Air Canada cuts baggage fees
[September 19th 2008]
Some good news for airline passengers at last as Air Canada is axing checked bag charges for second bags and incorporating fuel surcharges in its advertised fares.
The airline is taking this action in response to the recent decrease in oil prices. The $25 fee for second checked bags will be eliminated from September 23rd. Air Canada is the first major North American airline to remove second checked bag fees.
Add-on fuel surcharges that range from $20 to $60 one way on domestic and US flights will be included in published fares from September 18th.
"Although the cost of fuel remains highly volatile and far above historic norms, the recent retreat in oil prices is enabling us to reinstate our previous baggage policy. We are eliminating the second checked bag charge on North American Tango and Tango Plus fares, reflecting our customers' expressed preferences,” explains Air Canada executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Ben Smith.
“Further, Air Canada is making its pricing more transparent by removing add-on fuel surcharges for flights within North America and instead adjusting its base fares to cover the total cost of fuel," Smith continues.
"These initiatives are made possible by the recent relief from all-time high oil prices and even though fares will remain dynamic, Air Canada is committed to everyday low prices and will continue to match the lowest fares in the marketplace," he concludes.
From October 14th Air Canada will also be simplifying its excess baggage fees by introducing a single $75 fee for travel within North America, or $100 for international travel, for overweight or oversize luggage. A 10% discount will also be given for overweight/oversized baggage checked in online or at airport self-service kiosks.
Air Canada is the 14th largest commercial airline in the world with 335 aircraft and 34 million passengers a year. The Canadian flag carrier is a founding member of Star Alliance, which also includes bmi, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines. Air Canada offers flights from Heathrow airport to a number of Canadian cities including Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary.
Written by: Nick Purdom
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