Air Canada is revising its Basic Economy fare structure, making significant changes that will affect travelers seeking the lowest-priced tickets. Starting January 3, 2025, passengers who purchase Basic fares for North American and Sun routes will no longer be permitted to bring a free carry-on bag. Instead, only one small personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, will be allowed in the cabin. Larger items, such as roller bags or duffel bags, will need to be checked in prior to security.
The policy shift means that Basic Economy passengers will face additional fees for checked luggage: $35 for the first bag, $50 for a second, and a hefty $65 charge for any carry-on item brought to the gate. However, travelers with Star Alliance Gold status or certain Aeroplan premium credit card holders will retain the privilege of one free carry-on bag.
Seat Selection and Other Changes
In addition to the carry-on policy overhaul, Air Canada will also modify its Basic fare seating options. Starting January 21, 2025, passengers purchasing Basic fares will no longer be able to change their assigned seats for free. Seat changes will incur an additional fee, depending on the seat chosen. Families and passengers needing assistance will continue to have priority for seating together, and benefits for Status and credit card members will remain unchanged.
Comfort Fare Updates
Air Canada’s Comfort economy fare will also undergo changes. From January 3, 2025, onward, passengers booking Comfort fares will be entitled to two free checked bags on international flights, an improvement over the current allowance of just one.
The introduction of these new policies aligns Air Canada with similar practices by other Canadian carriers, but it has sparked concerns among travelers, particularly those who rely on carrying more than just a personal item. Critics argue that the move is a disguised fare increase, catering to the growing trend of “ultra-low-cost” carriers, such as Frontier and Spirit, rather than maintaining Air Canada’s full-service reputation.
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