The once-ubiquitous complimentary carry-on has become an endangered species.
Driving the news: Starting on Jan. 3, 2025, customers flying with Air Canada’s lowest-cost Basic tier to some destinations will have to pay $35 for a carry-on, and an extra $50 fee for a second bag. What’s more, if you try to bring a bag that’s deemed too big to be a carry-on, you’ll get hit with a $65 fee.
- Status members, Star Alliance Gold members, and Aeroplan premium cardholders will still get a free carry-on, in case you need more proof airports breed resentment.
Why it matters: The days of cramming your carry-on to the brim to avoid the hassles and fees of checked baggage appear to be over. Free on-board baggage is out as airlines look to offset cheap fares, streamline operations, and drive customers to sign up for rewards plans.
- Air Canada follows in the footsteps of WestJet, which ended free carry-ons for its lowest-fare option this year. Porter also charges for carry-ons at its lowest fare.
Zoom out: Excessive airline fees are coming under fire elsewhere. The U.S. Senate just dropped a report putting major airlines on blast for profiting off of carry-on charges and other “junk fees.” Meanwhile, a Portuguese court ruled that it’s illegal to charge for carry-ons.—QH
