Just when you thought that air travel couldn’t possibly get any worse, the latest from Air Canada may make you rethink your travel plans. Citing fuel costs as the reason, economy class passengers who buy Tango and Tango Plus tickets will have to pay $25.00 extra to check a second bag on North American flights, effective on July 15th.

This is the latest in a series of cash grab schemes instituted by the airline in an attempt to generate revenue without announcing a fare hike. Do they really think that we don’t understand what they are doing?

If you have excess baggage, this news may make your heart stop! Economy passengers who check in more than two bags will be charged $100.00 for each additional bag on North American flights and $225.00 on international flights. This is absolutely unbelievable. I cannot imagine how families traveling with children are going to afford air travel. Air Canada’s cavalier response to these concerns was the following quote by Air Canada spokeswoman Isabelle Arthur, who said, “If you choose to pack lighter, then you will not pay this fee”.

Of course this new cash grab scheme won’t affect business class travelers. It will only affect those who it will hurt the most – families and people who head off for an annual holiday. Air Canada has clearly taken its cue from some of the U.S. airlines who instituted similar policies. United Airlines, Continental, Delta, Northwest, and US Airways will begin charging customers an additional $25.00 for checking second bags in May.

Porter Airlines said it has no plans to introduce any new fees in the near future. Will this latest airline surcharge make you rethink your travel plans? Will this help swing you over to Porter?