Another airline scraps free hand luggage with new seat reservation fees as well

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.