AC may change checked bag allowance

Hasn't it always been 62 linear inches? I've never seen a check-in agent worry about size unless you are way over the limit, so I wouldn't worry.

Air Canada seem to be backing themselves into a corner here. We all know that aircraft have a weight restriction. If, I as a Super Elite chose not to use my entitlement, Air Canada would sell it for me Does that mean they will pay me to take less luggage than I am entitled to. I never take anything close to my entitlement, however they are about to charge me for a bag that is a little over weight. That is BS and I am looking for alternative means of transport. I can live with the 40 minute waits in YYZ for a gate and the extended time it takes for my luggage. However tis is the last straw. I pay full "J" majority of the times and I am about to take my business elsewhere.

This summer I did a six week four country trip including summer and winter climates and many different dress enviroments.... what I needed:
laptop bag + carry-on + carry on sized checked peice. That is all I needed. Of course I did laundry every few days...but knowing how to pack helps. Most trips I use 100% of what I bring...If I did not use it, it probably will not come next time. Also, tightly but neatly rolling all clothing does wonders to amount of space required (but obviously does not affect weight.)

I am however greatly dissapointed by this change in airline policy as it will affect both me and especially my family significantly. My parents travel between Africa and the USA every few years for a years stay in the USA before returning to Africa for work....they need all the space they can get. They already pay for extra peices every few years they go and this reduction will really hurt them. People like them have VERY GOOD REASON to take a lot with them when they fly. There are many things (personal and work) that cannot be purchased in the country they work in and they will not be back to the USA for years at a time!

I also go to visit every year or two and need all the allowance I can get to bring things for them.

As an SE paying full J I don't think anyone will bother you about baggage. After all, they suckered you into paying full J so won't want to hit you twice. Speak to a friendly concierge next flt and I bet you'll get the right answer.

When they clarify there position I will fly on them again. In the mean time I have just booked BA to LHR for next week. I do not want to get in a position of arguing with agents and getting a different answer every time.

I guess if you already have SE for next year that's ok; but if it causes you to miss SE over nothing really you will be p!ssed at yourself. I cannot believe AC would make higher fare paying pax subject to that rule. I've flown them for too many years on far too many flts and have come to realize they do in fact know how to treat their best customers. Rules are't always meant for everyone in such a large consumer business like AC and many exceptions do happen either by unwritten rule or by status.

We shall find out about this when the new rule comes into effect. I called AC and was told in no uncertain term that the new check baggage allowance would apply to BOTH economy and business class. Those flying business class will NOT receive any additional allowance. I was also "reminded" that the maximum weight allowance for cabin baggage is 10kgs.

Status quo- for now...

what would be the policy if you are 2 people sharing one large bag? Is it by person or article?

Weight is per article. The person can weigh as much as they want, but if you get big enough the give you the extension seat belt.

Returned from London on BA on the weekend and I must say that the grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. The flight was comfortable but you just do not get treated the same as you do on AC. I may have been a bit harsh on Air Canada with there baggage policy, I have now taken a wait and see approach to the policy. I am travelling to the ME Oct 16th with my Golf Clubs, I will see if I get through without having to hand out another $60.00.

What cabin class were you in?

Business

Good news, now updated:
( http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelin...e/checked.html )

"Free Allowance
Air Canada and its regional carrier allow each customer to bring two pieces of luggage in Hospitality Service and three pieces in Executive Class/Executive First, which is carried in the baggage compartment of the aircraft at no charge. This is known as the 'free checked baggage allowance'. The overall measurement of each piece (L + W + H) must be less than 62 inches or 158 cm, and the weight less than 50 lbs. or 23 kgs (except on flights to/from Brazil or Asia where the bags may weigh up to 70lbs). Don't exceed these limits or you'll have to pay an additional amount (effective for travel after October 12, 2005) at the airport prior to travel. Note that checked baggage weighing more than 70 lbs or 32 kgs. will not be accepted.

Infants not occupying a seat are allowed one smaller 50 lb. piece with an overall measurement of no more than 45 ins. or 115 cm. Air Canada also carries the following baby equipment in the baggage compartment, free of charge: car seat, baby seat, bassinet and stroller."


Carry-on remains at 22lbs/10kg.
( http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelin.../carry-on.html )

Great if you can afford it and are happy to pay someone $!0 to wash your trolleys! Personally, I would rather take more clothes with me and save a few hundred bucks in over-priced and often sub-standard cleaning. I will be the one with 10 extra pairs of undies in my jacket pockets