Baggage fees of at least $35 imposed by Air Canada on a large number of travelers came into effect on Friday.
The air carrier announced last December an “adjustment” to its ancillary services for customers who had chosen the basic fare option.
Carry-on baggage is no longer included on Air Canada tickets purchased at the base economy fare.
Customers who choose the base fare will be charged a fee of $35 up to $50 if they travel with checked carry-on baggage on intra-Canada flights to and from the United States, as well as to and from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
“Larger items, such as rolling suitcases, cylindrical sports bags or large backpacks, will need to be checked in before security, and a standard fee of $35 and $50 will apply respectively. a first and a second baggage,” explained the air carrier in a press release last December.
Basic economy fare customers will simply be able to bring a free personal item the size of a purse or computer case into the cabin, according to the Air Canada website.
For those who have purchased an itinerary that includes a connection with an international network flight, one standard item and one personal item will be accepted in the cabin.
However, travelers who present themselves at the boarding gate without having checked in their cabin baggage will have to pay a fee of $65.
Changes to the “comfort rate”
Air Canada also made changes to its “economy class comfort fare,” which also came into effect on Friday.
Customers who purchase a “comfort fare” economy class ticket can now bring two checked bags free of charge, rather than just one.
Fees for seats
Starting January 21, all travelers on a basic economy ticket who wish to change their automatically assigned seat will be required to pay a fee.
However, the base rate will always include the allocation of free seats at check-in for those who refuse the paid pre-selection.
“Air Canada remains committed to allocating adjacent seats to families or people requiring an accompanying person, in accordance with its current policy, which also gives priority to the allocation of adjacent seats to people traveling with companions” however wanted to emphasize the air carrier on their website.
