Airline surcharges are nothing new for Canadian travelers; new ones for fuel were just added recently due to the Iran war. But the Carney government just approved a $20 surcharge on every Air Canada ticket, the “bilingual CEO surcharge.”
The surcharge will be added to all bookings, domestic and international, to cover what the government calls “enhanced bilingual executive recruitment and language training costs.”
“Following recent events with Air Canada’s leadership, we must ensure Canada’s flag-carrier airline maintains the highest standards of official bilingualism at the executive level,” said a Transport Canada spokesperson. “This modest fee ensures future CEOs will meet all language requirements from day one.”
According to the spokesperson, April Jones, the new surcharge takes effect immediately. Starting today, April 1st.
Happy April Fools’ Day (and an important reminder of a real tip)
For 9 years, Flytrippers has been helping you seriously travel for less with very serious content… for at least 364 days of the year! But we love our April Fools’ tradition to have a bit of fun.
But while this fee is fake, the hike in plane ticket prices isn’t, as I discussed on TV last week when I was interviewed about this topic.
So we’ll still give you a real tip because that’s our passion.
I strongly encourage you to take a few minutes this April Fools’ Day to learn about what is literally the easiest way to travel for less: the wonderful world of travel rewards.
And it’s great timing: the only card that is for all Canadian travelers without exception is offering its highest-ever bonus (and there’s usually only one increased offer per year).
That gives you ≈ $1173 in free hotels! It ends Tuesday!!!
If you prefer simpler points that give you more flexibility, another card is offering its best offer in a long time.
That gives you $1000 in free travel, for almost any flight or hotel!!!
If you want to avoid baggage fees on Air Canada, you can get 2 excellent Aeroplan cards that give you 1 free checked bag for you and 8 travel companions (TD version that’s better or Amex version that has no minimum income requirement).
Do you have questions? Ask them in the comments below this post, and I’ll happily answer them seriously!
Learning how to travel for less
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Summary
For 9 years, for at least 364 days of the year, Flytrippers has been creating serious content to help you travel for less. Our April Fools’ 2026 isn’t true… at least not yet! You never know with airline fees these days.
What would you like to know about traveling for less? Tell us in the comments below.
See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights
Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards
Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration
Learn pro tricks: Travel tips
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