Air Canada, WestJet raising checked bag fees
Canada’s big two airlines are hiking checked bag fees.
It comes just days after JetBlue announced it was raising fees for first and second checked bags on all flights.
Air Canada and WestJet announced price increases for the first checked bag to CAD$30 from $25, and $30 to $50 for the second.
Air Canada’s new baggage fees take effect on flights departing from October 5 for domestic journeys and to the US, the Caribbean and Mexico.
"This is the first change since 2014 and will help offset overall increasing costs and keep overall ticket prices competitive," said Air Canada spokesperson Isabelle Arthur.
Air Canada’s economy flex and economy comfort bookings will still have the first checked bag free of charge, and members of the military continue to have up to three free checked bags.
WestJet’s increased fees kick in for flights starting October 1.
"By raising fees for optional services, such as checked bags, we can continue to maintain the lower fares our guests expect," stated WestJet spokesperson Lauren Stewart.
The new fees are waived for WestJet Plus passengers, gold and silver rewards members, and for bookings made with RBC World Elite Mastercards.
Fellow Canadian carrier Porter Airlines said it has no immediate plans to increase bag fees.
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