Baggage Fees on Air Canada

[Topspin]

You just lost my business AC.. you aren't the only game in town...

If they are bumping oversize/overweight items on a space available basis, I am fairly sure they don't care. They are therefore likely hauling cargo that generates a lot more revenue than your domestic ticket.

I fail to see how this is really a big deal, I would have thought that a much bigger deal would have been paying for a pillow/headset. IMHO thats what really steps aside from the industry, and companies have to make money, not cater to each individual customers needs.

Besides who says your luggage will actually arrive anyway

[linecrew]

I fail to see how this is really a big deal, I would have thought that a much bigger deal would have been paying for a pillow/headset.

It's just yet another thing being removed from their services which other carriers provide as a normal passenger service. Individually this is just another simple Air Canada shenanigan (like day old shitty subs from Subway at premium prices) but if you add up all that has either been taken away or what now costs more for the traveller, it kinda rots.

[YWGVOR]

When my bike is worth more than my car, and I intend on going racing or make a training camp mini vacation out of it, it is a HUGE deal... kind of helps to go to a race in say Vancouver and know your main piece of luggage and the purpose of your trip is arriving with you...

You just lost my business AC.. you aren't the only game in town...

If they are bumping oversize/overweight items on a space available basis, I am fairly sure they don't care. They are therefore likely hauling cargo that generates a lot more revenue than your domestic ticket.

I fail to see how this is really a big deal, I would have thought that a much bigger deal would have been paying for a pillow/headset. IMHO thats what really steps aside from the industry, and companies have to make money, not cater to each individual customers needs.

Besides who says your luggage will actually arrive anyway

[F-16]

FYI....

The charge is only for Tango or Tango plus customers within N. America.

The old baggage allotments still count for Lattitue and exec. customers in N. America and ALL customers for anything outside of N. America.

YWGVOR - going to Hawaii on AC - the plane will always be a 767 - lots of room for a bike.

Cheers

[whiteguy]

I fail to see how this is really a big deal, I would have thought that a much bigger deal would have been paying for a pillow/headset.

It's just yet another thing being removed from their services which other carriers provide as a normal passenger service. Individually this is just another simple Air Canada shenanigan (like day old shitty subs from Subway at premium prices) but if you add up all that has either been taken away or what now costs more for the traveller, it kinda rots.

No it doesn't cost more to from A to B thats what the fare is if you want others services pay for it. Don't blame Air Canada blame the pax that want the WS price and expect the "OLD" AC service.

And no this isn't a AC shenanigan since most of the majors in the US and Europe are doing the same thing.

[linecrew]

And no this isn't a AC shenanigan since most of the majors in the US and Europe are doing the same thing.

That's not necessarily true. Was in Europe last year and this is simply not the industry norm. And when I said shenanaingans it was a nice way of saying further bullshit. Enjoy your sub.

[PilotFlying]

It's just yet another thing being removed from their services which other carriers provide as a normal passenger service. Individually this is just another simple Air Canada shenanigan (like day old shitty subs from Subway at premium prices) but if you add up all that has either been taken away or what now costs more for the traveller, it kinda rots.

What everyone is failing to realize here is that the recent 'reductions' in service aren't reductions at all, but a move to improve the conventional airline ticket in the way of providing choice. Air Canada's whole new philosophy is to provide flexible, custom-made tickets that fit each traveller's individual needs. If you want the same old full-service ticket that includes everything from meals to hotel arrangements in the event of a cancellation, you can select these options and pay what you would have paid for the 'old-fashioned' ticket in the first place. Those who don't care about all the little frills and are just as happy to pay $5 for a sandwich at Subway and carry it on the plane (which will probably taste better and cost less anyway), can opt out of these extras and save a buck, hence paying what you would for a 'low-cost' ticket.

These changes are in effect creating a semi-legacy airline and a low-cost airline all operating within the same framework. Pure genious, if you ask me. Yet again one more way that Air Canada is revolutionizing the way people travel. It's good to see that the people actually making the decisions can think outside the box.

Cheers,

[kevenv]

Everyone keeps slamming Air Canada for the fees they impose, the crappy food you have to buy etc. Have you flown Westjet recently? No free head set like Air Canada, you have to buy it. No free movies like Air Canada, you have to pay for them. Crappy food for purchase just like Air Canada. Why is no one berating them? How long do you think it will be before Westjet follows suit with the luggage limit? I bet they wait until the furor subsides and then they will claim they are only following industry trend and have to do something about rising fuel charges.

