Air travel keeps getting more expensive. If they don’t get you with the airfare or taxes, they punish you with higher checked luggage fees. As of October 5, WestJet and Air Canada economy travellers will pay $30 for the first bag and $50 for the second bag. This compares to previous fees of $25 and $30. Those with flex fares pay no fee for the first checked bag and $50 for the second.
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According to Lauren Stewart, WestJet spokesperson, the increase in baggage fees will “offset higher costs in today’s challenging and competitive market, while continuing to offer competitive prices for” guests. Their excuse is that charging more for optional services, such as checked bags, they can continue to maintain lower fees. When did checking a bag become an optional service? In addition, travellers will pay $75 for overweight and oversized bags.
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Air Canada also claims their fee increase maintains competitive ticket prices and note that it’s the first increase since 2014. These new baggage fees apply to flights across Canada, to and from the U.S., Caribbean, and Mexico. Air Canada Economy Flex and Economy Comfort travellers continue to check in their first bag free of charge. The fee does not apply to Altitude Prestige, Elite, and Super Elite members, Star Alliance Silver and Gold members, and Air Canada Vacations packages.
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Customers flying Signature and Business Class customers continue to receive an allowance of two checked bags, and military personnel (with identification) get up to three checked bags, regardless of destination. Air Canada travellers can still check in a car seat and stroller free of charge as additional pieces of baggage.
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Source: DailyHive.com
Featured Image: Instagram/@aircanada