Air Canada Adds Second-Bag Fee Within Canada

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

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Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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Air Canada announced it will add a second-checked-bag fee for flights within Canada, and from Canada to Mexico and the Caribbean. The policy change affects all tickets booked on or after November 11, for travel on or after January 19.

The first bag is still free, both within Canada and to Mexico and the Caribbean. Air Canada already charges a second-bag fee—$30—for travel between the U.S. and Canada, but there’s no fee for the first bag.

As usual, the new fee won’t apply to elite frequent flyers.

The airline said the move will “align it with prevailing industry practices,” which basically means: “WestJet did it, so we’ll do it too.”

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