Air Canada CEO to address Canadian government hearing on carry-on baggage fees

The CEO of Air Canada will address a Canadian government committee panel on Friday about carry-on baggage fees, according to a meeting notice, after the country's largest carrier recently announced such charges for basic economy fares. Lawmakers in both Canada and the United States have criticized airlines in recent weeks for levying additional fees on luggage and seat assignments, following an outpouring of anger by passengers on social media. Analysts say ancillary revenue earned from charges like baggage fees has become the mainstay of the airline business worldwide. Ancillary revenue is estimated to jump 26% year-on-year to $148.4b in 2024, accounting for about 15% of airline revenue across the globe, according to a report by travel consultancies CarTrawler and IdeaWorksCompany. Air Canada Chief Executive Mike Rousseau will speak by videoconference, joining other airline executives, after the carrier said last week it would charge passengers for bigger carry-on bags if they opted for its lowest-priced fare for North American and Caribbean routes starting on Jan. 3. Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet Airlines, which has a similar policy, will also address the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, according to a meeting notice. Charges will also be discussed during a Friday meeting between Transport Minister Anita Anand and Canadian airline executives.<br/>