Air Canada has followed the lead of rival WestJet and will begin charging flyers who check a second bag on trips within Canada and to the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Mexico.

Air Canada will begin charging most flyers a $20 fee for a second checked bag on flights starting Jan. 19. (Frank Gunn/Canadian Press)Canada's largest carrier said a $20 fee will be charged for passengers buying economy class tickets as of Thursday for flights beginning Jan. 19, the same day that WestJet will begin levying the fee. The first checked bag remains free for both airlines.

Calgary-based WestJet Airlines Ltd. said last week that it would begin charging for the second checked bags, although it also reduced the fees it charges for the third and fourth checked bags.

Air Canada said it will match WestJet's $20 fee for Canadian and some foreign routes but it will continue to charge $30 for second bags checked on flights to the United States, and $50 on flights to Europe and beyond.

The baggage fees don't apply to Air Canada Prestige, Elite, Super Elite members or Star Alliance Silver and Gold members.

Air Canada passengers flying executive and first class will continue to be able to check three bags at no additional costs, regardless of destination.