My favorite comment on here was the one that said they would gladly pay more for their ticket to receive a higher level of service. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. What do you think these fees are? Of course you also have the option of paying more for a "better" class of ticket.

[xkbal]

I disagree with you guys...
This might not apply to Tango but more in regards to Air Canada.
I travel to and from work internationaly and work long rotations.... Now when I head out to East Africa, I usually fly with KLM or Ethiopean Airlines, both of whom have an 40-60KG weight limit before going into the ''over-weight, over charge'' bill. However, to connect to these flights from Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal I usually take Air Canada, and get charged up the wazooo for it... Now if other international carriers can give me such a baggage allowance why can't my own National Airline do the same?

For what it's worth I believe AC still allows 2 bags at 23 kg each for international or a code share flight connecting to their international flights. I just got in from Scotland last night and travelled AC yeg-lhr then BMI lhr-abz and that's how it worked there and back and I believe that it would be the same for any of the Star Alliance outfits. For what it's worth I've worked months at a time in some interesting places worldwide and never had issues with baggage limits (well not 100% true, I almost always had to pay extra for the toolbox but can't really complain about that)

[bmc]

I personally think all travel should be on a weight basis. It is for cargo.... and people should be no different. It costs airlines money to move weight, and it should cost the consumer.

Why should a 85lb teenager pay as much as a 285lb fast food junkie.

There should be a ~180lb basic, and then every pound over is $X, whether it be luggage or fat ass.

If this was adopted, (although it never would be thanks to human rights lobbyists) ticket prices would greatly decrease for the average sensible consumer.

...or the airlines might hold out selling tickets to lighter passenger in favor of widebodies. Larger people would become higher yielding passengers.

[Dust Devil]

I figure it's Air Canada's business. They can charge what they want. But when I evaluate the two majors in our country I'll go WJ. The only advantage AC has over WJ is the number of destinations they serve and that difference is shrinking all the time. AC has for years treated it's customers as a nuisance and this is one more example. The woman and I traveled for 2 months on AC's winter getaway passes and we actually counted 2 AC employees who had smiles on their faces and greeted us (both at the check in counter and on the aircraft). It's a company that has it's place and has no need to change so it won't.

[bmc]

Low cost airlines in Europe are charging for baggage, aisle seat, window seat, snack, meal, etc. It's not a new concept. Just new to Canada, I guess.

Oil is at $120 a barrel. Two years ago it was around $30. Someone has to pay for that.

[trey kule]

WJ has created a bit of a myth about prices. It may be that you can still get deals, but I fly right across canada and back on a fairly regular basis with last minute bookings. WJ is just not cheaper anymore, and I find myself using AC more and more..particularily with the WJ sardine seats.

As to the weasel charges. seems consumers only look at the starting price...$150.00 for example. then add in taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees, airport fees, headset (WJ only),meals, drinks, and now baggage charges, and you have a total cost of usually almost twice as much. as long as the sheep buy into it (pun inteneded) they will keep using this tactic. Kudos to websites like travelocity for giving you the all up price. I would really like to see people surcharged for the "carry on" luggaage that resembles a VW bus.

Personally, I dont care about the smiles, but the corny jokes on Wj are getting a little thin when you travel all the time.

Nothing is going to change until people (like they did to the car rental companies) start to complain that these "surcharges" are a part of business expenses and not revenue sources.

[whiteguy]

And no this isn't a AC shenanigan since most of the majors in the US and Europe are doing the same thing.

That's not necessarily true. Was in Europe last year and this is simply not the industry norm. And when I said shenanaingans it was a nice way of saying further bullshit. Enjoy your sub.

Oh well, you were there last year! I guess everything is exactly the same, my mistake. And they're Quiznos. Once again airlines are there to make money. WS charges for services and its called an industry leader with great new ideas. AC does it and its called gouging the customer. Same price for the same services yet AC is still bashed.

[anonymity]

Air Canada to charge $25 for second bag; WestJet may follow
Posted: April 25, 2008, 1:06 PM by Scott Deveau
Transportation
WestJet Airlines Ltd. says it too is considering charging passengers for checking a second bag after its larger domestic rival, Air Canada, said it would start doing so this summer on some of its flights in an effort to offset soaring fuel prices.

Air Canada, the country's largest carrier, said Friday it would begin charging $25 to its passengers as of May 15 to check a second bag on flights after July 15 within Canada and the United States, including Hawaii, for Tango and Tango Plus passengers.

"In an environment of record high and unrelenting fuel costs it is more critical than ever that the airline reviews its product offering to ensure it can continue to offer everyday low fares," said Duncan Dee, Air Canada chief administrative officer, announcing the new policy.

