New Carry-On Charges From Air Canada Receive Mixed Reviews

In 2024, Air Canada earned accolades for creating an easier boarding process by way of facial recognition technology, but the praise for the new rollout was not universal. Similarly, changes to Air Canada’s fee scheme received mixed reviews from travelers and the Canadian government. ‘

Changes to Air Canada’s carry-on fee structure affect all passengers taking Air Canada flights within the Americas, and not everyone is thrilled about it. However, Air Canada appears to be following industry competitors in implementing these fees.

Air Canada Updated Its Policy To Add Carry-On Charges In 2025

Simple Flying reported Air Canada’s policy change in early December 2024. The change to policy would mean carry-on charges for larger bags beginning in January 2025, noted Simple Flying.

The $35 fee, Simple Flying states, applies to basic fare travelers for “larger” carry-on items like roller bags. At the gate, the fee is $65. Purses and laptop bags—considered smaller items—are exempt from the new fee schedule.

An airplane Air Canada 787 aircraft plane flying at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Mississauga, Canada

Other fee changes by Air Canada for 2025 include a seat change fee, although comfort fares will be able to check two complimentary bags rather than a single bag. Commenters on Simple Flying’s review of the changes pointed out that competitors, such as Westjet, Flair, and Porter, also have similar policies. However, not all consumers responded positively to the news.

Yahoo! News also reported on the fee changes, which apply to Air Canada flights within the Americas. Yahoo reported the fee as $25 for the first carry-on luggage piece, and $36 for the second. Consumer comments on the news item indicated that many travelers are in agreement with Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand, who criticized the move.

The most popular responses to Yahoo’s report was one that criticized Air Canada’s fee changes, with a consumer writing, “More reasons to not travel by air.” However, comments also showed support for the decision, albeit not the strategy of rolling it out, with one comment noting, “Everybody knows that one has to pay for checked baggage on many domestic flights. Stop trying to hide the fees.”

The carry-on fee changes apply to Air Canada’s Economy Basic fare, and apparently do not include other types of tickets. Air Canada states that there is no longer a standard carry-on bag allowed “on certain itineraries.”

Air Canada also states that its fees are subject to change without notice, and also that “any non-compliant baggage will be assessed and is subject to applicable baggage fees.”

Frontier Airlines CEO Previously Defended Airlines For Charging Carry-On Fees

Frontier Airlines

Prior to the fee increase at Air Canada, Frontier Airlines faced the Senate accusation that the airline was overcharging and even exploiting customers with “junk fees,” per The Independent. Frontier Airlines’ CEO Barry Biffle, in a comment unrelated to Air Canada’s announcement, suggested that consumers who attempt to board a flight without paying a carry-on fee.

While Frontier Airlines offers lower-cost flights than many competitors, it charges fees between $30 and $99 for carry-on bags, notes The Independent. Checked bags that are oversize can cost between $75 and $100.

Which airlines charge for carry-ons?

As reported by Quartz, various major airlines charge for carry-on bags. While Hawaiian Airlines’, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue’s carry-ons are free, airlines like Frontier, Spirit, and United charge variable fees based on when tickets (and add-ons) are purchased.

References: Simple Flying, Yahoo! News, CTV News, Air Canada