Air Canada Changes Bag Fees, Fuel Surcharge Policy

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is advising members that, effective September 23, Air Canada will eliminate its current $25 fee for checking a second bag for travel within North America on Tango and Tango Plus fares. With this announcement, Air Canada becomes the first major North American carrier to remove second checked bag fees introduced earlier this year.

ASTA reminded agents to advise customers that checked baggage fees may apply with other carriers. In addition, agents should include a disclosure notice on customer itineraries and invoices. To see a summary of airline checked baggage fees, as well as a sample disclosure notice, read ASTA's Airline Checked Baggage Policy Chart.

Effective as of Thursday, Air Canada will incorporate its fuel surcharge into the base fare of the ticket.

ASTA also notes that, effective October 14, Air Canada is restructuring its excess baggage fees by introducing a single $75 fee for travel within North America ($100 international) for overweight and oversized bags. A 10 percent discount off the new overweight/oversize fee will apply when checking in online or at an airport kiosk. To view Air Canada's baggage policies, please visit their Web site, www.aircanada.com.

Visit www.asta.org.