A few days before the school holidays, Quebecers learned their next vacation would cost them more as airline checked baggage fees increased by more than 16%.
After United Airlines last week, this week it was WestJet and Air Canada's turn to follow the industry trend. An increase of $5 per suitcase attributed to inflation and increased fuel and operating costs.
For now, Air Transat is resisting the temptation to use the same strategy to generate additional revenue.
On the way to new habits?
“This increase could influence the habits of travel consumers,” says Éric Chastenais, agent at jaimonvoyage.com. Such increases could encourage travelers to reduce their checked baggage.
Éric Chastenais, agent for Jaimonvoyage.com Photo provided by Éric Chastenais
“You could also choose airlines with more favorable baggage policies or go with a company that offers all-inclusive fares. »
Holidaymakers can also check the condition of their suitcase before heading to the airport.
“They may want to travel lighter and look for carry-on options to avoid additional fees. »
Meanwhile, another travel agency has noticed another change in travelers since the 2022 luggage fiasco.
“People are willing to pay more for their tickets to have baggage fees included. “This is the case for 50% of my customers,” emphasizes Patrick Labelle from Services Direct Travel. That's one less thing you have to worry about at the airport. »
Sales of $45.2 billion in 2023
According to a report by IdeaWorksCompagny, airlines around the world earned nearly $33.3 billion (more than C$45.2 billion) from various baggage fees in 2023, or 4.1% of total baggage fees of their total revenue.
Revenue that the industry urgently needs since the end of the pandemic. This is a 15% increase over the previous year.
In the United States, airlines earned $6.8 billion (more than C$9.2 billion) in 2022 and more than $5 billion (nearly C$6.8 billion) in the first three quarters of 2023. collected.
In Canada, there is now no data from the Canadian Transportation Agency on this topic.
Paid hand luggage
To keep their finances afloat, airlines are siphoning every possible dollar out of their customers' pockets. Will the next step for the industry's big players be to start charging for carry-on luggage?
“That wouldn’t be a surprise,” says Patrick Labelle. If all companies charged fees, it would encourage people to choose checked luggage and regulate their income. »
Patrick Labelle, Senior Agent at Service Direct Travel Photo provided by Patrick Labelle
Some low-cost airlines, such as Sunwing, have started charging fees for bags carried on the plane. The airline, which passed into the hands of WestJet last year, has been charging a $25 fee since 2022. The same applies on Porter's side when purchasing a standard ticket.
Checked baggage increases
Please note: Baggage fees may vary depending on the flight ticket category, destination and check-in time.
Air Canada
- First suitcase: $35
- Second suitcase: $50
WestJet
- First suitcase: $35
- Second suitcase: $55
United
- First suitcase: $40 (American) – $35 (if paid in advance)
- Second suitcase: $50 (American) – $45 (if paid in advance)
American Airlines
- First suitcase: $35 (American)
- Second suitcase: $45 (American)
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