On the heels of WestJet's decision to hike checked-bag fees by CAD$5 for economy rates, it was to be expected Air Canada would shortly follow suit.
For travel booked after 27FEB, Air Canada will now charge between $35 and $42 for the first checked bag for basic and standard economy fares in North America, the Caribbean, and Central America.
Karl Moore, an associate professor within McGill University's faculty of management, says, "It's business."
"You're leaving money on the table if you don't do it. There's no outrage about it, so you can make some more money," he told CBC News.
Earlier this week, Open Jaw reported that WestJet implemented a CAD$5 increase for bags booked after 14FEB; passengers purchasing economy fares online will now incur costs ranging from $35 to $42 for the first checked bag and $55 to $65 for the second.
Moore predicted Air Canada may also increase its fees, considering the trend among other airlines.
In correspondence with CBC News, Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick told CBC News in an email that the airline upped its bag fees "to remain competitive."
According to CBC, domestic checked-bag fees have climbed 40% since they were introduced in 2014.
In the U.S., several airlines, including United, American and JetBlue, have raised their baggage fees, citing reasons such as navigating rising operating costs.
