November 11, 2015

Airline Baggage & Humanitarian Aid Policies

WestJet

WestJet accepts one piece of baggage (suitcase, bag, etc.) that contains humanitarian aid per guest. The following restrictions apply:

  • The flight has to be leaving Canada
  • The humanitarian aid items need to be stored away from the traveler’s own belongings
  • The baggage item cannot be heavier or larger than the checked baggage allowance for the plane, or the amount allowed to your destination

Air Transat (Nolitours):

In order to proceed with a humanitarian request, we do require a letter from a recognized Canadian or international organization that would confirm your humanitarian work, including the extra kilos that are being requested. Since we receive so many requests from passengers regarding excess baggage, we try to remain as strict as possible so that everyone benefits from the same policy.

A letter from NJT is required which includes the weight of the baggage. If this is not possible, the suitcase containing humanitarian aid will be counted as part of the traveler’s personal baggage allowance. If the combined items exceed baggage allowances, fees will apply. In addition, travelers are responsible for any import procedures at the destination.

The following two alternative options may reduce excess baggage fees:

1)      Options Plus

http://www.airtransat.ca/en-CA/Travel-information/Upgrades-options-and-seat-selection/Option-Plus-extra-privileges-in-Economy-Class?ici=vignette_footer&icn=optionplus-refonte2014_french

2)      Kiloflex :

http://www.airtransat.ca/en-CA/Travel-information/Upgrades-options-and-seat-selection/Kiloflex-save-on-excess-baggage-fees

Contact information:
Tel: 1-877-TRANSAT Ext. 2222
Email: [email protected]


Sunwing:

The following flights are not applicable to Sunwing’s humanitarian baggage policies:

Flights to:

  • Haiti
  • Santiago de Cuba (Cuba)
  • Acapulco
  • Huatulco
  • Puerto Vallarta
  • Costa Rica
  • Panama
  • Kingston (Jamaica)
  • Christmas flights to Montego Bay (Jamaica)

And all flights out of:

  • Sudbury
  • Thunder Bay
  • Sault Ste. Marie
  • British Columbia
  • Alberta
  • Saskatchewan
  • Newfoundland

Policy: a discounted charge of $5.00 (CAD)/kg for up to 10 kg of baggage. Anything in excess will be charged the regular excess baggage charge of $20.00/kg. However, Sunwing offers a free checked-in baggage allowance of 20 kg (Elite Plus includes an extra 10 kg of baggage weight).

Information, as well as the booking number, is required at least 6 weeks before departure. If the traveler’s request is considered, an email/letter will be sent that must be given to the counter during check-in. This is usually where payment is made; however, the traveler may prepay excess baggage weight at a discounted price.

Contact Information
Tel: 416.620.4955
Fax: 416.798.8760
Email: [email protected]


Air Canada

Air Canada provides excess baggage waiver for humanitarian purposes. Please note that all charitable requests must be submitted online at https://grantstream.com/AirCanada/form/ExcessBaggage/en/.  Upon receipt of the application, we will approach the baggage team for their consideration.  You can only submit the application once you have a booked reservation number and ticket number.

We consider requests on Air Canada scheduled flights only.  If your flights include another carrier, a written confirmation from said carrier needs to be attached to the application with details of their waiver stating that they will not charge you or Air Canada for the excess baggage. If such a waiver is not included in the application, the request will not be considered.


British Airways

Email [email protected] at least 2 weeks in advance with:

  • full name
  • ticket number
  • destination
  • travel date

Canadian Address: 240 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, Ontario

US Address: 3731 E. Casselle Ave, Orange, California
email: [email protected] Tel: +1(657) 348-4236