Air Canada to drop carry-on bags for some basic fare flights next year

A major blow to its travelers and in a bid to fine-tune its options, Air Canada has rolled out changes to its baggage policies to its basic fare flights effective from 2024. This can shift the ways through which passengers select their ticket classes and engage themselves for a trip. Regardless of whether a person is an experienced traveler who often flies or a tourist who flies at least once a year, it is important to know and understand what the consequences of this policy shift are. Here is some information you might want to be aware of concerning the changes that are to occur in the future and how they are going to impact your traveling.

Air Canada’s new policy on carry-on bags

From next year, passengers who purchase the cheapest basic fare tickets on Air Canada flights will not be allowed to take a regular carry-on bag on board with them. This decision ensures that Air Canada is on par with other airline companies that have penned down rules for their basic fare products. The purpose is to manage boarding and consolidate the supply of heavily discounted fares. But items such as a handbag laptop bag or backpack will still be permitted if they can fit under the seat.

Why the change?

The introduction of this policy is a slight shift from other policies that airlines have been adopting to segment their services regarding fare classes. Since standard Air Canada carry-on luggage is limited for basic fares, it allows the airline to offer more options to the budget-conscious while keeping premium options available. This change also assists in decreasing the crowding in the overhead bins, which in turn leads to improved load and discharge time.

What is allowed in basic fare?

A basic fare passenger is not allowed on Air Canada carry-on size that is larger than the size permitted approved; nevertheless, a passenger is allowed to carry a personal item that has not exceeded a size and weight limitation. This makes sure that items such as laptops, small backpacks, or purses are easily reachable during the flight. The size of these personal belongings has to be precise to meet Air Canada baggage requirements and prevent extra fees.

How does this impact travelers?

For many passengers, carry-on baggage is necessary for easy access during the flight and to avoid extra charges. This new policy will require those who intend to travel on basic fares to think a lot before packing their check-in luggage. Here are some scenarios to consider:

Short trips: The size of your carry-on depends on how much you pack: if you’re traveling with just a small personal item, it may be adequate, particularly for one- or two-day journeys.

Family travel: Those who book flights at basic fares may be required to take a higher risk to avoid difficulty in packing some items.

Long-haul flights: When traveling to India or other connecting flights, packing is even more essential, as the Air Canada carry-on size for basic fares is limited.

Tips for navigating the new baggage rules:

To make the most of your travel experience under the new policy, consider these tips:

Check baggage options: If you think that you will require more space than a small personal item, consider purchasing a higher fare class that comes with standard Air Canada carry-on items.

Pack strategically: Make the best out of your personal item by rolling your clothes and accessing packing cubes.

Prepay for baggage: Self-check in where the customer pays for checked baggage is expensive most of the time compared to when you prebooked your checked luggage.

Verify dimensions: Make sure that your personal item fits the Air Canada baggage policy so that you are not choked by extra fees.

For travelers to India:

That is the reason why the change of policy is significant for every passenger who has to fly from Canada to India with Air Canada flights. Of all the important considerations when flying over long distances, the amount of luggage required differs depending on the categories of the fare. The very last available possibility might be paying for a checked or carry-on luggage fare, which can offer easy traveling.

The bigger picture: Evolving air travel

Because airlines are constantly in the process of responding to market conditions, such as these changes are the result of market conditions. The changes in Air Canada baggage policies explain the increasing trend of providing multiple service options for travelers. While this is good news for those who want to save money while flying, it once again shifts a lot of responsibility on the passengers, to know the rules that apply to this kind of fares.

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