Air Canada’s decision to charge new fees on budget fares has angered travellers and industry experts, who argue the airline unfairly burdens passengers with additional costs.
Travellers, industry insiders, and the federal government have criticized Air Canada for imposing new surcharges on low-cost flights, claiming the airline is unjustly burdening consumers with extra expenses.
Beginning January 3, 2025, the first carry-on bag for passengers using Air Canada’s basic-economy fare within North America will cost $35, and each additional bag will cost $50. Purses, laptop bags, and any small belongings that fit beneath the seat are free.
Additionally, by the end of February, checked baggage taxes on domestic and some international flights will rise to $35 to $42 for the first bag and $50 to $60 for the second.
“That is awful. An airline passenger, Nico Arellano, told CTV News, “The prices are getting pretty intense, and the service isn’t getting any better.” “I have two children — a baby and a toddler — and we have to bring all their essentials and pay extra for that; for families, it’s unacceptable.”
Air Canada checked baggage fee
While premium enhancements like seats with more legroom will still be more expensive, the new policy also adds fees for seat selection and modifications for low-cost passengers.
“At this time, I don’t choose seats. Kinsenge Mbaga, travelling from Ottawa to Fredericton, states, “I would like to travel as economically as possible.” “Baggage, particularly carry-on, is perhaps the fee that irritates me the most.
It is pleasant when they’re not included with the ticket, which should be standard. It should be possible to bring one or two bags, but this isn’t always the case, and occasionally, being at the gate will cost you more.”
The airline’s new restrictions have drawn criticism from Transport Minister Anita Anand, who described them as a “cash grab” that harms Canadians who already face increased travel expenses.
Air Canada, meanwhile, defended its choice, claiming that the levies are required to offset growing labour and operating expenses.
While travellers buying higher-tier fares would continue to enjoy free baggage allowances, the airline noted that comparable tariffs are already in effect with several international carriers.
Critics contend that the surcharges unfairly affect visitors on a tight budget and could result in higher overall prices when compared to slightly higher-tier fares. The changes have angered travellers, especially those who depend on lower-cost fare options.
“Carriers are free to charge whatever they like. It costs $35 now, $60 next week, and $100 next week.
Sign of the Times
Airlines expert John Gradek said, “Nobody is keeping an eye on these things; it’s based on what the market can bear.” “These fees are not yet complete. They can take additional actions to further nickel-and-dime passengers travelling on domestic routes.
As part of its continuous efforts to strengthen air passenger rights in Canada, the federal government has committed to examining how these changes would affect consumers. Travellers are advised to study the tariff information carefully to prevent unforeseen fees.
“It’s a shame that Air Canada has decided to join the likes of Porter and WestJet in charging people for carry-on bags for the lowest fare type and it’s a sign of the times that Air Canada is afraid of losing market shares and wants to basically maximise its revenue by having these cheap airfares with a whole bunch of additional revenues coming in,” Gradek says.
“It’s not a stretch to think that the government, within its regulation, can start to provide oversight and management of the way in which these airlines are putting these fees into the marketplace.”
Meanwhile, on April 2, 2025, Air Canada will begin nonstop flights between Vancouver and Manila. The direct service will operate using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner four times a week.
In a statement, executive vice president for revenue and network planning Mark Galardo stated, “The Philippines is an important market reflecting long-standing family ties between our two countries with growing business connections and tourism opportunities.”
He noted that Air Canada is making travel between North America and the Philippines even more convenient for business and leisure travellers with its vast domestic and trans-border network in Vancouver, built to easily link to the airline’s international flights.
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