Air Canada announced today that it will be making changes to its Basic and Comfort Economy fares. The changes will go into effect on January 3, 2025 to better align the airline’s fare structure with similar fare offerings by other Canadian carriers and better distinguish its fare brands.
Air Canada Basic Fare Changes
Air Canada’s Basic Economy fare for North America and Sun routes (this appears to be the carrier’s winter leisure routes), will no longer be able to bring large carry-on bags onboard on tickets purchases on or after January 3, 2025. Passengers will still be able to bring on board one small personal item, such as a purse or computer bag.
Larger items, such as roller-board or duffel bags, or large backpacks, will have to be checked pre-security and standard fees of $35 for a first bag and $50 for a second bag will apply. Passengers who arrive at the boarding gate with ineligible carry-on items will be further penalized as a $65 fee will be required to check each item.
Wheelchairs, medical devices, and strollers are still allowed on board free of charge, regardless of fare type. Star Alliance Gold members and Aeroplan credit card holders are still entitled to one free carry-on.
Air Canada’s Basic fare will still include complimentary seat assignment at check-in for passengers who did not pay to select seats in advance. However, beginning January 21, 2025, customers travelling on a Basic Economy fare who wish to change their seat from the one automatically assigned check-in will be required to pay for that change. The fee will be based on the new seat that has chosen.
Air Canada Comfort Fare Changes
It’s not all bad news on the fee front as Air Canada is making improvements to its Economy Comfort fares. The airline is increasing the checked baggage allowance for passengers travelling around the world on an Economy Comfort fare. Passengers who book their tickets on or after January 3, 2025 will be allowed to check two complimentary bags. Currently, Economy Comfort fares only allow for one.
Summary
January 3, 2025 is the date you need to make note of if you’re planning to book Basic or Comfort fares on Air Canada. If you’re booking a Basic fare, do so before January 3 if you want to bring on a carry-on item. If you’re planning to book a Comfort fare, wait until after January 3 to get an extra checked bag.
This seems like a nightmare for enforcement in the short term but, the carrier has recently rolled out new facial recognition boarding in Vancouver with plans to expand to other airports and American has new software that will alert a gate agent if you’re boarding outside of your zone. Safe to say the airlines have the data to enforce this so don’t roll the dice and book accordingly.
(Images courtesy Air Canada and Lorenz von Schimonsky)