Air Canada to Expand Carry-On Storage Space by 15 Percent Next Year

Air Canada announced it will be the launch customer for the Airbus Airspace cabin on the A220 family of aircraft. CNW Group/Air Canada

Air Canada says it will offer passengers increased carry-on storage next year by introducing aircraft with a new design that features larger overhead bins.

The airline will be the launch customer for the A220 Airbus Airspace cabin, which features larger overhead bins that would increase overhead capacity by more than 15 percent, the company said in an April 8 press release. Airbus is one of the manufacturers that supplies aircraft to Air Canada.

The first aircraft with the new bins will be delivered in early 2026.

“The introduction of larger overhead bins on future A220s means more space for your belongings, quicker boarding, and an even better experience on board,” said John Moody, Air Canada’s managing director of onboard product.

The introduction of the new cabin design, which also includes a new ceiling and lighting design, coincides with other Air Canada upgrades, such as seat back entertainment, the airline said.

The overhead storage increase does not change carry-on fees, a company spokesperson told The Epoch Times. “Our baggage policy remains aligned with that of other major Canadian carriers,” reads the statement.

Last December, the airline announced it would begin charging for carry-on bags, with basic fare passengers on North American and tropical routes required to pay $35 for the first bag and $50 for the second, starting on Jan. 3.

Passengers who arrived at the boarding gate with ineligible carry-on items would have to pay a $65 fee for each item, according to the airline.

The move was noted by then–Transport Minister Anita Anand, who said she was “extremely concerned” about the increased fees.

“Canadians work hard and save up to travel,” she wrote in a social media post on Dec. 4, 2024. “They rightly expect excellent service, not extra fees.”

The airline said the fees were intended to bring its fares in line with those of other airlines.

“These changes align the airline’s fare structure with similar fare offerings by other Canadian carriers and better distinguish its fare brands,” the company said in its release at the time.

Under the measures, passengers are able to board with a purse or computer bag, but larger items, such as roller-board or duffel bags, or large backpacks, will have to be checked pre-security. The only large items exempt from the new policy are mobility aids, medical devices, and child strollers, the airline said.

The airspace cabin with larger overhead bins will be implemented in the A220 aircraft family.

Air Canada currently operates 34 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, manufactured at Mirabel, Que., with 31 more on order.

Jennifer Cowan contributed to this report.