Air Canada Personal Item Size 2025 – Dimensions, Weight & Packing Tips
Understand Air Canada’s personal item size rules for 2025. Avoid fees by packing right with our guide to under-seat bags, weight limits & more.
When planning your next trip with Air Canada, understanding their personal item size restrictions can save you from unexpected hassles at the gate. Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, knowing the exact Air Canada personal item size dimensions ensures your bag fits perfectly under the seat in front of you.
What Are the Air Canada Personal Item Size Dimensions?
Let's get straight to the specifics. The personal item size Air Canada policy sets clear boundaries that every traveler should know. Your personal item must not exceed the following dimensions: 33 centimeters (13 inches) in height, 16 centimeters (6 inches) in depth, and 43 centimeters (17 inches) in width. These measurements include any wheels, handles, or attachments you might have on your bag.
To put this in perspective, your personal item should comfortably fit under the seat in front of you. Think of a small backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag; these typically fall within the Air Canada personal item size limit guidelines. Air Canada distinguishes this from their standard carry-on bags, which are noticeably larger at 55 centimeters (21.5 inches) in height, 23 centimeters (9 inches) in depth, and 40 centimeters (15.5 inches) in width.
What are Air Canada's Personal Item Size Restrictions?
Air Canada takes their baggage policy seriously, and its personal item size restrictions are enforced at every flight. The airline is known for being quite strict about verifying that bags meet the specified dimensions before boarding. If your personal item exceeds the maximum measurements, you may be required to check it at the gate, and additional fees could apply.
One important thing to note: there's no weight limit specified for personal items, but your bag must be light enough that you can handle it comfortably. The focus is entirely on the air canada personal item size limit dimensions, not the weight.
What Qualifies as a Personal Item?
Air Canada considers a range of items as acceptable personal articles. Common personal items include briefcases, laptop bags, small backpacks, purses, and camera bags. You can also bring items like musical instruments or sports equipment if they fit within the size restrictions. Additionally, Air Canada allows you to bring a small purse separately, which shouldn't exceed 25 centimeters by 30 centimeters by 14 centimeters (10 by 12 by 5.5 inches).
Also check out for detailed Air Canada Baggage Policy or Full Detailed Air Canada Carry-On Size baggage allowance tips for packing smart
Important Changes for Economy Basic Fares
Here's something crucial if you're traveling on an Economy Basic fare purchased on or after January 3, 2025: your Air Canada personal item size limit remains the same, but your baggage allowance has changed. These tickets now include only one personal item when flying within Canada, to or from the United States (including Hawaii and Puerto Rico), Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Any additional baggage will need to be checked for a fee.
However, if you're connecting to an international destination, you can still bring both a personal item and a standard carry-on bag at no extra charge. Frequent flyer elite members and Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholders continue to enjoy the traditional allowance of one personal item plus one standard carry-on bag, regardless of fare type.
Explore Air Canada Premium Economy — larger seats, extra legroom, two checked bags, priority boarding & whether it’s worth the upgrade. Also Fly in style with Air Canada Business Class
Tips for Choosing Your Personal Item
When selecting a personal item for your Air Canada flight, keep the Air Canada personal item size dimensions in mind from the start. Consider purchasing a bag specifically designed to meet airline personal item requirements. Many manufacturers now create bags in the 20-25 liter range that comfortably fit within Air Canada's specifications. This gives you flexibility while staying well within the limits.
Soft-sided bags are your best friend here because they can compress slightly to fit under the seat more easily. Rigid suitcases, while sturdy, may be harder to squeeze into the under-seat storage compartment. Measure your bag before your flight to ensure it complies with the air canada personal item size restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Air Canada's personal item size policy is essential for a smooth travel experience. By sticking to the Air Canada personal item size limit dimensions of 33 cm (13 in) height, 16 cm (6 in) depth, and 43 cm (17 in) width, you'll breeze through check-in and boarding without any surprises. So, call ExperianAirfare today and book your Air Canada flights now.
Frequently Asked Questions
A personal item must not exceed 33 cm (13 in) in height, 16 cm (6 in) in depth, and 43 cm (17 in) in width, with maximum dimensions including wheels and handles.
Yes, for standard fares you can bring one personal item and one standard carry-on bag; however, Economy Basic fares purchased on or after January 3, 2025, only allow one personal item on domestic and regional flights.
A personal item can be a small backpack, briefcase, laptop bag, messenger bag, purse, or camera bag that fits within the specified dimensions.
Bags that don't meet the maximum size requirements will be checked at the gate, and additional checked baggage fees may apply.
No weight limit applies, but your bag must be light enough that you can handle it comfortably on your own.
