A major airline has sparked fury after announcing it is going to start charging for carry on bags.
While paying for checked luggage has become normal for many airlines, especially budget ones, being able to take a carry on bag usually doesn’t cost any more as long as it’s not too heavy.
But now, a big name says it’s going to be cracking down.
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From January Air Canada says it will start charging economy passengers to bring anything larger than a handbag or small backpack aboard many flights.
That means you’re likely to have to pay for a popular wheelie suitcases used by many fliers.
Air Canada confirmed the changes for Economy Basic fares on it’s website, for flying within the USA, Mexico, the Caribbean and Canada.
“On certain itineraries, the fare will no longer include a standard carry-on bag,” it said.
“Air Canada Economy Basic fare tickets purchased on or after January 3, 2025, will no longer include carry-on baggage.
“Customers will only be permitted to bring one personal article.
“Standard baggage fare rules apply.”
The airline will slap passengers with C$35 ($39) for their first carry on and C$50 ($55) for a second.
And if you don’t plan ahead and pay for the bag when you book your flight, you’ll be forced to stump up C$65 ($72).
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The move is not proving popular, the Miami Herald said.
Canada’s Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand called for a meeting with bosses of Air Canada and another airline, WestJet.
She said that the fee, left her “extremely concerned.”
“Let’s just say I’m not very happy today with what I’ve heard from Air Canada,” Anand said on CTV Power Play.
“I think they need to take a look at the persons that they are targeting with these excess fees. It is not acceptable.”
Comments on the airline’s social media accused it of being “unethical” and “greedy” over the move, despite it becoming more common with airlines.
American airline Frontier has also recently been criticised for offering a $16 payment to staff who catch customers trying to avoid fees by smuggling on luggage.
CEO Barry Biffle defended the move, claiming passengers who did it were “shoplifters”, Reuters said.
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