare passengers flying within North America and to sun destinations will be required to check duffel bags, large backpacks and rolling suitcases for a base fee of $35 as of Jan. 3.
Should one have a second bag, the fee jumps up to $50.
The airline will permit a small personal item such as medical devices, a laptop bag or a purse free of charge.
“Mobility aids, medical devices, and child strollers are exempt from carry-on charges for all customers. As well, Status members, Star Alliance Gold, and Aeroplan premium credit cardholders will continue to be entitled to one carry-on bag, and their other benefits will also continue to apply,” reads the Air Canada statement.
Lower-tier customers will also be forced to pay if they want to change their assigned seat at check-in.
Air Canada initially tried to implement this rule earlier this year but backpedalled only days after due to public backlash.
Rival airline WestJet rolled out its “UltraBasic” fare in June, which allowed ticket holders no more than a personal item on board to be stored under the seat, with additional charges for seat selection, even after check-in.
Whereas, discount carrier Flair Airlines had always charged for carry-on luggage, with fees ranging between $29 and $74, size dependent.
The competitor wasted no time in capitalizing on Air Canada’s changes, posting to X, “Now the choice should be clear. The products are the same, one just costs way less.”
However, certain Air Canada domestic routes can sometimes be marginally cheaper than Flair, Porter and WestJet.
Air Canada also noted that basic fare passengers who arrive at their boarding gate with bags deemed ineligible will be charged $65 per item to check them.
Transport Minister Anita Anand responded to Air Canada’s announcement with a post to social media saying she was “concerned” by the changes.
“I was just made aware of a decision by Air Canada to introduce new carry-on baggage fees. I am extremely concerned. Canadians work hard and save up to travel. They rightly expect excellent service, not extra fees,” Anand posted to X on Wednesday.
According to airline consulting firm IdeaWorksCompany, Canada’s flagship airline raked in over $2.8 billion in “ancillary” revenue in 2022, up by nearly 50% from only five years earlier.
The reaction from Canadians was not positive, with many taking to X to express their frustration with the ever-increasing cost of travel.
“Canadian taxpayers gave Air Canada a $6 billion bailout package. In return, poor people will pay to bring stuff on a plane & the CEO might learn French,” wrote one X user.
“Banning carry on bags should be illegal. Air Canada has lost/misplaced my people’s luggage & if it wasn’t for the carry-on the person would have absolutely nothing to get them through their trip. The government needs to step in,” wrote another.
“Canadians already pay too much to fly. Airfares are out of control. @AirCanada & @WestJet charging for carry on luggage is utterly ridiculous profiteering. Comparing this to much cheaper American airlines is just rubbish since Canadians are subject to far more fees. It’s a ripoff!” said another.