Air Canada Announces New Carry-On Fees

Air Canada passengers flying out of Montreal’s Trudeau Airport are outraged as the airline has announced new fees for carry-on luggage. Starting soon, those who purchase basic economy fares for flights within North America, Central America, and the Caribbean will be subjected to a $35 charge for their first carry-on and $50 for any additional ones. Fortunately, smaller items such as purses and backpacks will still be exempt from these fees.

Airline's Justification for Changes

In a statement to CTV News, Air Canada explained that these changes are necessary to stay competitive and align their offerings with the Canadian market standard. However, this decision has drawn criticism from industry experts and passengers alike.

Expert Opinions on Financial Burden

John Gradek, head of McGill University’s aviation management program, emphasizes the financial burden this creates for travelers, stating, "They’re really affecting the people who have the least amount of money available to them." This highlights a growing concern about how airlines are increasingly shifting costs onto customers, particularly those who often opt for cheaper fare options.

Additional Fees for Seat Changes

Moreover, starting January 21, passengers will also face additional fees at check-in if they wish to change their allocated seats. Gradek points out that this trend isn’t exclusive to Air Canada; other budget carriers like Flair and WestJet have implemented similar charging practices.

Call for Government Regulation

In light of these developments, Gradek suggests that the federal ministry of transportation has the authority to intervene and regulate these fees, or even eliminate them entirely. CTV News had attempted to contact the ministry regarding this issue, but no response was received.

Advice for Travelers

Gradek urges travelers to be aware of the total costs associated with their journeys right from the get-go. "It’s really something that the airline has a lot of discretion at, and that’s not something we should have in Canada," he noted, reflecting the sentiment that transparency from airlines is crucial in maintaining customer trust.

Future of Air Travel in Canada

As air travel becomes increasingly complex with the addition of fees, travelers are advised to stay informed and budget accordingly to avoid surprises at the airport. What will these changes mean for the future of air travel in Canada? Only time will tell!