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With the launch of VIA Rail’s new reservation system on November 18, 2023, a new baggage policy will also come into effect. This has been anticipated for some time because of changes in the amount of luggage space available with the introduction of in the new Venture trains, which have allocated more space to accessibility and will have spaces for bicycles.
Here’s what you need to know:
The fees for additional bags paid for in advance through the new system are now lower for passengers in the Quebec-Windsor corridor: up to $25 plus tax per direction rather than the $40 (tax included) charge that has applied since 2017, and you’ll now be able to collect VIA Preference points on these fees, which you couldn’t before. Just don’t forget to add your bag in advance, because a fee of $50 will be charged on boarding if baggage space is still available.
Update: Starting June 10, 2024 the second bag fee for economy class passengers in the Quebec-Windsor corridor now varies by fare type: Escape: $25. Economy: $20, Economy Plus: $15.
Since 2017, youth and student passengers have enjoyed a valuable bonus: A second large carry-on free on corridor trains, even though the 10% student discount only applied to Economy Plus fares. The announcement of the new baggage policy removed the free bag bonus, and it also appears that over-18s will now pay a regular adult fare in all cases. This change will has an adverse impact on one of VIA’s most important customer segments and is likely to cause some students to choose motorcoach travel instead of the train, or to be driven by a friend or family member which usually means a round-trip that adds to traffic while wasting both time and money.
The free luggage allowance for economy class passengers is changing from one large suitcase (30 x 19 x 12 in) or two smaller ones (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in.), to a single medium-size one (25 x 16 x 12 in), although it may still weigh up to 50 lbs (23 kg). Passengers in the corridor may add one additional large carry-on bag when booking, by paying the fees above.
On long-distance trains, no additional carry-ons are permitted, Economy class passengers may check one large bag free or charge, and add second large bag for a fee of $40 plus tax. A further surcharge of $25 applies to oversize or overweight items.
There is only a minor change for cabin baggage in Sleeper and Prestige class, specifying one bag per passenger rather than two per cabin. Although the size permitted was to “medium” as above, a smaller bag will still be easier to store in the cabin or under a berth. Packing light has always been essential, due to limited space in the cabins, with all other baggage being checked in.
However, checked baggage is changing more significantly: Passengers are now limited to the two large items of checked baggage included in their fare if they are making a connection with a corridor service. Passengers not making a connection in the corridor may check two additional bags for $25 each, for a total of four items. Previously, Sleeper and Prestige passengers could check up to three additional bags for $40 each.
The new policy appears to inconvenience passengers making a connection between a long-distance train with checked baggage service and a corridor train, because the two large suitcases that can be checked in on the long-distance train would not be permitted on the corridor portion of their journey except in business class. The lack of a baggage car equipped train in the corridor since 2020 also means that oversize and overweight items can not be accommodated at all.
While bicycles can be carried in the baggage car on long-distance trains, unfortunately, the new policy does not allow most bicycles to be carried in corridor trains, yet. Folding bicycles are permitted and count as one item of carry-on baggage.
Not being able to take bicycles on train has been a sore point since the last baggage cars were withdrawn from the corridor in 2020. The ability to add a bicycle to a corridor fare is expected to be added back into the new reservation system once more of the new Venture trains enter service so that bicycle spaces are regularly available for both legs of a return trip.
There continue to be additional baggage allowances for serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and veterans, and arrangements for special items like musical instruments, sporting equipment, and for groceries and supplies on remote services. Check VIA Rail’s current baggage policy for details, or call 1-888-842-7245.
The “medium” size for carry-on luggage is not entirely new. This was also VIA Rail’s recommended size for carry-on bags prior to a significant reduction in baggage allowances in 2012, when federal budget cuts also caused most stations to lose ticket office staff and checked baggage service. The weight limit for carry-ons was also cut to 40 lbs in 2012, with a $20 surcharge for heavier bags, before being changed back to 50 lbs for Economy and Economy Plus fares in 2014, and for Escape fares in 2017.
While trains are not as subject to space constraints as airliners, and many European railways allow passengers to bring as much as they can carry, ensuring that baggage does not crowd the aisles and can be stowed securely is important to passenger safety, and for staff. Changes to the checked baggage policy in 2012 resulted in a 76% reduction in employee injuries related to baggage handling, according to VIA Rail’s 2013 annual report.
Links:
VIA Rail cuts allowance baggage (Global News, 2012)
VIA Rail increases carry-on baggage allowance (Global News, 2014)