Air Canada Removes Free Carry-On Luggage for Basic Fare

Air Canada announced today it will be adjusting Basic and Comfort economy fare tickets effective Jan. 3, 2025.

The biggest change is to the luggage policy for its lowest-priced Basic fare for flights in North America and Sun routes. Guests traveling on tickets purchased on or after Jan. 3 will no longer have one piece of complimentary carry-on luggage. 

Anything larger than a small personal item (i.e. a purse) will need to be checked at security. This includes large backpacks, roller bags, and duffel bags. The cost to check luggage is $35 for the first bag and $50 for the second. 

The fee for bringing ineligible carry-on items to the boarding gate will be $65 per item.  

Mobility aids, medical devices, and child strollers are exempt from carry-on charges for all customers. As well, Status members, Star Alliance Gold, and Aeroplan premium credit cardholders will continue to be entitled to one carry-on bag, and their other benefits will also continue to apply.

For Comfort fare ticket holders (worldwide), Air Canada is increasing the complimentary checked luggage to two items. Currently, that ticket category includes one checked bag. 

Other Changes Coming to Air Canada’s Basic Fare Tickets

Air Canada is also changing seat selection for Basic economy fare tickets.

Beginning Jan. 21, 2025, Basic fare customers will have to pay to select their seat. At check-in, a seat will be automatically assigned; those who want to change that selection will be required to pay a fee.

Basic economy fare customers will continue to have the option to pay to select a seat at the time of booking.

For more information about Air Canada and the upcoming changes, please visit https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/fare-options-and-fees.html#/.