PACK IT IN
Another airline scraps free hand luggage with new seat reservation fees as well
The new rules are in place from January
AIR Canada is the latest airline to scrap free hand luggage for a number of economy passengers.
The new rules in place from January 3, 2025, will affect flights within the US and Canada.
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Anyone flying on a basic economy fare will no longer be able to bring a free suitcase into the cabin with them.
Only a personal sized item like a handbag will be allowed for free.
The new costs will be $35 (£20) for the first bag and $50 (£28), or $65 (£37) for anyone who arrives at the gate with one that's not checked.
Thankfully this won't affect routes from the UK, with Air Canada operating from both London Heathrow and London Gatwick as well as season routes from Edinburgh and Manchester.
Read more on hand luggage
Economy passengers on the transatlantic routes will still be allowed a free cabin suitcase.
It's not the only new charge Air Canada is introducing next month.
From January 21, 2025, passengers will also no longer be able to choose a seat for free.
Basic economy passengers will be given a randomly selected one when they check in.
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However, anyone who wants to change it will have to pay a charge, although it hasn't been confirmed how much.
It is yet to be confirmed if this will affect routes from the UK.
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An Air Canada spokesperson said the new fees are to "align the airline's fare structure with similar fare offerings by other Canadian carriers".
A number of airlines have scrapped the free hand luggage in recent years.
Back in 2023, Finnair scrapped free hand luggage for passengers on the basic air fare.
Corendon Dutch Airlines no longer allow a suitcase into the cabin for free, as of May 2024.
Hand luggage rules for UK airlines
We've rounded up how much hand luggage you can take on UK airlines when booking their most basic fare.
Ryanair
One personal bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
EasyJet
One personal bag measuring no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm
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One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm weighing up to 10kg
TUI
One personal item that its underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm weighing up to 10kg
British Airways
One personal bag no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm 25cm weighing up to 23kg
Virgin Atlantic
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm weighing up to 10kg
And easyJet has scrapped free checked luggage in some of their city break packages.
Ryanair were one of the first airlines to introduce cabin bag fees in 2006, although American Airlines was the first major airline to do so in 2008.
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