Air Canada Introduces New Seat Change and Carry-On Fees for 2025
Air Canada has introduced changes that could affect passengers travelling on Basic fares. Starting Tuesday, January 21, 2025, customers on Basic fares will need to pay a fee if they wish to change their seat after check-in. This update follows a series of changes announced by the airline over the past year.
Changes to Seat Assignments
Passengers on Basic fares will still receive complimentary seat assignments during the check-in process. However, changing an automatically assigned seat will now incur a fee. According to Air Canada, the policy ensures that families or individuals requiring assistance will still be seated together, aligning with the airline’s commitment to customer needs.
This adjustment builds on an earlier announcement from April 2024, when Air Canada shared its plan to revise seat assignment processes for Basic and Standard fares. At that time, the airline delayed implementation for operational reasons.
Air Canada stated, “All Basic customers who wish to change their seat from the one automatically assigned at check-in will be required to pay for that change.” This change caters to passengers who may prefer specific seats and provides flexibility for an additional charge.
New Fees for Carry-On Items
As of January 3, 2025, Air Canada implemented another significant update. Passengers booking basic economy fares for flights within North America, or to destinations like Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, will now need to pay for carry-on items.
Passengers can still bring a personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, free of charge. However, larger items like suitcases or backpacks must be checked in at an additional cost. The airline clarified that this update aligns with industry standards and applies to tickets purchased on or after January 3, 2025.
Customer Reactions and Implications
The introduction of these new fees has sparked mixed reactions among travellers. While some passengers appreciate the option to customise their seating or travel preferences, others have raised concerns about increasing travel costs. Air Canada states these adjustments reflect evolving industry practices and aim to offer customers greater choice and flexibility.
Travellers planning to book with Air Canada should review fare conditions carefully. Opting for Standard or higher fare categories may offer more inclusive benefits, potentially avoiding some of these new fees. For Basic fare customers, understanding these changes will help avoid surprises at check-in or boarding.
Stay updated by visiting Air Canada’s official website to review the latest policies and fare options.
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