Air Canada Drops Second Bag Fee, Adds Fuel Charges to Fares

Air Canada said that in response to decreasing fuel prices the airline is eliminating all second checked bag charges implemented this spring and incorporating fuel surcharges into its advertised base fares on North American flights.

“Although the cost of fuel remains highly volatile and far above historic norms, the recent retreat in oil prices is enabling us to reinstate our previous baggage policy,” said Ben Smith, Air Canada’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “We are eliminating the second checked bag charge on North American Tango and Tango Plus fares, reflecting our customers’ expressed preferences. Further, Air Canada is making its pricing more transparent by removing add-on fuel surcharges for flights within North America and instead adjusting its base fares to cover the total cost of fuel.”

Since Sept. 23, Air Canada eliminated the $25 fee for second checked bags that was introduced May 15 for Tango and Tango Plus fares within North America. Air Canada becomes the first major North American carrier to remove second checked bag fees introduced this year to help offset record high oil prices.

As of Oct. 14, it will simplify its excess baggage fees by introducing a single $75 fee for travel within North America ($100 international) for overweight and/or oversize pieces. This new policy replaces the standard industry practice of imposing individual fees for each situation.

For bags exceeding the free allowance, the excess piece fee will now include any applicable overweight or oversize fees. A10 percent discount on excess piece fees is offered when fees are paid while checking-in online at aircanada.com or at an airport self-service kiosk.