Get the latest details about Air Canada’s carry-on and checked baggage policies, fees, restrictions, and prohibited items.

Disclaimer: Post updated May 19, 2026, with information from Air Canada. Travellers should always check the latest policies and requirements before booking a trip.

Air Canada carry-on baggage rules: Carry-on and personal item allowances

When you fly on Air Canada, you can bring one standard carry-on item and one personal item per passenger. The carry-on dimensions must not exceed 55x23x40cm (21.5x9x15.5in), including wheels and handles, and your bag must fit in the overhead compartment.

Passengers may also bring a personal item, like a camera bag, purse, laptop bag, or cat or dog carrier. Personal items must not exceed 33x16x43cm (13x6x17in) and fit under the seat in front.

Economy Basic carry-on restrictions

As of January 3, 2025, Economy Basic fares don't include carry-on baggage for select destinations. Economy Basic Fares only allow a personal item on flights within Canada or to or from the US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Carry-on bags must be checked for a fee before security screening.

Air Canada's baggage rules for international flights offer some exemptions. Passengers connecting to long-haul international destinations may still receive a standard carry-on allowance for the full itinerary. Some Aeroplan Elite members, Star Alliance Gold members, and eligible Aeroplan credit cardholders also qualify for carry-on exemptions on Economy Basic fares.

Special rules and exemptions apply to mobility aids or medical devices. Air Canada doesn't charge fees to carry these items on board or check them if they don't fit under the seat.

Air Canada checked baggage policy: Everything you need to know

Checked baggage allowances on Air Canada depend on several factors, including your route, fare type, and Aeroplan status. Fees vary significantly, so it’s important to know exactly what you can and can’t bring as checked baggage on your Air Canada flight.

Checked baggage sizes

Use Air Canada’s baggage calculator to determine the exact cost of checked bags on your chosen flight. If your bag is overweight or oversized, you'll have to pay a fee at the airport. Air Canada specifies maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 in) and a maximum weight of 23kg (50lb) for checked luggage.

Linear dimensions are calculated by adding the bag’s length, width, and height together. Bags weighing more than 32kg or exceeding 292cm total dimensions aren't accepted as checked baggage and require cargo shipping instead.

Air Canada checked baggage: Everything you need to know

Fees, sizes, and restrictions

Checked baggage allowances on Air Canada depend on several factors, including your route, fare type (Basic Economy, Flex, Comfort, Latitude), class of service, and Aeroplan status. Fees can vary significantly, so it’s important to know exactly what you can and can’t bring as checked baggage on your Air Canada flight.

The best way to do so is to use Air Canada’s baggage calculator, as this will help you determine the exact cost of checked bags on your chosen flight. If your bag is overweight or oversized, you will have to pay a fee at the airport. Air Canada specifies maximum dimensions of 158cm with a maximum weight of 50lbs (23kg) for checked luggage.

Please note, the fees to add checked luggage to Basic Economy fares changed on January 21, 2025, to now include:

Checked baggage fees

Checked baggage fees and allowances vary, depending on your departure and destination airports. Flights within Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America typically have lower baggage fees compared to long-haul trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights.

Overweight and oversized baggage fees

Additional fees ranging from $100 to $120 apply if baggage exceeds Air Canada’s standard size or weight limits. Extra checked bags beyond your included allowance may cost more, especially on international routes. Arrive at the airport earlier when travelling with oversized or overweight luggage, since oversized baggage may be subject to extra screening.

Sports equipment and special baggage

Air Canada accepts many types of sports equipment, including golf clubs, hockey equipment, skis, snowboards, surfboards, fishing gear, and bicycles. Sports equipment usually counts toward your checked baggage allowance unless Air Canada specifies otherwise.

Military baggage allowance

Eligible military personnel may qualify for additional baggage allowances on Air Canada-operated flights when travelling for personal or professional purposes. In many cases, military travellers may check up to three bags weighing up to 32kg (70lb) each. Valid military identification is required at the airport.

Travelling with children and infants

Passengers travelling with infants or young children may bring additional child-related items. Depending on the situation, Air Canada may allow a diaper bag, stroller, child restraint device, and formula or breast milk exceeding standard liquid limits. Small collapsible strollers may sometimes be gate-checked, while larger strollers usually need to be checked at the baggage counter.

Navigating restricted items on Air Canada: What you can and can’t bring on board

Air Canada follows the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and Transport Canada regulations for restricted and prohibited items.

Any liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on luggage must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, resealable bag. You can bring larger liquids in your checked luggage, but just make sure you pack them carefully. You may also be able to bring medication on board that exceeds the 100ml limit, although you may need a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s note. Certain items, like sharp objects and flammables, are strictly prohibited.

Refer to Air Canada's list of restricted and prohibited items for the most up-to-date information.

Start packing your suitcase for your Air Canada flight

Now that you know all about the baggage allowances on Air Canada, you can fly with ease and breeze through the airport with no stress. A quick check of your carry-on allowance, checked bag fees, and size limits can help you avoid surprise costs at the airport. Before your trip, measure and weigh your bags at home, pack the essentials in your carry-on, and double-check restricted items.

Ready to start planning your next trip? Find cheap flights to your next destination on Skyscanner, and start packing your suitcase.