Just a few days after WestJet angered customers by announcing a $25 fee for checked baggage, Air Canada is following suit.
Air Canada has announced beginning November 2, 2014, they will charge a $25 fee for the first checked baggage on domestic flights within Canada and to and from the Caribbean and Mexico. Any bookings made before September 18 for travel after November 2 will continue to get a free checked bag.
The change will affect people flying on the lowest Economy Class Tango fare and should equate to one in five Air Canada passengers. Air Canada has already been charging $25 for US-bound flights since 2011.
Air Canada’s change is actually worse than WestJet’s. The fee also applies to passengers flying to and from the Caribbean and Mexico. WestJet continues to offer a free first baggage for international flights.
It’s pretty much impossible to travel to the Caribbean or Mexico without a checked baggage. Essential liquids such as sunscreen and aloe vera are banned from carry-ons.
As with WestJet, the fee must be paid for at the airport. It will not be added to your ticket price.
