Starting next year, Air Canada passengers travelling within North America or to destinations like Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean must pay extra for carry-on.
The airline announced that passengers who pay for basic economy fares will have to pay for carry-on, a move that it says is “in line with industry standard.”
“Air Canada today said it is revising some of the terms of its Basic and Comfort economy fare tickets,” stated a release. “These changes align the airline’s fare structure with similar fare offerings by other Canadian carriers and better distinguish its fare brands.”
The additional fees kick in if you book a basic economy fare ticket on or after January 3, 2025. You’ll still be able to bring one personal item like a purse or computer bag. However, you’ll need to pay extra for carry-on suitcases, duffel bags, or large backpacks. Not only that but those items will have to be checked in before security.
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The first carry-on bag costs $35, and the second costs $50. You’ll want to pay for it ahead of time. Customers who arrive at the boarding gate with “ineligible” carry-on items will have to pay $65 for each item.
Air Canada will also be making changes to its basic fare seating assignment.
While seat assignment remains complimentary at check-in, starting January 21, 2025, passengers who want to change their seats will have to pay a fee. The cost will depend on the seat you choose.
These changes are detailed on the company website, which states, “For families or those requiring an assistant, Air Canada remains committed to seating these customers together as per its current policy, which also prioritizes seating travelling companions together.”
On the other hand, the airline said it’s increasing its checked baggage allowance for passengers travelling worldwide on its comfort economy fare. Currently, passengers are entitled to one checked bag, but starting January 3, 2025, they’ll be eligible for two free bags.
Not surprisingly, the announcement about carry-on fees was met with anger and frustration.
Why is @AirCanada following West Jet’s lead with those carryon baggage changes? Very disappointing. You should’ve set an example for them, not be enticed by the money grab, making travel that more expensive for your consumers who have so few options here. pic.twitter.com/NyFo4sTsnP
— sugar plum💐 (@joaplum) December 4, 2024
Looks like @AirCanada is going the way of @WestJet “ultra basic” by banning carry ons and middle seat assignments for basic fares
Why does everything in Canada only get shittier? pic.twitter.com/W9rr958iTH
— Tristan Flynn (@TristanCPDT) December 4, 2024
100% the airlines created this mess. When they started charging ludicrous rates for checked luggage they asked for this. They’ve increased their fares and reduced the services for those inflated fares. Now they want to sell you those services back a la carte.
— Remembering Differently & Speaking Moistly 🤡 (@Greyziel) December 4, 2024
With Air Canada already charging way too much for flights, now they, in 2025 will be charging for carryon and seat selection if you wish to actually choose a seat instead of being randomly selected for a seat you want. 😑
— 𝓜𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓪 (@melissa8313) December 4, 2024
In the new year Air Canada charging for carry-on if you buy a basic ticket 🤣 , please can’t I be broke in peace
— Kimmy 🇱🇨 (@KimmyOHSOSmug) December 4, 2024
So a person travels coach and they can no longer put a carry-on bag in the compartment above — they have to check it?
This is going to go over well.— Linda (@Therat4623) December 4, 2024
Nah wtf? They just making that airline worse every time
— Q.B 🍯 (@IamCue2) December 4, 2024
Terrible news for Air Canada flyers. Beginning Jan. 3, Basic fares in N. America and the Caribbean no longer include a carry-on. Now $35 per bag. Free seat selection at check-in is also kaput.
This is all gross. AC is determined not to lose the race to the bottom.
— Gunnar Olson ✈️ (@Gunnarsolson) December 4, 2024
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.