Air Canada Passengers Face Increased Baggage Fees

Some Air Canada passengers at Montreal’s Trudeau Airport expressed frustration over the airline’s decision to introduce new fees for carry-on luggage.

Under the updated policy, passengers traveling within North America, Central America, and the Caribbean on basic economy fares will now have to pay $35 for their first carry-on bag and $50 for a second one. However, smaller personal items, such as purses and backpacks, will remain free of charge.

“These changes… are made to adjust our offer to competition and make it more consistent with the Canadian market standard,” stated the airline.

John Gradek, head of McGill University’s aviation management program, criticized the move as an additional burden on travelers.

“They’re really affecting the people who have the least amount of money available to them,” Gradek said.

The changes, which take effect on January 21, also include extra fees for basic economy passengers who want to change their seat during check-in.

Gradek noted that other airlines, such as Flair and WestJet, have already implemented similar fee structures.

“Air Canada is just rubber-stamping what these guys have done,” he said. “They’re claiming consistency by matching the competition.”

Gradek argued that the federal Ministry of Transportation has the authority to regulate or eliminate such fees altogether.

He also emphasized the importance of transparency for travelers.

“Passengers should always know the total cost of their trip beforehand,” said Gradek. “[The current system] gives airlines too much discretion, which isn’t something we should accept in Canada.”