Air Canada has introduced new rules for travellers flying in its lowest fare class and Metro Vancouverites aren't enthusiastic about it...to say the least.
On Dec. 4, Canada's flag carrier announced new rules for its "economy basic" fare class for carry-on baggage and seat selection. Travellers may no longer bring a carry-on bag in its lowest fare class or book a seat for free 24 hours before travel.
On April 19, the airline announced it was planning to remove free seat selection during the 24-hour check-in window before flights and customers responded with outrage, prompting the airline to pause implementing the change.
An Air Canada spokesperson told V.I.A. in a previous interview that it paused the change for "operational reasons" but still planned to implement it in the future.
A spokesperson tells V.I.A. that the airline's new changes are commensurate with "practices already in place" with the carrier's top Canadian competitors.
"It is simply a competitive response to what is already the prevalent practice in the industry. It should be noted that Air Canada offers customers a wide range of fares with various attributes, including allowances for carry-on baggage should customers wish to have this option," they said.
WestJet recently prompted frustration with its customers after nixing carry-on bags on its lowest fare class, UltraBasic.
Have a look at the changes Air Canada is making changes to its Economy Basic and Economy comfort fares.
What bags are allowed with the Economy Basic fare?
Travellers who purchase Air Canada Economy Basic tickets on or after Jan. 3, 2025, can no longer bring a carry-on bag. They may only bring a personal item when travelling within Canada, to and from the U.S. (including Hawaii and Puerto Rico), and to and from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Standard Air Canada baggage fare rules apply to new bookings.
Travellers who purchase Economy Basic tickets connecting to international destinations may continue to bring one standard carry-on bag and a personal item on board.
Air Canada's restrictions for standard carry-on bags measure 55 cm high by 23 cm deep by 40 cm wide. In comparison, a personal item adheres to the following dimensions measures 33 cm high by 16 cm deep by and 43 cm wide.
Aeroplan Elite Status Members, Star Alliance Gold, and Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholder benefits continue to apply.
New Economy Basic fare seating rule
Air Canada's new Economy Basic fare includes complimentary seat assignment at check-in. Customers must pay to change the seat assigned to them or to select one in advance.
The carrier says it will work to keep families and those requiring an assistant together and also prioritize seating travelling companions together.
The seating change comes into effect starting Jan. 21, 2025.
To change your seat, retrieve your booking online, via the Air Canada mobile app, or at the airport check-in kiosks.
Aeroplan Elite Status Members, Star Alliance Gold, and Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholder benefits continue to apply.
Air Canada Economy Comfort fare changes
Air Canada will increase checked baggage allowance for customers travelling internationally in Economy Comfort starting on Jan. 3, 2025.
Travellers will be entitled to two complimentary bags rather than one (the current allowance).
Metro Vancouverites react to Air Canada's seating and baggage changes
The response to Air Canada's changes to its Basic fare offer has been overwhelmingly negative, with most customers arguing that the cheapest tickets aren't affordable now (for anyone who needs to bring a carry-on).
A man named Mark wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that a flight from Vancouver or Calgary may only cost $108 but the cost quickly adds up to close to $300 with the price of a checked luggage.
One woman feels "banning carry-on bags should be illegal" considering Air Canada loses and misplaces luggage and "if it wasn't for the carry-on the person would have absolutely nothing to get them through their trip."
She added that "the government needs to step in."
Other travellers expressed piercing anger on the platform. One irritated traveller called the move "flat-out greedy."
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