Starting January 3, 2025, Air Canada will introduce updated travel baggage fees. Passengers will now pay $35 for their first checked bag and $50 for the second. Personal items, such as a purse or computer bag, will remain free to bring into the cabin. However, if you arrive at the gate with an ineligible carry-on item, you’ll be required to check it for $65. Mobility aids, medical devices, and child strollers are exempt from these charges.
As Travel Advisors, we welcome these changes and see them as a positive step toward improving the overall travel experience. Here’s why we think baggage fees are a great tool and what it means for travellers like you.
Alleviating Airport Strain
Airports can be chaotic, with long lines, overcrowded storage bins, and delayed boarding times. By implementing baggage fees, airlines like Air Canada aim to reduce the volume of checked and carry-on luggage. This can streamline the boarding process, alleviate time constraints, and create a smoother experience for passengers and staff alike.
We believe that upgrading to a higher class is an investment that could significantly enhance your travel experience. Many upgraded tickets come with perks like free checked luggage, priority boarding, and larger carry-on allowances. We also understand that this may not be an option for everyone, and that’s why we want to open the floor to discussion and hear your thoughts. What do you think are the pros and cons of airlines updating their baggage fees?
Do You Expect Free Carry-On with Budget Fares?
When booking a budget-friendly ticket, it’s important to know what you’re paying for. Lower-class fares often exclude extras like baggage allowances to keep prices competitive. If you value convenience, consider the full cost of your trip rather than just the base fare. Budget fares come with trade-offs, and understanding them upfront can help you avoid surprises at the gate.
Losing Bags? There’s an App for That!
Remember the time when airlines were losing luggage left and right? There was no surprise when your suitcase would show up 5 days late to your destination. And by that point, you’d already bought yourself a whole new wardrobe, toiletries, and that “just-in-case” travel adapter. Now, instead of just enjoying your vacation, you’re figuring out how to fit double the stuff into your luggage for the trip home. Well, that’s in the past (thank goodness). Fortunately, airlines are stepping up their game. Air Canada has implemented bag-tracking technology through its app, allowing you to monitor your luggage in real-time. For added peace of mind, you can use tools like AirTags to keep a closer eye on your belongings.
Travel Insurance: Your Safety Net
For travellers worried about lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, travel insurance is your best friend. Many policies cover these scenarios, providing reimbursement or assistance when things go awry. Make sure to review your policy’s coverage before your trip so you’re prepared for any eventuality.
We can help you find the best fit for your needs, including options like Manulifes’ Premium Protection Plan. This comprehensive plan offers excellent coverage for baggage-related issues, ensuring you can travel with confidence.
Is It a ‘Cash Grab’?
The topic of baggage fees is divisive. While some travellers see them as a necessary step to improve the flying experience, others view them as a cash grab. We believe these fees strike a balance between affordability and functionality. However, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you see baggage fees as fair, or would you prefer an alternative system?
Airport Entertainment at Its Best
Let’s not forget the unintentional comedy that baggage fees have brought to airports. From travellers frantically reorganizing their carry-ons at the gate to creative solutions for avoiding fees (yes, we’ve seen people wearing multiple layers of clothing to dodge extra charges), baggage policies have undoubtedly added an element of entertainment to the travel experience.
And then there are the moments when overhead bins turn into the ultimate battleground. Imagine this: you’re standing in line, watching passengers attempt to defy physics by cramming oversized bags into a full compartment. After delays and a dozen rounds of luggage Tetris, you miss your connecting flight because there just wasn’t enough space for everyone’s massive carry-ons. If that’s not a sitcom-worthy scenario, we don’t know what is.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, baggage fees are about striking a balance. They help manage the strain on airports, encourage travellers to pack smarter, and fund improvements like bag-tracking technology. If you’re looking for ways to navigate these fees, upgrading your ticket class or investing in travel insurance are great options.
We’d love to hear your perspective. Are baggage fees a fair trade-off for a smoother airport experience, or do you think they’re just a way for airlines to make more money? Share your thoughts with us!
