Air Transat dropping free carry-on bag for lowest-fare ticket holders

Article content

Similar to its rivals in the competitive low-cost airline space, Air Transat is set to prohibit its lowest-fare holders from having a carry-on bag on many of its flights.

Article content

As of Tuesday, passengers travelling on an Eco Budget or promo far ticket will only be permitted to bring a personal item such as a handbag or small backpack.

The Montreal-based airline said other bags will have to be checked and paid for. The current rate for a checked bag on domestic flights is $46 for the first bag and $63 for the second.

Article content

Meanwhile, eco standard fare passengers are losing their one free checked bag and are limited to a personal item and carry-on without having to pay more.

The new rules apply to domestic flights and those to and from destinations in the south — excluding Peru — and the United States.

Flights as part of the company’s all-inclusive packages and those to Europe and Morocco are unaffected.

“These changes are intended to offer more competitive base fares, align with current industry practices, and allow travellers to pay only for the services they truly need,” an Air Transat spokesperson wrote in an email to the National Post.

“These adjustments enable us to offer even more competitive fares and better align with industry practices, ensuring that we continue to offer an accessible travel experience that meets market expectations.”

Just before Christmas, Air Canada said its lowest ticket tier holders would lose carry-on privileges for flights within Canada or to the U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean as of Jan. 3.

Article content

Their luggage fees are $35 for the first item and $50 for the second. Arrive at the gate with a bag that needs to be checked and the fee jumps to $65.

Also last year, WestJet launched a new more frugal fare category for those willing to fly without a carry-on bag. They’re still permitted a personal item, but it has to be stowed under the seat, not overhead.

Like Air Transat’s, WestJet’s baggage fees depend on your fare level and destination.

Low-cost carrier Flair Airlines, meanwhile, only allows for a personal item and charges extra — $29 to $109 depending on timing — for a carry-on with guaranteed space in the overhead bins. Porter Airlines’ basic fare also requires checked baggage payment for carry-ons, starting at between $40 and $51.75.

Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our newsletters here.

Share this article in your social network