Airfares are going down, but additional fees can offset any savings

Airfares are getting cheaper in Canada, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll pay less when you fly. In late 2023, WestJet introduced a $10 surcharge for checking bags with agents instead of online. Then, in February 2024, it increased checked bag fees for economy passengers on domestic flights. Low fares help attract customers, but the added fees can drive up the final bill substantially. “Airlines entice you with the low cost of the ticket, but the price is not as low as it appears with the ancillary fees,” Prof. Karl Moore told Sky News. “Passengers might “get caught with another $100 in fees they weren’t expecting, which means profits for the airlines.”