We all know how hard it is to control ourselves while packing for a trip. If you think that it is only you who gets carried away while packing, you are mistaken. This problem is far more common than you think. And excess baggage means an extra cost that not everyone can afford, or doesn’t want to pay. Air Canada is known for its strict carry-on baggage policy. However, many people still wonder how to avoid Air Canada’s carry-on fees if their bag is slightly larger than the specified size. If you are one of those people, you have come to the right place.
Although Air Canada’s carry-on baggage policy is strict, it’s still possible to avoid an extra fee if your bag is only slightly bigger. But to do this, you will have to be very strategic. Let’s talk about the latest policy regarding how strict Air Canada is with carry-on size, and some insider tips to help you board a bag slightly bigger than the allowed size.
Why Carry-On Fees Exist?
Air Canada uses a basic fare model. In this model, there are no extras for the lowest ticket prices. Do you know what this means? It means that with Economy Basic Fares, you are not allowed to bring a full carry-on bag on board. Only a personal item is allowed in this ticket type. This is the airline’s way of avoiding overhead bin overcrowding and keeping ticket prices lower.
In case you still bring a carry-on on a basic economy ticket, you will have to pay around C$35–$50. You might even have to pay more if your bag is caught at the gate. The management might also force your bag into the checked baggage.
So, the best way is to avoid carrying a carry-on, but if you want to, you will have to make it look like a personal item. This is the perfect strategy for avoiding Air Canada’s carry-on fees.
6 Smart Ways to Avoid Carry-On Fees
Some of the smartest ways to avoid carry-on fees on Air Canada include;
- Book the Right Fare
Booking the right fare is one of the most effective ways to avoid hefty carry-on fees. One of the most important things to understand is that not all tickets are equal or the same. On an economy basic ticket on North America routes, you are not allowed a carry-on, only a personal item. However, for standard, flex, or international fares, you may carry one bag of the specified size as a carry-on.
If you know you will need to bring a carry-on, buying a standard ticket in advance is the best option. It will be much cheaper than paying the carry-on fees later.
- Max Out Your Personal Item
Use the personal item allowance to the max to accommodate all your carry-on belongings. The allowed size for the personal item is;
- 33 × 43 × 16 cm
One thing that you must know about airlines is that they rarely measure soft bags. Therefore, the best option for you is to use bags like slim backpacks, soft duffel bags, or expandable totes. Also, as long as the bag fits under the seat, you are good to go.
- Use a Soft, Compressible Bag
As mentioned above, soft bags pass scrutiny. Therefore, if you are worried about the size of your carry-on, don’t use hard bags. You can even squish your soft bag at the gate to escape scrutiny. Also, try to avoid bags with wheels, as they count toward the dimensions too. It is always better to have a slightly oversized, soft bag than a wheeled, hard bag with fixed dimensions that exceed the specified limit.
- Wear Your Bulky Items
Carry-ons usually include clothing items you might need nearby, like jackets or shawls. You can always wear bulky clothing items to make your carry-on bag smaller. If you have any hoodie, jacket, scarf, or layered clothing, just put it on as you board. You might already know that airlines don’t count things that you are wearing.
- Use Extra Allowed Items
Air Canada allows some items free of charge in addition to the allowance. Some of these items include;
- Coat
- Small purse
- Food/snacks
- Medical devices
You can distribute all these items and keep them visible to reduce your bag size.
- Gate Strategy Matters
Not many people know this, but enforcement varies depending on the situation. Busier flights mean stricter checks. Also, if you want to avoid scrutiny, it is always preferable that you board early. It will help you avoid the last-minute strictness. Staff are much more relaxed when the bins are not full yet.
Summing Up
If you want to avoid carry-on fees on Air Canada, it doesn’t mean that you want to break the rules. It only means you are being smart and working within the rules. Everyone wants to avoid the hefty carry-on and gate fees. Therefore, being smart with your bag and distributing your belongings before boarding is a great way to avoid the fees. If you have successfully avoided paying the carry-on fees on Air Canada, write for us and share your experience to help other travellers.