Air Canada’s New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns

Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Air Canada Basic Economy Passengers Face New 23kg Checked Bag Limit From January 2025

Air Canada travelers in Basic Economy are now experiencing a significant shift in baggage allowances. As of January 2025, those flying on the lowest fares are restricted to just one checked bag, with a maximum weight of 23kg. This change also eliminates the previously included carry-on allowance; now, only a small personal item like a purse or laptop bag is permitted in the cabin. While the airline may present this as a streamlining measure, it translates directly to added expenses for passengers. Checking that first bag will cost CAD 35, and a second jumps to CAD 50. This policy mirrors a wider trend in the industry where airlines are increasingly relying on ancillary fees to bolster revenue. Travelers are understandably concerned about these rising costs, questioning the real value of so-called budget fares as the essentials once bundled into the ticket price are now charged separately. It's a continuous chipping away at what passengers can expect to be included when flying, even on longer routes.
Starting next year, Air Canada's Basic Economy passengers will see a key change: the allowance for checked baggage is now set at a single bag, not exceeding 23 kilograms. This is a shift from previous policies and brings Basic Economy in line with what appears to be an industry-wide push to refine baggage rules across different fare types. For those opting for the lowest fare, packing will require more precision, as exceeding this single 23kg bag or needing to check additional luggage will incur extra charges.

Travelers accustomed to Basic Economy should take note that this adjustment, while presented as a standardization, effectively means less flexibility. The move prompts questions about how passengers will adapt, especially on longer journeys where more luggage might be necessary. It reflects a broader strategy employed by many airlines to unbundle services and adjust pricing tiers, prompting consumers to carefully weigh the overall cost and convenience when selecting their flights. For some, what initially seems like a budget fare could become less economical when factoring in these revised baggage limitations.

What else is in this post?

1. Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Air Canada Basic Economy Passengers Face New 23kg Checked Bag Limit From January 2025
2. Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Main Cabin Extra Passengers Get Second Free Checked Bag But Non-Refundable Fees Apply
3. Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Carry-on Restrictions Tighten With Basic Economy Tickets Limited to Personal Items
4. Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Air Canada Aligns Baggage Policy With Canadian Competitors WestJet and Flair
5. Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Transpacific Routes See Biggest Impact With Higher Checked Bag Fees
6. Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Passenger Groups Call For Fee Structure Review and Weight Limit Flexibility

Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Main Cabin Extra Passengers Get Second Free Checked Bag But Non-Refundable Fees Apply

Air Canada's latest baggage policy introduces a notable benefit for Main Cabin
Air Canada's updated baggage rules extend a slightly different offering to those in Main Cabin Extra. While these passengers are permitted a second checked bag at no extra charge, the overall fee structure remains consistent: all baggage charges, even for this ostensibly "free" second bag, are designated as non-refundable. This detail has caused some to question the true benefit, as the financial risk associated with checked luggage persists regardless of the fare class. The core concern for many travelers revolves around this inflexibility and the potential for lost costs.

The practical effect of non-refundable baggage fees, even when associated with a "free" allowance, is that passengers carry the financial burden of any unforeseen changes to their travel plans. This approach, while possibly intended to simplify airline operations, shifts more risk onto the consumer. Frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike are evaluating how these policies impact their travel budget and decision-making. The limitation on weight, and the financial implications should additional baggage or excess weight become necessary, continue to be points of contention. It seems that while some cabin classes receive slightly more generous allowances, the underlying principle of non-refundable baggage related charges remains a consistent element across Air Canada's revised policy.

Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Carry-on Restrictions Tighten With Basic Economy Tickets Limited to Personal Items

Beginning January 3, 2025, travelers choosing Air Canada's Basic Economy fares will find their carry-on options severely limited. Just a small personal item, like a purse or laptop bag, will be permitted onboard for flights within Canada. This shift means the standard carry-on suitcase is no longer part of the deal for these tickets, requiring passengers to rethink how they pack and what they bring on their trip. This move puts Air Canada in line with some other Canadian airlines already charging for carry-ons on their lowest fares. Understandably, passengers are worried about how this will affect their travel experience and wallets. The extra costs for checking bags are adding up, leaving many to wonder if these so-called budget fares are really such a bargain anymore when you have to pay extra for what used to be standard. As more and more is stripped away from the base fare, it's getting harder to see the value in these increasingly bare-bones tickets.

Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Air Canada Aligns Baggage Policy With Canadian Competitors WestJet and Flair

Air Canada has recently updated its baggage policy to fall in line with Canadian rivals WestJet and Flair. Effective early January of this year, the airline has set a firm limit of one checked bag at 23 kilograms. This change mirrors what these other airlines are doing. This move might be presented as bringing uniformity, but it also means yet another constraint for passengers.

