Airline fees on the rise next year and it’s not going to end there, says expert
Airlines looking for new ways to make money will soon be increasing fees for passengers in the new year - and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop there, either.
Calgary based aviation expert Rick Erickson says that passengers are demanding cheaper than ever flights and airlines are recovering money in other ways.
"Any time you want anything approaching comfort, convenience, or flexibility, you're going to pay for it," he said.
Westjet Airline is set to start charging passengers $25 for checked luggage on international economy travel booked after January 5.
They will also be charging an extra $10 when passengers check a second bag on all economy and flex fare flights, bringing the price to $35.
And it doesn’t stop there, Westjet will also be increasing fees for roomier exit row seats on longer flights from $10 to $20 a person.
“They're looking to add as much revenue as they possibly can and from whatever source," says the airline analyst. "So we're seeing things we've never seen in the past, I mean, charging for pillows, charging for blankets."
But not all airlines are following the same path, discount airline Sunwing will still be allowing passengers to check baggage on international flights. They are even planning to up the maximum weight limit.
Air Canada also reported they did not have plans to up fees on checked baggage for international flights.
Westjet spokesperson Robert Palmer told CBC news that the extra fees will help them keep their fares low. He stated that the airline’s á la carte approach to fees gives passengers the power to pick and choose which products to purchase.
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