Air Canada will impose carry-on bag fees for basic fare passengers starting Jan. 3, citing rising operational costs. Ottawa criticized the policy, saying it burdens Canadian travelers already grappling with increased airline fees. Basic economy travelers can still bring small items under the seat for free.
Ottawa Criticizes Air Canada's New Carry-On Fee Policy
Per Reuters, Ottawa wasted no time in denouncing Air Canada's announcement on Wednesday that, beginning on January 3, it will begin charging customers who choose its most affordable basic fare for North American destinations for larger carry-on luggage.
Under the new rules, passengers will now be charged for bulkier things like roller-boards, duffel bags, or large backpacks. The base rate for the first bag is $35 and for each additional bag it's $50.
United Airlines has established a policy that is comparable to this one, which mandates that passengers flying in basic economy pay a minimum of $35 for carry-on luggage.
Passengers Face Additional Costs for Seat Changes and Checked Luggage
Anita Anand, the Minister of Transport for the federal government of Canada, expressed that she was "extremely concerned" about the announcement.
"Canadians work hard and save up to travel. They rightly expect excellent service, not extra fees," she wrote on social media.
Personal items that are small enough to fit beneath the seat, like a purse or a laptop bag, are nonetheless permitted to be brought on board by all passengers.
In response to growing maintenance and labor contract expenses, airlines have decided to raise the rate for checked luggage on flights inside North America, Investing.com shares.
Comfort Economy Passengers to Benefit from New Baggage Allowance
If a basic fare passenger wants to change their seat from the one they were allocated at check-in, there will be an extra charge from Air Canada.
Flights on the Montreal-based flag carrier's comfort economy rate will now include an increase to the checked baggage allowance, allowing customers to check two bags for free.


100+ Global Companies Push Governments to Prioritize Electrification for Economic Growth
KPMG Australia Chairman and Senior Partners Exit Amid Escalating Whistleblower Scandal
US Stock Futures Recover as Iran Signals Progress in Peace Talks
Malaysia Central Bank Moves to Support Ringgit Amid Foreign Fund Outflows
Japan Keeps Markets Guessing as Yen Nears 40-Year Low, Raising Intervention Risks
JPMorgan Sees Strong Strategic Value in Potential AbbVie Acquisition of Apogee Therapeutics
Yen Near 40-Year Low as USD/JPY Approaches Key 162 Level, Raising Intervention Concerns
Bessent Says U.S. Must Strengthen Supply Chains and Economic Security
Japan Manufacturing Growth Accelerates in June as Orders Surge Despite Iran War Cost Pressures
SpaceX Stock Plunges 16% as KeyBanc Warns Valuation May Be Overstretched
Heineken Names JDE Peet’s CEO Rafael Oliveira as New Chief Executive
China Keeps Loan Prime Rates Unchanged for 13th Straight Month as Policymakers Prioritize Credit Demand Recovery
Japan, U.S. Discuss Yen Weakness as Currency Intervention Concerns Grow
New Zealand Fast-Tracks Gold Mining as Industry Revival Gains Momentum
South Korea’s KOSPI Rebounds as Samsung and SK Hynix Lead Tech Stock Recovery
Qualcomm Nears $4 Billion Acquisition of AI Chip Startup Modular
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Rally Pauses, South Korean Chipmakers Lead Regional Decline 