Sky high fuel prices have had several other North American carriers adopt a similar fee in recent months, including Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, and AirTran Airways.

Low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways said Friday it too would begin charging $20 for a second bag as of June 1.

Others, like American Airlines are considering doing the same.

"This policy change is part of the on-going review of our activities that allow us to keep pace with current industry standards and economic realities, while remaining competitive with our main North American competitors," Mr. Dee said.

Air Canada says only about 20% of Tango and Tango Plus passengers [it's two lowest fare brands] check a second bag.

WestJet is also considering charging for second bag in an effort to offset soaring fuel prices, according to Richard Bartrem, WestJet spokesman, now that the Calgary carrier is in the “minority” of North American carriers who don't.

“We are looking at a variety of measures to mitigate the issue,” he said. “What we are trying to do is balance shareholder value with being able to provide value to the guests.”

For every dollar the price of oil rises, WestJet's bottom line is eroded by $5-million on an annualized basis, Mr. Bartrem said.

The second bag fee is just the latest move for Air Canada to monetize services in its operations that were once given free, including charging for pillows, meals, and other services like seat selection.

Earlier this month, Air Canada said it would implement a new service that would provide meal vouchers, accommodations, and bookings on another carrier to passenger whose flights had been delayed for a significant time for incidents outside of its control, including weather. The so-called "On My Way" service costs either $25 or $35 depending on the length of the flight.

Air Canada said the new baggage policy does not apply to business class customers or those with Elite, Super Elite and Prestige members in addition to Star Alliance Gold and Silver members status.

Scott Deveau

[anonymity]

All business class airline Eos folds
Posted: April 28, 2008, 10:17 AM by Scott Deveau
Transportation
Eos Airlines Inc. became the latest U.S. carrier to fold in the face of weakening demand and high fuel prices.

Over the weekend, the all-business-class airline that flies between New York and London filed for bankruptcy protection in a New York court.

The Wall Street Journal [subscription required] reported Monday that the closely held Eos had expected to receive US$50-million in new capital from current investors in order to keep the company profitable in 2009, but its failure to close on the financing left it with "insufficient cash to continue operating."

"This announcement is particularly regrettable since we have achieved so much, including having a term sheet in hand for additional financing," the company said in a statement on its website. "Clearly, even in today's challenging economic and credit environment, investors believe in Eos. Unfortunately, some issues arose that prevented the parties from moving forward."

Eos is the fourth U.S. carrier in the last month to go out of business, joining Aloha Airgroup Inc., ATA Airlines Inc., and Skybus Airlines Inc., which have also folded in the face of high fuel prices and a slowing U.S. economy.


Denver's Frontier Airlines Holdings Inc. also filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this month, but said it would continue to fly through its restructuring.


Eos, which was launched in 2005, flew its last two flight Sunday before shutting down operations. Former British rival Silverjet said it would offer stranded Eos ticket holders a discounted rate on its flights.


It is the second all-business-class airline to fold in recent months, following MAXjet Airways filing for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 24, 2007.



Scott Deveau

Maybe this could've been avoided somehow, if only there was some way of not going out of business.....hmmm maybe if we had just charged for a second bag!!!
Wonder how much a ticket would cost if there was only 1 Domestic Carrier. I seem to recall when there was essentially no competition on a route like YTH-YWG. seems to me round trip airfare was something to the tune of 1500 dollars, give or take a surchare or 2.

[PilotFlying]

WJ has created a bit of a myth about prices... [and] is just not cheaper anymore...

Finally, someone is willing to admit it.

Thanks, trey kule. That was refreshing.

[Donald]

Or you could just fly on Jizz's RJ's where carry-on baggage, and people larger than 5' 10", simply won't fit!

[The Hammer]

I'd rather hunch over for a couple of minutes and have leg room when I get in my seat vs be able to stand up while boarding but then have to cram myself into the seat at Transat or Sky service for 4-10 hrs. There are +40 more pax on a Skyservice 320 than AC's. (J class don't take that much space)

[anonymity]

Or you could just fly on Jizz's RJ's where carry-on baggage, and people larger than 5' 10", simply won't fit!

Donald, where are you getting this info.
I'm 6'3" 270 lbs and I fit in the RJ seats far better than a 737NG's seats. and as for carry on, if youv'e ever actually been on a Jazz RJ you would know that there's a skycheck service for your carry on.

[Norfolk]

Or you could just fly on Jizz's RJ's where carry-on baggage, and people larger than 5' 10", simply won't fit!

