Customers flying with Tango and Tango Plus tickets will have to pay an additional $25 to check a second bag, Air Canada said Friday.

Travellers flying with Air Canada are going to have to fork over a little more to bring a second suitcase, the airline announced Friday.

The Montreal-based airline said passengers with Tango and Tango Plus tickets bringing two bags on flights within Canada and to the U.S. will be charged a $25 fee on flights after July 15, 2008. Until now, Tango and Tango Plus allowed travellers to check two bags at no additional cost.

"This policy change is part of the on-going review of our activities that allow us to keep pace with current industry standards and economic realities, while remaining competitive with our main North American competitors," executive vice-president Duncan Dee said in a release.

The new policy does not affect travellers purchasing the airline's latitude and executive class tickets.

Airlines introduce new service fees

In April, Air Canada announced it would offer expanded customer service options for an additional fee. The service, called On My Way and priced at $25 for short-haul and $35 for long-haul flights, provides waylaid travellers access to customer service representatives who will help arrange for complimentary hotel accommodations, car rentals and complimentary meals.

Air Canada's new baggage fee mirrors similar surcharges introduced in the U.S. In February, United Airlines said it would begin charging travellers a $25 one-way surcharge to check a second bag. Four other airlines followed suit, with Continental, Delta, Northwest and US Airways announcing plans to begin charging customers an additional $25 for checking second bags in May.

United Airlines also announced earlier in April it would bump up fuel surcharges from $10 to $20 US for round-trip travel, citing rising fuel costs.