Air Canada has implemented new fees for passengers booking economy basic fares who wish to change their assigned seat at check-in. While a complimentary seat assignment is still included at check-in for those who did not pay for advanced seat selection, a fee will now apply if they wish to change their seat. This change, along with others implemented by the airline this month, has caused frustration among customers and the federal government. One significant change also included in the new policy is the removal of carry-on bag allowance for economy basic fares for passengers travelling within Canada, to and from the U.S., and to and from sun destinations like Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Passengers connecting to an international destination are exempt from the carry-on bag restriction.
Transport Minister Anita Anand expressed her concern over the removal of the carry-on bag allowance, stating that it would result in additional expenses for Canadians who wish to bring a carry-on bag. Despite these changes, Air Canada has reassured passengers that they remain committed to seating those who require an assistant or families together, in accordance with their current policy that prioritizes keeping travelling companions together. The new fees for seat changes apply to passengers booking economy basic fares flying domestically or to select sun destinations, and the change can be made online, through the airline’s mobile app, or at a check-in kiosk.
The recent changes implemented by Air Canada have sparked frustration among passengers and government officials alike. The removal of carry-on bag allowances for economy basic fares has led to concerns over additional costs for travelers. The fee for changing assigned seats at check-in adds another layer of inconvenience for passengers booking basic economy fares. However, Air Canada has maintained its commitment to ensuring that those requiring assistance or traveling as a family are seated together, following their existing policy prioritizing the placement of traveling companions together.
The new fees for seat changes and the removal of carry-on bag allowances for select destinations have received backlash from travelers and government officials. Passengers booking economy basic fares will now have to pay an additional fee if they wish to change their assigned seat at check-in. Despite these changes, Air Canada has stated that they will continue to prioritize seating passengers requiring assistance or traveling as a family together. The airline remains committed to ensuring that traveling companions are seated together, despite the recent adjustments in their policies.
The introduction of new fees for seat changes and the removal of carry-on bag allowances for certain destinations has caused frustration among passengers and the federal government. Travelers booking economy basic fares will now face additional charges if they wish to change their assigned seat at check-in. Despite these changes, Air Canada has reiterated its commitment to seating passengers requiring assistance or traveling as a family together. The policy adjustments have sparked concerns over potential extra costs for travelers, prompting Transport Minister Anita Anand to express her worries about the implications of these changes on Canadian travelers.
