Air travel often seems to offer less for more. The space is shrinking, the perks are dwindling, and even the basics seem to be disappearing. So, what’s the latest development?

Starting from January 3, Air Canada has decided to change its policies for passengers with basic fare tickets. These passengers will no longer be allowed to carry on a bag while flying to specific destinations. The carry-on bags will now have to be checked prior to reaching the gate. A fee will be charged for this service, and those who arrive at the gate with an ineligible bag will face a $65 cost.

On January 21, an additional change will take place. Basic fare passengers wishing to switch their free seats at check-in will also be charged a fee. According to John Gradek, head of the aviation management program at McGill University, this seems like a strategy from Air Canada to boost their revenues through increased prices.

Earlier this year, WestJet also introduced its UltraBasic fare across domestic and trans-border routes. This fare removed the allowance of carry-on bags, and passengers were assigned seats at the back of the plane unless they opted to pay an additional fee.

Barry Choi, a personal finance and air travel commentator, suggested that competition could be the driving force behind these changes. Both WestJet and Porter already offer basic fares without carry-on allowance. This move from Air Canada now allows consumers to compare the offerings of each airline before making a decision.

Choi also added that airlines might be altering their policies around carry-on bags, particularly for basic fare passengers, to minimize boarding slowdowns.

However, the changes, specifically by Air Canada, have been met with criticism. Canada’s Transport Minister, Anita Anand, expressed her disappointment at the move. In response, the government is striving to bring more transparency to air travel, with measures included in the recent federal budget to make airline fees easier to understand.

While these changes are set to take effect next month, Gradek warns that this won’t be the end. He feels that these fees are a significant source of revenue for the airlines and expects more changes to come.

The global sentiment towards these fees is changing, and perhaps it’s time for Canada to follow suit. Gradek suggests that it may be time to revisit the regulation and commercial oversight of airlines, with the possibility of the government stepping in to mandate certain changes. However, a spokesperson stated that such decisions are made by the airlines, and the government cannot intervene in the market.

As changes continue to occur in the air travel industry, it’s crucial for passengers to stay informed and make the best decisions for their travel needs.