MPs set to question airline CEOs on carry-on baggage fees

The CEOs of four major airlines are set to address the House of Commons transport committee today regarding carry-on baggage fees.

Air Canada recently announced it would no longer include complimentary carry-on luggage for its lowest-priced tickets on some routes, following a similar move by WestJet earlier this year. Other airlines, including Porter, Flair, and Sunwing (acquired by WestJet in 2023), also charge additional fees for carry-on luggage. Passengers purchasing these lowest fare tickets are still permitted to bring a small personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, at no extra cost.

The committee called on the airline executives to testify after MPs from all parties unanimously agreed on the matter, a rare show of cross-party consensus. The CEOs of Air Canada, Porter, and Air Transat are expected to join virtually, while WestJet’s CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, is anticipated to appear in person.

In a letter to the committee, von Hoensbroech noted that over a million Canadians have opted for WestJet’s lower-cost fares, which exclude carry-on baggage but allow a personal item. He emphasized the airline’s commitment to affordable air travel, pointing to external costs as a barrier.

"Government policies and third-party fees, such as navigation, security, and airport improvement charges, have made Canadian air travel among the most expensive in the world—over three times the fees in the U.S.," von Hoensbroech stated.

He urged the government to freeze and reform these fees, eliminate airport rent collection, and redirect those funds toward improving airport infrastructure.