Air Canada provides update on new U.S. security measures

- Waives excess baggage fee for U.S.-bound flights

- Advises U.S.-bound customers to minimize carry-on baggage

MONTREAL , Dec. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - As a result of additional security measures on flights from Canada to the United States imposed by Transport Canada and the U.S. Transport Security Administration, carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag per customer. In order to facilitate these new security measures, Air Canada is waiving excess baggage charges for checked baggage on a temporary basis for U.S.-bound customers travelling from Canada .

Air Canada advises U.S.-bound passengers to restrict their carry-on item to the absolute minimum. Carriage of any carry-on item will result in lengthy security delays for the customer.

To minimize inconvenience, Air Canada strongly recommends that customers travelling to the United State restrict carry-on baggage to one personal item only (such as a purse, computer bag, brief case, or diaper bag) or to travel with no carry-on items whenever possible. Air Canada airport Customer Sales and Service Agents will be available to assist customers checking their bags.

"U.S.-bound flights on all airlines are experiencing significant delays," said Duncan Dee , Air Canada's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "At this time, we are asking for the cooperation of our U.S.-bound customers to minimize the inconvenience on themselves by limiting their carry-on items to the absolute minimum or even to travel with no carry-on items if possible."

Customers travelling to the United States are advised to arrive early for their flights and to check the status of their flights at www.aircanada.com.

For further information: Isabelle Arthur (Montréal), [phone]; Angela Mah (Vancouver), [phone]; Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto), [phone]; Internet: aircanada.com