Air Canada staff subjected to abuse after carry-on crackdown
A month after imposing stricter rules on carry-on bags, some Air Canada customer service agents say they are having a hard time dealing with abusive travelers.
Unifor, the union representing agents, has asked the airline to recruit only willing volunteers to work in these positions which union representative, Sheila Fardy calls ‘horrible.’
"Some agents are having quite a difficult time, passengers have been quite abusive," Fardy said.
She said the majority of passengers are understanding but "the bad five per cent can make for a difficult day."
Fardy believes a call for willing volunteers to cover the duty would be to the benefit of all.
"If somebody chooses it, they’ll at least know what they’re in for. They’ll be less resentful."
According to Air Canada spokesperson, Peter Fitzpatrick, the carry-on crackdown has been affective.
We have had a great deal of positive feedback from customers who appreciate that space is being apportioned more equitably," Fitzpatrick said, but declined to comment on the union claims.
Aviation analyst Fred Lazar says the new rules have sparked a passenger backlash because the airline has not been consistent with its carry-on limits in the past.
The York University professor also expects more short-term hostility as Air Canada has just introduced a $25 fee for the first checked bag.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025