Revised Carry-on Baggage Allowance for Flights from Canada to the U.S. and Checked Bag Policy

MONTRÉAL, January 19, 2010 -- Air Canada and Jazz remind customers that as a result of recent security measures imposed by Canadian and U.S. government authorities on flights from Canada to the U.S., strict limits remain in effect for carry-on articles allowed in the cabin and longer security screening times should be expected at airports.

Transport Canada has revised carry-on regulations for flights from Canada to the United States (including Puerto Rico) effective January 20, 2010 to permit one carry-on bag on flights to the United States, in addition to limited personal items allowed in the cabin.

Air Canada also reminds passengers that effective Tuesday, January 19, 2010, a revised checked baggage policy announced December 2, 2009  is in effect for travelers to the U.S. and Europe. The changes more closely align Air Canada’s policies with those prevailing among international carriers on transatlantic routes and are more generous than those of U.S. carriers on transborder routes, which charge for all checked bags. Air Canada will permit travelers one free checked bag for travel to these destinations. With certain exceptions, a second bag fee will be applied as follows for tickets purchased on or after December 23, 2009:

• For flights to/from the U.S. (including Hawaii, excluding Puerto Rico): CAD/USD $30
• For flights to/from Europe CAD/USD $50.

More details and exceptions on Air Canada's checked baggage policy, are fully outlined on their Checked Baggage page.

Air Canada recommends that customers flying to the U.S. bring only limited baggage and respect the strict carry-on limits imposed by Canadian and U.S. authorities. For details on permitted carry-on items please consult the Government of Canada’s “Update on Canadian Aviation Security Measures” at  www.tc.gc.ca