Why More Travelers Will Be Giving Air Canada’s New Comfort Fare A Second Glance This Winter

It’s becoming pretty difficult to keep track of all of the new fares that are being introduced by airlines these days. Yet another tier is entering the ring thanks to Air Canada. The popular carrier north of the border is introducing a new Comfort fare that comes with a handful of extra perks. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll get if you opt for the Comfort fare from Air Canada:

• Extra legroom
• One free alcoholic beverage
• Early boarding
• One free checked bag
• Same-day standby

People who chase points might be wondering if there are any points-related perks that go along with the Comfort fare. The good news is that there are. You will actually get 115 percent the Aeroplan® points when you book this option. People who fly using this new fare are also given the option to purchase Maple Leaf Lounge access.

Air Canada’s comfort fare was actually introduced back in the spring. However, it has been flying a little bit under the radar since its launch. Passengers are just starting to give the Comfort fare option a solid glance now that Air Canada has announced changes in the way it charges for baggage.

Air Canada recently joined a number of carriers in the United States in raising baggage fees. Travelers flying with the airline will now need to pay $30 for a checked bag instead of the previous cost of $25. A second bag will now cost $50 instead of $30. You’re out of luck if you think flying with WestJet will allow you to escape the new price increase.

WestJet has also raised its baggage fees to be equal to Air Canada’s fees. Where does the new Comfort fare fit into all of this? Air Canada has announced that the free baggage perk offered by the Comfort fare will not be affected by the change. That means that travelers who opt for Comfort fares can still enjoy free checked bags.

Airlines in North America and the rest of the world are scrambling to find ways to raise revenues in the face of a tough season. Oil prices are cutting into profits like never before. In fact, WestJet posted its first quarterly loss in more than 10 years this summer. Rising fuel costs helped to contribute to the loss.

Booking a Comfort fare isn’t the only way to skirt higher baggage fees when flying with Air Canada. The airline has introduced a number of new specialty fares that come with free baggage and other perks. The complete list of fares includes Latitude, Flex, Standard and Basic.