If you steal Air Canada nationally or to certain sun destinations, expect to pay new fees if you wish to change seats during check-in while you are on a base fare.
Starting Tuesday, those booking one of the airline’s economy base fares will still receive a “free” seat assignment when they check in if they haven’t paid to choose their seat at advance, but if they wish to change the seat assigned to them, they will have to pay to do so.
According to Air Canada, changing seats can be done either during online check-in, through the airline’s mobile app or at an airport check-in kiosk.
The change was one of a number of changes implemented this month that have sparked frustration not only from customers, but also from the federal government.
One of the biggest changes was the removal of the carry-on baggage allowance for this ticket fare for anyone booked on or after January 3 and traveling within Canada to and from the United States – including Hawaii and Puerto Rico – and to and from sunny destinations like Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
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Those who have a connection to an international destination will always be able to keep their bag with them.
When the announcement was made in December, Transport Minister Anita Anand said in a statement that she was “extremely concerned” about the change, noting that it would force Canadians to pay extra to check a carry-on bag. ‘they want to bring one.
Even with the change in seat fees now in effect, the airline said it is “committed” to accommodating those who need an assistant or families together, in line with its current policy, which prioritizes placement of traveling companions together.
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