Air Canada carry-on bags barred for lowest fares

MONTREAL –

Air Canada plans to bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers in the new year, as discount carrier tactics increasingly enter the mainstream.

Starting Jan. 3, basic fare passengers on trips within North America and to sun destinations will have to check duffel bags, rolling suitcases and large backpacks for a fee — $35 for the first, $50 for the second.

A small personal item such as a purse or laptop bag will be allowed on board for free, as will strollers, mobility aids and medical devices.

The country’s largest airline also said that as of Jan. 21, lower-tier customers will have to pay if they want to change the seat assigned to them at check-in — a…