MONTREAL — Air Canada (TSX:AC.B) is going to start charging passengers a fee to check even one bag when they fly economy class to the United States.
Infants travelling on an adult’s lap will still be allowed one car seat and one stroller at no additional cost, but luggage checked on their behalf will also face the new charge.
The country’s largest carrier informed passengers on its website that it will charge $25 for the first checked bag and will tack on another $5 to bring the cost for a second bag to $35, bringing the total cost for two bags to $60. There will also be a new $70 charge for second bags on some international flights, though the first checked piece remains free of charge. The charges apply to tickets issued beginning next Wednesday for travel on or after Oct. 11.
The checked bags must have a maximum weight of no more than 23 kilograms. The Montreal-based carrier isn’t changing its baggage fees for flights within Canada. The first bag is free but a second checked bag costs $20.