MPs set to question airline CEOs on carry-on baggage fees
CBC
Four airline CEOs will face questions about carry-on baggage fees when they appear before of the House of Commons transport committee today.
Earlier this month, Air Canada announced plans to eliminate complimentary carry-on luggage from its cheapest tickets on some flights. WestJet made a similar move earlier this year.
Porter, Flair and Sunwing — which was bought by WestJet in 2023 — charge passengers an extra fee for carry-on luggage.
Airlines that have eliminated free carry-on baggage on their lowest fares still allow those passengers to bring a small "personal item," such as a purse or a computer bag, free of charge.
The CEOs of Air Canada, WestJet, Porter and Air Transat will appear before the committee this afternoon. MPs from every party agreed to call on them to testify last week in a rare moment of cross-party unity.
The CEOs of Porter, AirCanada and Air Transat are set to appear virtually. WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech is expected to attend in person.
In an open letter to the committee members on Thursday, von Hoensbroech said "over a million Canadians" have opted for the airline's cheaper fares, which do not allow passengers a carry-on bag but do allow them to bring a "personal item" on board.
Von Hoensbroech argued that WestJet has always sought to make air travel more affordable but the company's efforts "have been undermined by government policies and third-party fees and taxes."
"These hidden fees, including navigation, security and airport improvement charges, make Canadian air travel among the most expensive globally — more than triple the fees in the U.S." von Hoensbroech wrote.
He called on the government to freeze and reform airline taxes and fees. He also said the government should stop collecting rent from airports and allow those funds to be reinvested in airport infrastructure.
Premier Danielle Smith will attend the second inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in January, her office has confirmed.
Multiple major B.C. Ferries sailings have been cancelled for Christmas Day due to an incoming storm.
As Dr. Hai Nguyen entered the operating room last week, he couldn't shake the feeling of performing in front of an audience.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham has a prediction: some day, a Manitoba premier will agree to create a new funding formula for cities that includes some form of growth revenue.
Children and seniors in the community of Qu'Appelle, Sask., excitedly packaged up food hampers this holiday season.
It's Christmas on P.E.I., a time to reflect, gather with family and friends, and hopefully eat lots of delicious food after the gifts are unwrapped.
Premier Danielle Smith will attend the second inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in January, her office has confirmed.
Multiple major B.C. Ferries sailings have been cancelled for Christmas Day due to an incoming storm.
Multiple major B.C. Ferries sailings have been cancelled for Christmas Day due to an incoming storm.
A 51-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a man in North York earlier this month, Toronto police say.
Canada's premiers are calling on the federal government to extend the deadline for claiming charitable donations on tax returns through to the end of February.