Donald, where are you getting this info.
I'm 6'3" 270 lbs and I fit in the RJ seats far better than a 737NG's seats. and as for carry on, if youv'e ever actually been on a Jazz RJ you would know that there's a skycheck service for your carry on.

Now THAT was funny!

[canpilot]

The AC baggage limit is definately a bit rediculous. From personal experience, when you are going to northern communities for long work terms away from home and civilization YOU WANT TO BRING STUFF! Books, movies, and ipod and a fairly healthy ammount of clothes does help.

The last time I was up there..the majority of my clothes were too destroyed to even fathom taking back home. its no different now, Westjet and Canadian Norths extra 20-40 lbs per bag or total (not really sure)makes a huge difference..for me at least...

[grimey]

Maybe this could've been avoided somehow, if only there was some way of not going out of business.....hmmm maybe if we had just charged for a second bag!!!
Wonder how much a ticket would cost if there was only 1 Domestic Carrier. I seem to recall when there was essentially no competition on a route like YTH-YWG. seems to me round trip airfare was something to the tune of 1500 dollars, give or take a surchare or 2.

Maybe if you got your tickets at the last minute. YTH-YWG return on Calm Air usually cost me $50-100 more than YWG-YOW return on WJ, but that was ordering well in advance. Haven't flown with them on my dime since First Air added a stop in YTH, so I don't know about now.

[twotterflogger]

BoostedNihilis

To be honest, you come off like a prick in this post so I'll hitch onto your original dumb statement and go from there.

Ain't that the Kettle calling the pot black! Geez, why dont you read your own statements below and mull that over. Now I re-read what I posted and don't see where I might have come off as a "prick"... Please do enlighten me Mr Kettle

boo-effin-hoo. They aren't saying you can only take 30lbs, they're saying if you need to, you pay. you pay now.

I never said that they would not allow me to take more cargo, I simply said that if KLM and many others can at no charge why can't my own national airline? Whats to f--king wrong with that statement???

Look man, the airlines aren't meant for that kind of cargo. Shipping your needy ass and six months worth of your survival junk is not the intended purpose of Air Canada..

Why should I have to pay for the fuel/services to carry my 30lbs and your extra 20? Thats crap man. You want to haul that much crap, fine, go ahead, you pay for it though. Don't freeload off my ticket fare to haul your junk.

Funny since when I fly first class, I pay surcharges to allow you to get a cheap ticket on economy (And for the record I've never flown first class, just making a point)

You're bringing a tear to my eye... if you can't work within the limitations then I guess you're just S.O.L.

The phrase, 'you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen' comes to mind.

Sorry mate, but you've lost me there.... Please re-read my posts as I never said that I could not deal with those limitations... I simply said that its ironic that I can fly a 10,000 mile trip with another airline with a bigger bagage allowance and not get charged for it... Now it's funny that to connect to those flights I have to travel 500 miles with Air Canada, yet they see it fit to charge me... What gives?

If you're awesome job doesn't supply you enough cash to bring your needed supplies then you are part of the problem not the solution.

Again I must ask, Where the hell do you come up with these sad attempts to insult me? I don't see any relevance to your above comment regarding this thread... Are you jealous that I might fly abrod? (Not saying you are, just trying to understand your lack of caracter)

Any tell me, how the f--ck am I part of the problem? And what solution are you talking about?

You wear decent clothing in Africa? damn, no wonder you need to carry so much luggage. Maybe you haven't been where I have, but in Africa, the places I have been, decent clothes would be worthless after one day worth of use.... Also, the places in Africa I have been.. I wouldn't want to wear decent clothes because that would make me a target...

Not to brag, but I've flown in every African country except for Sudan and Mali. I do consitter myself well traveled in that part of the world, and own property there as well...
Now back to your statement...
By "nice clothing" I dont mean 3 piece suits! But if you've been out there, and actually worked there, you'd know that any African wont give you the light of day if your dressed like a bum... There is a reason PPL pilots there wear 4 bars when flying a 172...
Now if you think that what you wear in Africa affects your likelyhood of getting into trouble I disagree strongly. Being a Muzungu will attract much more attention then wearing nice chinos and dress shirt!


---Now back to my original question if I may---
Why can other airlines provide me with more baggage allowance over a 10,000 mile trip, then my own National Airline over a 500 mile trip?---

Now if you don't agree with my reasoning "BoostedNis" argue it all you want, but bringing insults, and caracter attacts are immature, unessairy, and childish.

Regards,
Dad

[twotterflogger]

Umm guess the kitchen was too hot for you Boost