This new baggage rule is accompanied by non-refundable baggage fees, which has caused considerable friction with travelers. While those in Economy Comfort gain a slight advantage with two complimentary bags, it's the Basic Economy passengers who are hit hardest. They are now only allowed a small personal item as carry-on. This shift is part of a wider pattern where airlines increasingly rely on added charges and reduce what’s included in the base ticket price. Many passengers are starting to wonder if these so-called budget fares are really that economical once you factor in all the extras you now have to pay for.
Air Canada is now operating under a baggage policy that looks remarkably similar to those of WestJet and Flair, especially concerning weight limits. The checked bag allowance is now set at a uniform 23 kilograms across these Canadian carriers. While on the surface this might appear as a move towards simpler, more consistent rules for travelers, it also signals something of a narrowing in available options. This trend toward standardization, notably when combined with the growing use of non-refundable baggage fees, means passengers are facing fewer variations in fare structures and included services across airlines. It points to a potential industry-wide shift where airlines are increasingly reliant on revenue from supplementary charges, with baggage services becoming a more dependable source of income. For passengers, this uniformity could translate to less flexibility and potentially higher total travel expenses as the diversity in fare offerings, with differing baggage inclusions, becomes less pronounced amongst competing airlines.

Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Transpacific Routes See Biggest Impact With Higher Checked Bag Fees

For those heading across the Pacific, Air Canada's updated baggage rules hit hardest. Flying long distances usually means packing more, but now even those on supposedly budget fares face a very tight single bag limit of 23 kilos for checked luggage. Adding insult to injury are the now standard fees for checking bags. The days of easily managing carry-ons are gone too for basic economy, with only a small personal item allowed onboard. This shift means travelers are potentially facing unexpected costs, particularly on these longer, often essential routes. It certainly casts a shadow over the value proposition of these lower fares when the costs for essential baggage get piled on top. The wider trend of airlines tightening baggage policies is now really biting for anyone taking a long trip.
For transpacific flights, these baggage policy revisions are especially impactful. Long-distance travel often necessitates bringing more belongings, and these routes are no exception. Passengers on flights across the Pacific are now directly confronted with these new baggage expenses, making journeys to Asia and the South Pacific potentially more costly. While business and first-class travelers maintain a more generous allowance, those in basic economy are facing a tighter constraint. This policy shift, consistent with other international routes, is seen by some as less about service improvement and more about airlines adjusting revenue streams. The practical effect is a noticeable increase in the overall cost for many transpacific journeys, particularly for those who cannot travel with minimal luggage. It raises questions about how airlines are balancing operational needs with passenger costs, especially on long-haul routes where baggage needs are often inherent to the trip.

Air Canada's New Baggage Policy Single 23kg Limit and Non-Refundable Fees Spark Passenger Concerns - Passenger Groups Call For Fee Structure Review and Weight Limit Flexibility

Passenger advocates are voicing strong objections to Air Canada's latest baggage policy. The fixed 23kg weight limit for checked bags, alongside the new policy of non-refundable fees, is raising red flags. These changes are seen as particularly problematic for travelers, notably families or larger groups who naturally need to check more bags. Observers argue this inflexibility makes it harder to pack for longer trips and pushes up the overall cost of travel, ultimately diminishing the value of budget fares. A growing number are urging the airline to rethink its fee structure and allow more leeway with weight limits to better accommodate diverse traveler needs. As airlines lean more heavily on ancillary charges, the pressure for more passenger-friendly approaches is only intensifying.
Passenger advocacy groups are voicing concerns about Air Canada's newly implemented baggage policies, particularly the single 23kg weight limit for checked luggage. These organizations are suggesting a thorough examination of the current fee system and a reconsideration of the strict weight constraints. The primary issue appears to be the non-negotiable nature of the excess baggage charges, which many passengers feel are unfairly burdensome. This is especially true for those traveling with families, or individuals undertaking longer trips, where exceeding a single 23kg bag is almost inevitable.

The argument from these groups is that the policy could lead to increased and unanticipated travel expenses, particularly for those who cannot easily condense their luggage. The unyielding enforcement of the weight restriction, coupled with fees that are not refundable, raises questions about the airline's customer-centric approach and the fairness of its pricing model. These voices are advocating for a re-evaluation of Air Canada’s baggage charges and regulations to ensure they are more reasonable and adaptable to the varied needs of the traveling public. The call is for a more flexible system that takes into account the realities of modern travel, rather than a rigid structure that could penalize passengers for what may be standard travel requirements.