Air Canada Responds to Competition Bureau Concerns by Clarifying Baggage Fees

OTTAWA, July 16, 2008 — The Competition Bureau announced today that its concerns have been fully resolved with Air Canada regarding transparency on its Web site of the carrier’s additional fees levied on checked baggage on Tango and Tango Plus flights.

Effective May 15, 2008, Air Canada's new checked baggage policy provides for a $25 fee for checking a second bag on Tango and Tango Plus flights for North American travel after July 15, 2008. The Bureau became aware, as soon as the policy came into effect, that Air Canada’s Web site had not been fully modified to reflect the new baggage policy, which could affect certain passengers. As a result, the Bureau was concerned that consumers buying Tango and Tango Plus tickets on the Air Canada Web site may be misled about whether the fee would apply, and moved quickly to resolve the problem.

Air Canada addressed the oversight as soon as it was brought to its attention by the Bureau and corrected the error on its Web site. Air Canada has also advised the Bureau that anyone who purchased tickets on their Web site for Tango and Tango Plus flights for North American travel between May 15 and May 19, 2008 will be allowed to check a second bag free of charge.

The Competition Bureau is an independent agency that contributes to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Pamela Wong
Communications Advisor
External Relations and Public Affairs Branch
819-953-7734

For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
819-997-4282
1-800-348-5358