Everything You Need to Know About Air Canada Baggage Policy

Planning a trip with Air Canada? Understanding the air canada baggage policy before you pack can save you both time and money at the airport. Whether you're flying within Canada, heading to the U.S., or jetting off on an international adventure, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about carry-on rules, checked baggage allowances, fees, and those all-important weight restrictions.​

Air Canada Carry-On Baggage Policy: What You Can Bring Onboard

When it comes to the air canada carry-on baggage policy, the rules are fairly straightforward—but there are some important updates you should know about, especially if you're booking an Economy Basic fare.​

Standard Carry-On Allowance

Most Air Canada passengers can bring one standard carry-on bag and one personal item on board at no extra charge. Your standard carry-on must not exceed 55 cm x 23 cm x 40 cm (21.5 x 9 x 15.5 inches), including handles and wheels, and it needs to fit in the overhead compartment. Your personal item—think laptop bag, purse, small backpack, or camera bag—should measure no more than 33 cm x 16 cm x 43 cm (13 x 6 x 17 inches) and must fit under the seat in front of you.​

Important Change for Economy Basic Fares

Here's where things get interesting. If you purchased an Economy Basic fare on or after January 3, 2025, the carry-on rules have changed. For flights within Canada, to/from the U.S. (including Hawaii and Puerto Rico), or to/from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, you're now limited to only one personal item. That standard carry-on bag? You'll need to check it for a fee.​

The good news: if you're flying internationally on an Economy Basic fare (beyond the regions mentioned above), you can still bring both your personal item and standard carry-on for your entire journey—even if you have a connection in North America.​

Exceptions to the Rule

Even with Economy Basic restrictions, certain passengers keep their full carry-on allowance:​

• Aeroplan Elite Status members
• Star Alliance Gold members
• Aeroplan Premium Credit Card holders

These travelers can still bring one standard carry-on bag and one personal item, regardless of fare type.​

Extra Items You Can Bring

Beyond your baggage allowance, Air Canada lets you bring a few additional items without counting them against your limit:​

• One coat or outer garment
• A small purse measuring no more than 25 cm x 30 cm x 14 cm (10 x 12 x 5.5 inches)
• An infant care item like a diaper bag (when traveling with a baby)
• A collapsible stroller with a diameter not exceeding 25.5 cm (10 inches) and length not exceeding 92 cm (36 inches)​

Air Canada Checked Baggage Allowance: Economy, International, and Beyond

The air Canada baggage allowance for checked bags varies based on several factors: your fare type, destination, class of service, and even your Aeroplan status. Let's break it down by travel region and cabin class.​

Size and Weight Limits

For all checked baggage, Air Canada enforces these standard limits:​

• Maximum weight: 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag for Economy class
• Maximum dimensions: 158 cm (62 inches) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height, including handles and wheels)

Business class passengers get a higher weight allowance of 32 kg (70 lbs) per bag.​

Economy Class Baggage Policy

The air canada baggage policy economy varies significantly depending on where you're flying:

Flights Within Canada or to/from the U.S.

For domestic Canadian flights and routes to/from the United States:​

• Economy Basic and Standard fares: 0 free bags (you'll need to purchase checked baggage)
• 1st bag: $35-$42 CAD/USD
• 2nd bag: $50-$60 CAD/USD
• Economy Flex and Comfort fares: 1 free bag (as of January 3, 2025, Comfort fares now include 2 free bags)​
• 2nd bag: $50-$60 CAD/USD
• Economy Latitude fares: 2 free bags​

Flights to Mexico and the Caribbean

The fees are slightly different for sun destinations:​

• Economy Basic and Standard fares:
• 1st bag: $35 CAD/USD
• 2nd bag: $50 CAD/USD
• Economy Flex and Comfort fares: 1 free bag (2 bags for Comfort fares purchased after January 3, 2025)​
• Economy Latitude fares: 2 free bags​

Air Canada Baggage Policy International Flights

For the Air Canada baggage policy international on routes outside North America (such as flights to Europe, Asia, or other continents), the rules are generally more generous:​

