Air Canada reviewing WestJet’s increased baggage fees
Posted September 15, 2014 4:20 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Canada’s largest airline is remaining silent when it comes to increased baggage fees.
WestJet has introduced a $25 fee on checked bags on all flights within North America.
Air Canada already has identical fees on flights between Canada and the US but none on flights within the country.
In a short statement, the company didn’t say if it will also start charging for checked bags.
“Air Canada always monitors industry developments such as this with great interest. We will evaluate it going forward.”
Aviation expert Joseph D’Cruz with the University of Toronto says the airline has likely already made up its mind now that WestJet has fired the first volley.
“Air Canada will definitely follow suit if WestJet persists,” says D’Cruz.
Although, he admits WestJet may not stick with the formula if it doesn’t work. “There’s a good possibility that WestJet may change its mind if there’s a big backlash.
“If there’s going to be a backlash it’s going to be very early and they’ll know within two months if this is something they want to continue or not,” he adds.
D’Cruz says WestJet is trying to squeeze out as much profit as it can from checked baggage as travellers start to shift away from packing large.
“More and more, what’s happening is the bulk of travellers today are taking carry-on baggage and in fact, that’s becoming quite inconvenient,” he explains.
