Have a job in marketing that makes you travel a lot? Well, be prepared to pay extra for each piece of checked baggage. Air Canada has introduced a new first-bag fee of $25 making it a displeasing affliction for people traveling to USA. Bruce Cran, President of the Consumer’s Association of Canada labeled this move as a ‘money grabbing’ strategy and believes that all major airlines should work in favor of the people instead of coming up with schemes to latch onto the last penny left in their pockets. The $25 fee for people traveling to the US comes in addition to the $35 dollar second bag levy the company has been charging since 2008.

In defense, Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick said “this new policy of adjusting fares will help us remain competitive in terms of revenue in the market”. Fitz also stated that the industry is facing enormous cost pressures and this scheme will help the company to attain financial sustainability.

Other major air carriers in Canada are currently charging $20 for checking-in a second bag but have no intentions of introducing a first-bag fee for the fear of losing their share in the market.

Source : OTTAWA CITIZEN