Canadian air travel continues its evolution, and a significant part of that change in 2025 has been the introduction of carry-on baggage fees by major airlines like Air Canada and Air Transat. These policies, often attached to specific fare classes or routes, have reshaped how both frequent and occasional flyers approach their travel plans. Understanding these fees, their exemptions, and how they might affect your travel budget is now more crucial than ever.
Airline travel in Canada is getting more expensive, and carry-on baggage fees are at the forefront of this change. Air Canada's new carry-on charge earlier in 2025 received mixed reactions, to put it nicely. This policy requires passengers to pay for carry-on baggage beyond a small backpack or handbag. Following suit, Air Transat implemented a similar ruling as of Tuesday, which has proven unpopular among travelers. This move seems to be setting a trend across the industry, with other airlines potentially following. We'll explore which flights are affected, how much you might pay, and what this means for the future of air travel in Canada.
Following the examples of Air Canada and WestJet, carry-on baggage is no longer included for cheaper flights with Air Transat. As of Tuesday, travelers will only be allowed to bring a small backpack or handbag for free. All other items will incur standard fees, as reported by Global News. This change primarily affects domestic flights or flights to the US, where a charge will be applied for eco-budget or eco-standard tickets. Essentially, a cheaper ticket now means you could pay up to $50 plus tax to stow a piece of luggage in the overhead compartment.
Air Transat did issue some flight exemptions for these new charges. These exemptions include flights to Europe, Morocco, Peru, and all Transat all-inclusive packages. In a statement regarding the changes, Air Transat cited the need to align with other airlines and remain competitive. The airline argues that this adjustment will ultimately enable more competitive airfares. However, as expected, reactions at airports and online have been overwhelmingly negative.
At Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, travelers expressed their displeasure about the additional charges. This sentiment mirroring the reaction Air Canada received just a month prior when they introduced similar carry-on charges. For Air Canada, the changes took effect on January 3, 2025, adjusting their economy basic and economy comfort fares to allow only one personal article. The new rule states: "Air Canada Economy Basic fare tickets purchased on or after January 3, 2025, will no longer include carry-on baggage. Customers will only be permitted to bring one personal article when traveling within Canada, to and from the U.S. (including Hawaii and Puerto Rico), to and from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean."
Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand took exception to Air Canada's change, highlighting the government's concern about the direction of these airline policies. This ongoing debate underscores the broader issue of how these fees are reshaping air travel in Canada. As more airlines consider such charges, it seems only a matter of time before every flight includes some form of carry-on baggage policy. Here's a closer look at what to expect moving forward into 2026.
Looking ahead, the impact of these fees on traveler behavior and airline revenue models is significant. Passengers are now faced with decisions not just about when and where they fly, but also about how they pack. For example, choosing a fare that doesn't include carry-on might save money upfront but could lead to higher costs if baggage needs to be checked last minute. This shift requires a new level of planning and awareness from travelers.
Moreover, the fees are structured to encourage booking higher fare classes that include these benefits, pushing consumers towards more premium options. Airlines argue that such unbundling allows for lower base fares, giving travelers more choice. However, the reality for many is that the total cost of travel is increasing, making it essential to understand and anticipate these additional charges.
In conclusion, the landscape of air travel in Canada is changing, with carry-on baggage fees becoming a more common part of the flying experience. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, staying informed about these costs is crucial. As we move further into 2026, it's likely that we'll see further developments and perhaps even some regulatory responses to these changes. For now, adapting to this new reality is key for anyone looking to take to the skies in Canada.
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