Canadian Airline CEOs Defend Carry-On Bag Fees in Parliamentary Hearing

Executives argue fees make travel more affordable while MPs criticize rising costs and lack of transparency.

Airline CEOs from Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, and Air Transat faced questions from MPs over new carry-on baggage fees for basic fares.
Air Canada announced that starting January, basic-fare passengers must pay $35 to check a bag, joining WestJet’s similar UltraBasic fare policy.
Executives defended the fees as a way to offer lower base fares, claiming they provide flexibility and savings for travelers during an affordability crisis.
MPs criticized airlines for layering additional fees and noted that taxpayers had previously bailed out these companies during the pandemic.
Airline leaders called for government reforms to reduce aviation-related taxes and fees, which they argue make Canadian air travel among the most expensive globally.