• Economy Basic fares: 0 free bags (must purchase)
• 1st bag: Free
• 2nd bag: Maximum $100 CAD/USD​
• Economy Standard fares: 1 free bag​
• Economy Flex and Comfort fares: 1 free bag (2 bags for Comfort purchased after January 3, 2025)​
• Economy Latitude fares: 2 free bags​

Premium Economy and Business Class

Higher cabin classes come with enhanced baggage allowances:​

• Premium Economy and Premium Rouge: 2 free bags (23 kg/50 lbs each)​
• Business Class: 2 free bags (32 kg/70 lbs each)​

Extra Baggage, Overweight, and Oversized Fees

Traveling with more than your allowance? Here's what you need to know about additional fees.​

Additional Checked Bags

If you need to check extra bags beyond your allowance:​

• Within North America: $100-$120 CAD/USD per additional bag
• International flights: $225-$270 CAD/USD per additional bag

Overweight Baggage

Bags weighing between 23 kg and 32 kg (50-70 lbs) are considered overweight:​

• Fee: $100-$120 CAD/USD per bag

Note: Bags exceeding 32 kg (70 lbs) will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped through Air Canada Cargo.​

Oversized Baggage

If your bag measures between 160 cm and 292 cm (63-115 inches) in linear dimensions, it's considered oversized:​

• Fee: $100-$120 CAD/USD per bag

Bags larger than 292 cm (115 inches) cannot be checked as baggage.​

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Special Items: Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and Baby Gear

Traveling with Infants

Air Canada is family-friendly when it comes to infant baggage allowances:​

• Lap infants (under 2 years) traveling on international flights receive 1 free checked bag (up to 23 kg/50 lbs)​
• You can bring a diaper bag as a personal item in addition to your own allowance​
• You may bring two of the following items free of charge: stroller, car seat/booster seat, or playpen​
• Strollers can be checked at the baggage counter or gate-checked for convenience​

Sports Equipment

Air Canada accommodates sports enthusiasts, though fees may apply:​

• Sports equipment counts as part of your checked baggage allowance​
• Items like skis, snowboards, and golf clubs typically have a weight limit of 23 kg (50 lbs)​
• Bicycles must be packed in a hard-sided box with a maximum weight of 32 kg (70 lbs)​
• Pre-registration is recommended at least 24 hours before departure for sports equipment​

Musical Instruments

Musicians have options when flying Air Canada:​

• Small instruments that meet personal item dimensions can be brought as carry-ons​
• Larger instruments must be checked or may require purchasing an additional seat​

Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Charges

Now that you understand Air Canada's baggage policy inside and out, here are some practical tips to help you travel smarter:

1. Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a portable luggage scale to avoid surprises at the airport. Staying within the 23 kg (50 lbs) limit for economy can save you $100 or more in overweight fees.​

2. Use Air Canada's Baggage Calculator: Before you head to the airport, visit Air Canada's official baggage calculator on their website to determine your exact allowance and any fees that might apply to your specific itinerary.​

3. Consider Your Fare Type: If you know you'll need checked baggage, it might be worth upgrading from a Basic to a Flex or Comfort fare—especially on routes where the price difference is minimal compared to baggage fees.​

4. Pack Smart: If you're on an Economy Basic fare with limited carry-on allowance, maximize your personal item. A large backpack or tote bag that fits the dimensions can hold more than you'd think.​

5. Check In Online: Add your checked baggage when you check in online to streamline your airport experience. If you arrive at the gate with a bag that should have been checked, you'll pay a higher fee of $65 CAD/USD instead of the standard $35.​

6. Arrive Early: If you're checking extra bags, overweight items, or oversized luggage, Air Canada recommends arriving at least 120 minutes before departure to allow sufficient time for processing.​

Wrapping Up Your Air Canada Baggage Know-How

Understanding the air canada baggage policy doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're flying Economy Basic with just a personal item or enjoying the perks of Business Class with two 32-kilogram bags, knowing the rules helps you pack confidently and avoid unnecessary fees. Book your Air Canada flights with ExperianAirfare today and travel smoothly.

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