At least that’s what John Gradek, lecturer and coordinator of the aviation management program at McGill University, thinks.
“I envisage that, as of next summer, cabin baggage fees will be standard at Air Canada and WestJet,” he asserts with confidence.
Other Canadian airlines, including Sunwing and Porter, already charge $30 for carry-on bags.
Asked about this, Air Canada and WestJet do not want to get involved.
“Although we are always on the lookout for industry trends, we do not comment on potential developments in our commercial policies,” responds Christophe Hennebelle, vice-president of communications at Air Canada.
“WestJet has focused its efforts on improving guest travel by improving technology, modifying boarding zones and launching its new UltraBase fare,” they said. Soleil media relations for the Calgary-based airline.
This ultra-restrictive fare prevents passengers from traveling with carry-on baggage unless they are on a transatlantic or transpacific flight, or have purchased the “Enhanced Comfort” seat option for all flights to the destination, including correspondences.
Without this, a passenger who arrives at the gate with a carry-on suitcase will be charged. In short, without shouting it out loud, WestJet is now charging travelers for this type of baggage.
Too much luggage, not enough space
Since the discovery of rooms overflowing with lost suitcases in 2022 and the constant increase in the price of checked baggage – a 40% increase since baggage fees came into force in 2014 – more and more travelers are opting to bring a suitcase on board the aircraft free of charge.
Many bags have been lost by airlines over the past two years, which has undermined passenger confidence. (Alain Roberge/Archives La Presse)
“Rather than sacrificing our personal belongings by checking our luggage, we prefer to take our suitcases with us on the plane. But some passengers bring monstrous suitcases or bags,” laments John Gradek.
There is therefore not enough room in the storage compartments or under the seat to cram all the luggage. Which creates a hellish headache for flight attendants and passengers.
“When flights are full, we do indeed have to ask our customers to put their baggage in the hold at the boarding gate, at no additional cost, in order to ensure a comfortable trip for everyone,” explains the vice-president. in communications at Air Canada.
The coordinator of the aviation management program at McGill University, however, wants to warn passengers: “Checking in hold baggage at the last minute poses a greater risk of losing your suitcase, especially if you have to take a connection “.
Passengers cut the line
Since boarding of the plane is done by zone — starting with zone one up to zone five or even sometimes six — passengers cut the line to ensure they have space for their luggage in the compartments.
“If you’re in zone four or five, you’re unlikely to find space for your suitcases.”
— John Gradek, coordinator of the aviation management program at McGill University
This can increase frustrations in an already tense atmosphere, and cause people to overtake others.
“It’s teeming at the boarding gate. There is so much activity that officers often don’t have time to properly check the area indicated on the boarding pass,” says Gradek.
American Airlines has taken the bull by the horns to tackle this problem.
The airline has installed an electronic system in more than 100 U.S. airports that beeps when a passenger attempts to board the plane before their assigned zone is called. So passengers who arrive at the gate prematurely will be asked to go back and wait their turn.
WestJet is confident that its new UltraBase fare will avoid queue skipping and the installation of a boarding pass control system.
“Reducing the demand for space in overhead bins across our fleet allows our guests who have chosen to travel with carry-on baggage to enjoy more space in them, regardless of their travel area. boarding,” says WestJet’s media relations team.
To avoid overflowing storage compartments, Mr. Gradek also suggests stricter management by actually checking the dimensions, weight and number of cabin bags allowed.
