Wow, just heard this headline on the radio "Tough times at airlines, and none more so than at Air Canada". Immediately perked up to that, since usually tought times at AC are reported here first. Then they went on to talk about the new baggage limit, the no free pets, free UM's, and the $2 pillow packs. Talk about overstating a headline LOL.

A different perspective on AC's luggage changes:

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/051018/185354.html?.v=1

I'd be interested to see what treatment is given to P, E, and SE. Since the size requirements automatically makes a 31-32" suitcase over limit, will they enforce this charge?

At US security T2 last week,they were asking that passengers weigh their carry-on bags.One individual was trying to get on with 3 bags.
My status tags were clearly visible,I was not asked to have my carry-on weighed.

The people behind this press release have a big reason to support anything that reduces the amount of luggage that passengers are allowed to fly with.

The President and Founder of The Coalition for Luggage Security is also the CEO of Universal Express, a for-profit company who is behind Virtual Bellhop, a luggage logistics company. Do they want to separate you from your luggage for 'security' or $$$ ?

From the above link:
"Once reality is accepted, shipping luggage separate from the passengers will become more affordable and safer. However, time is not on our side. Each day gives the dysfunctional more time to plan a suitcase bomb detonation in an airport or in the hold of an airplane,"

This is nuts!

I find if they see a luggage tag that says E or SE they will not bother you about it at all. I still have my dad's 2004 Elite tags, and if they goto check the size of it and see the E tag they just say continue on your way.

Old tags would be the red flag for "special treatment" if I were working the desk

DF

Excellent, looks like AC have revised the rules for checked baggage if travelling in J:

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.

In Hospitality Service, each piece must weigh less than 50 lbs. or 23 kgs (except on flights to/from Brazil, Japan, China, South Korea or Hong Kong, Brunei, Cambodia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, North Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam where the bags may weigh up to 70lbs).Bags weighing between 51 lbs - 70 lbs (24 kg - 32 kg) will be subject to excess fees payable at the airport. Bags weighing more than 70 lbs (32 kg) will not be accepted as checked baggage.

In Executive Class/Executive First Service, each piece must weigh less than 70lbs or 32kg and the total weight of the three bags must not exceed 150lbs (69kg). Bags weighing more than 70 lbs (32 kg) will not be accepted as checked baggage.


So, if flying J you can still have one (or even two) pieces between 24 & 32kg, which is great news Got to keep the total down though if you have three, which is fine. This was something raised at the LHR DO, and if this is a response to the questions there, then I for one appreciate AC for doing addressing the concern ^

The size allowance didn't change, though. So anything 30" or above is oversized.

Out of curiousity, how many times have you guys had your carry-on luggage weighed? I actually never have. The closest I came was in LHR a couple weeks back when the ticket agent asked me to lift my bag so she could see how big it was, then said fine. This was in T1 connections from Europe and there was no scale there so I don't think she could have anyways...but I'm just wondering how strict they will with the carry-on weights...

I had to have my hand bag weighed and checked in when I was checking in for my flight on KLM from Warsaw. I have no status with KLM so did not push the issue. So, yes, your bags can be weighed.

It's funny how these things are not enforced uniformily (sp)..I checked in at the LOT business class in WAW a few weeks back...no question about weight or anything....maybe helped that I am fluent in Polish...

Mine has never been weighed and it's very heavy. The other day checking in at YYZ in the Business/Elite/Super Elite line the woman in front of me did not qualify for the line. The agent processed her anyway but proceeded to weigh her carryon, announce it was over 20 pounds and must be checked, and generally give her the most, ah, "thorough" checkin ever. That's one passenger who won't ever go in the wrong line again.

I believe the reason no-one weighs my bag is that it's a backpack and I don't exactly look athletic. People don't consider the possibility that I am carrying a heavy weight. I always put it under the seat, don't consume overhead space like the folks with a week's clothes in a rollaboard, and don't think it's reasonable to prevent me from taking the bag on board. But then I suppose none of us want to be separated from our carryon.

So what does this mean for E/SE? We get 4x23kgs? Or do we get 69kgs over three bags + 23kgs? Or 69kgs over three bags + 32kgs?

E/SE get the J allowance if in J or 4 x 23kgs if in Y.