Air Canada CEO to address Canadian government hearing on carry-on baggage fees (updated)
11/12/2024 15:22
(Adds context)
Dec 11 (Reuters) - The CEO of Air Canada AC.TO 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
some passengers.
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.
Chief Executive Mike Rousseau will speak by videoconference,
joining other airline executives, after the carrier said last
week it would charge for bigger carry-on bags from passengers
opting for its lowest-priced fare for North American routes
starting on Jan. 3.
The CEO of WestJet Airlines will also address the Standing
Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities,
according to a meeting notice.
Carry-on baggage charges will also be discussed during a
Friday meeting between Transport Minister Anita Anand and
Canadian airline executives ahead of the busy winter travel
season.
Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators
called out rising airline fees following testimony by executives
from American Airlines AAL.O , United Airlines UAL.O , Delta
Air Lines DAL.N , Spirit Airlines SAVEQ.PK and Frontier.
"Airlines these days view their customers as little more
than walking piggy banks to be shaken down for every possible
dime," Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat who chairs the
Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, said at the hearing.
(Reporting By Allison Lampert in Montreal
Editing by Bernadette Baum)
((Allison.Lampert@thomsonreuters.com; 514-796-4212; Reuters
Messaging: allison.lampert.reuters.com@reuters.net))