Kelowna 
Air Canada has announced changes to its Basic and Comfort fares impacting baggage policies, seat selection, and checked luggage allowances.
Air Canada
Key Updates to Basic Fare
- Baggage Policy:
- Basic fare passengers on North America and Sun routes may carry one small personal item (e.g., a purse or laptop bag).
- Larger items like large backpacks, roller boards or duffel bags must be checked, with fees set at $35 for the first bag and $50 for the second.
- Oversized carry-ons brought to the gate will incur a $65 fee.
- Exemptions include mobility aids, medical devices, and strollers. Status members, Star Alliance Gold, and Aeroplan premium credit cardholders retain one carry-on bag as part of their benefits.
- Seat Selection:
- Complimentary seat assignments at check-in will remain.
- From January 21, 2025, changing a pre-assigned seat will incur a fee based on the selected seat.
- Families, travelling companions, and those needing assistance will continue to be seated together per current policy.
Enhancements to Comfort Fare
- Increased Baggage Allowance:
- Comfort fare passengers will see an increase in checked luggage. Tickets purchased on or after January 3, 2025, will allow two complimentary checked bags, up from the current one.
The revisions mean those travelling on basic fare within the country, to the U.S., and the Sun destinations must pay and check in carry-on luggage.
Air Canada, in the news release, states, “These changes align the airline’s fare structure with similar fare offerings by other Canadian carriers and better distinguish its fare brands.”
