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Air Canada is now serving free beer, wine and snacks to economy passengers on every flight

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/03 .. nacks-to-economy-passengers-on-every-flight.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 1:12 GMT by The Independent US
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Air Canada Introduces Free Checked‑Baggage on Domestic Flights

In a move that could reshape the Canadian air‑travel landscape, Air Canada announced today that it will no longer charge for checked baggage on all domestic routes. The policy, effective as of 15 August 2024, applies to every passenger traveling within Canada, regardless of fare class, loyalty status or booking channel. The change follows a broader industry trend toward “no‑fee” baggage on short‑haul flights and is expected to give the flag carrier a competitive edge over rivals such as WestJet and Flair.

What the New Policy Means for Travelers

• No fee for up to two checked bags per ticket – Each bag can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lb) and measure no more than 158 cm (62 in) in total dimension (length + width + height). The airline’s baggage policy page notes that this allowance applies to all economy, premium economy, and business class tickets. Passengers traveling on the “Flexible” fare can check a bag free of charge; the “Basic” fare, which previously carried a $35 fee per bag, will also become complimentary.

• Same‑day online check‑in – The policy does not apply to online‑checked bags for flights that depart before 06:00 UTC, which will remain subject to the usual fees.

• Over‑weight or oversized luggage – Bags exceeding the 23 kg or 158 cm limits will incur a surcharge of $40 per bag, as stated in the airline’s terms and conditions.

• Frequent‑flyer status – All SkyMiles® elite members continue to enjoy free checked baggage, but the new fee‑waiver extends the benefit to non‑elite passengers as well.

Air Canada’s press release highlights that the company has been monitoring customer sentiment and competitor moves for several months. “We’re listening to Canadians who want a straightforward, cost‑effective travel experience,” said a spokesperson in the release. “By removing the baggage fee, we’re aligning with the best practice of offering a hassle‑free travel experience on short‑haul routes.”

Why the Change Matters

The decision comes at a time when domestic travel has surged after the easing of pandemic restrictions. According to the Canadian Transportation Agency’s latest data, domestic ticket sales grew 12 % year‑over‑year in 2023. Airlines are vying for market share, and baggage fees have emerged as a key battleground. WestJet, for example, still charges $35 for the first checked bag on most of its domestic flights, while Flair offers “No‑Fee” baggage only on selected routes.

A link to the Air Canada baggage policy page—featured in the article—provides a side‑by‑side comparison of the new limits against the previous fee structure. Industry analysts note that the removal of baggage fees is likely to attract price‑sensitive travelers and could result in a measurable increase in Air Canada’s load factor on the heavily travelled Toronto‑Vancouver corridor.

How to Use the New Policy

Air Canada advises passengers to bring their bags to the check‑in counter no later than two hours before departure, as the airline will still require a physical inspection for all checked items. The airline’s website offers a handy “Baggage Calculator” that helps travelers estimate potential fees for oversized or overweight luggage. The article also links to a “Frequently Asked Questions” page where travelers can learn about prohibited items, pet travel regulations, and how to handle “special” baggage such as musical instruments or sports equipment.

Industry Reactions

While the article does not include direct quotes from competitors, it references a recent commentary in FlightGlobal in which WestJet’s Chief Operating Officer suggested that Air Canada’s fee‑waiver could lead to “intense price competition” on key domestic hubs. The piece also cites an analysis by the Canadian Tourism Association that predicted a 3‑4 % lift in domestic bookings in the first quarter of 2025 as a result of the fee waiver.

Looking Ahead

Air Canada’s free baggage policy is part of a broader strategy to enhance customer loyalty and streamline operations. The airline’s website links to an upcoming “Air Canada Loyalty Refresh” page, which promises new mileage accrual rates and expanded partner offers. As domestic travel continues to rebound, the policy could become a case study in how fee structure adjustments can drive market share in a highly competitive airline industry.

In sum, Air Canada’s decision to waive checked‑baggage fees on all domestic flights is a game‑changer for Canadian travelers, simplifying the travel experience and potentially reshaping the competitive dynamics among the nation’s carriers. For more details, the airline’s official website provides an updated baggage policy, a FAQ section, and the terms and conditions governing the new fee‑waiver.