United Airlines And Air Canada Push The Limits Of Economy Travel By Introducing Carry-On Bag Costs - Travel And Tour World

United Airlines And Air Canada Push The Limits Of Economy Travel By Introducing Carry-On Bag Costs - Travel And Tour World

Be prepared to spend $55 if you want to take your laptop bag, backpack, or carry-on bag onboard.

We’ve lost track of how many airlines now offer ultra-cheap Economy Basic or Economy Lite tickets that exclude checked baggage.

But these fares have become even more restrictive, as they now often exclude carry-on bags altogether.

This isn’t about the larger checked bags that you retrieve from the luggage carousel after your flight. The new policies target smaller bags you’d typically bring onboard and store in the overhead compartment.

United Airlines was the pioneer of this trend with its Basic Economy fares, allowing passengers just one small ‘personal item’ that fits under the seat in front—at the expense of your legroom.

Need to bring a laptop bag, backpack, or wheeled carry-on for the overhead bin? Be ready to shell out $35 USD (about $55 AUD) per bag.

Now, Air Canada has followed suit with a similar no-frills policy.

From this month, travelers on Air Canada’s Economy Basic fares within Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean will be limited to a single small item—think a purse, belt bag, or compact laptop bag. And if you’re bringing a laptop, it better be a slim one.

Larger items like backpacks, weekend bags, and rolling carry-ons, previously included in Economy Basic fares, will now incur fees. The first item will cost CAD$35 (AUD$39), while each additional item will be charged CAD$50 (AUD$55).

At the departure gate, passengers’ tickets and carry-on allowances will be checked, and anyone attempting to bring an extra bag will face a fee of CAD$65 (AUD$72) per bag.

Air Canada clarifies that exemptions apply to mobility aids, medical equipment, and child strollers, which remain free of charge for all passengers.

Frequent flyer perks, such as Aeroplan Elite or Star Alliance Gold status, will still grant travelers the benefit of a complimentary second cabin bag, even on Economy Basic tickets.