OTTAWA – Travellers flying to the United States with Air Canada will soon have to pay to check even one suitcase.
The airline issued a statement on its website this week announcing changes to its baggage policies.
They will affect those flying Economy Class with tickets purchased on or after this coming Wednesday, as well as for those travelling on or after Oct. 11.
Anyone flying between Canada and the United States will have to pay a $25 fee for their first bag of checked luggage and a second-bag fee of $70. Previously, there was only a $35 second-bag fee charged to passengers flying to the U.S.
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Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said many air carriers that operate internationally charge similar fees.
“The reason we are adjusting fares is to help ensure the financial sustainability of the airline and keep us competitive on (a) revenue basis in the market,” Fitzpatrick said. “We believe most customers are aware that our industry faces tremendous cost pressures and will understand we need to take steps to ensure our financial sustainability.”
Other flights from Canada – those to Africa, the Middle East, Russia, Asia, South America and Australia – will only impose the $70 second-bag fee.
First bags will remain free on flights within Canada.
The second baggage fees already in place for Economy Class travel to and from Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Europe and India will remain unchanged, the airline said.
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