Flair Airlines hikes checked-bag fare, charges WestJet, credit card fee

 

Airline fares have come down in Canada, but passengers will have to pay more for other fares. WestJet Airline and several other American airlines have increased their checked-bag fees. Discount carrier Flair Airlines has also added a surcharge for paying by credit card for flight bookings. Flair Airlines says on its website that it strives to keep fares as low as possible while providing flexibility to add additional services.

According to Statistics Canada, airline ticket prices will decrease by 14.3 per cent in 2023. But WestJet added two checked-bag charges as airfares dropped. With this, the company has started charging an additional $5 for luggage for passengers booking after February 14. That is, passengers booking an economy fare online will pay between $35 and $42 for a first checked bag and between $55 and $65 for a second checked bag.

Meanwhile, industry experts warn that passengers may end up paying more than expected if they are not careful. Airlines attract passengers with lower ticket prices. But other costs and rate hikes could lead to a loss of additional money, says McGill University associate professor Carl Moore. Travelers may end up paying $100 extra in fees they didn't expect. He added that it makes the airlines profitable.