The free carry-on bag, once considered a given for even the most basic airplane seat, has received another blow.
Air Canada has become the second major Canadian airline within the past year to make its cheapest ticket one without complimentary carry-on luggage on some flights.
The airline announced Wednesday that passengers who purchase the lowest-priced basic economy fare for North American and sun routes on or after Jan. 3, 2025, will only be allowed to bring one personal item, with no carry-on included, and will have to pay to check any bags beyond the personal item.
Personal items include smaller bags such as purses or a computer bag that can be stowed under the seat in front of you.
Carry-on luggage refers to duffel bags and small roller bags that would normally be stored in compartments above the seats.
These bags will now have to be checked before passengers go through security, at a fee of $35 for a first bag and $50 for a second. Any passenger who fails to check their bag before security and arrives at their gate with an ineligible carry-on will be required to check it — and to pay an elevated fee of $65.
The days of changing your seat for free during check-in will soon be over for Air Canada passengers with the basic fare as well. Beginning Jan. 21, 2025, those who are travelling on a basic fare will be unable to change their seat from the one generated automatically at check-in unless they pay a fee.
How expensive that fee will be depends on the new seat chosen, the airline said, without providing further detail on the potential costs.
It’s also unclear if the charges for seat swaps will apply to all routes.
The changes come months after WestJet added its controversial Ultrabasic ticket in the summer, which also doesn’t allow travellers to bring a carry-on or swap their seats without paying a fee.
WestJet’s ultrabasic ticket was advertised as being cheaper than its basic fare. It’s unclear if Air Canada’s revised basic ticket will also come with a drop in price or not.
CBC News has reached out for comment.
Complimentary carry-ons growing scarce
Other airlines that already charge for carry-on luggage include Porter, Flair and Sunwing, which was bought by WestJet in 2023.
In its statement Wednesday, Air Canada said the changes “align the airline’s fare structure with similar fare offerings by other Canadian carriers.”
More airlines now charge for services that used to be part of the ticket price, such as seat selection and customer assistance. The federal government has vowed to make these fees easier to spot, but greater transparency won’t end airline fees.
Strollers, medical devices and mobility aids will not be counted as carry-on baggage and will still be permitted with no charges.
“As well, Status members, Star Alliance Gold and Aeroplan premium credit cardholders will continue to be entitled to one carry-on bag, and their other benefits will also continue to apply,” the airline stated.
As its cheapest ticket loses perks, the airline is also adding some to its comfort fare. Passengers with these tickets travelling worldwide will be entitled to two complimentary checked bags started Jan 3, 2025, instead of just one.