OTTAWA | The big boss of Air Canada, Michael Rousseau, was summoned before a federal parliamentary committee to answer for the imposition of tariffs of $35 on the baggage of certain travelers.
Mr. Rousseau will have to answer questions from MPs who sit on the transport, infrastructure and communities committee on Friday.
The new fees announced by Air Canada last week sowed anger among travelers and elected officials.
Starting January 3, customers who choose the base fare will have to pay at least $35 if they travel with carry-on baggage on flights within North America and to “sun destinations.”
Travelers who arrive at the boarding gate without having checked in these bags will automatically be charged a $65 fee.
A meeting is also planned between Transport Minister Anita Anand and senior airline officials to discuss the multiple additional fees imposed on travelers in recent years.
After the airline’s announcement, Minister Anand said she was “disappointed for the Canadian population.”
“It’s a decision that has an impact on families, students, seniors and it will be more difficult for them to travel,” she commented.
Last summer, Air Canada implemented fees for seat selection, before backing down in the face of discontent.
