Plan your trip smoothly with our guide to Air Canada’s 2025 baggage policies.
Packing for a trip can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide covers all the latest details about Air Canada’s carry-on and checked baggage policies, fees, and restrictions. We’ve also got some information about prohibited items too.
Understanding Air Canada's baggage policy
Carry-on and checked baggage explained
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 55 x 23 x 40 cm (21.5 x 9 x 15.5 in), and your bag must fit in the overhead locker. When it comes to personal items – like a camera bag, purse, laptop bag, cat or dog carrier – this must not exceed 33 x 16 x 43 cm (13 x 6 x 17 in), and it must fit under the seat in front. As of January 2025, Economy Basic Fares only allow a personal item on flights within Canada, or to or from the US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
If you want to check a bag on your Air Canada flight, sometimes you might have to pay a fee. It’s important to understand exactly what these are to avoid unexpected charges at the airport.
Quick guide to Air Canada carry-on baggage
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 21st January 2025, to now include:
Ticket Type | Baggage Fees |
|---|---|
Economy class travel (with Canada) | Basic and Standard fares: 1st bag: $75.00 2nd bag: $100.00 Comfort and Flex fares: 1st bag: free 2nd bag: $50.00 Latitude fares: 2 bags free |
Economy Class travel (between Canada and the U.S.) | Basic and Standard fares: 1st bag: $75.00 2nd bag: $100.00 Comfort and Flex fares: 1st bag: free 2nd bag: $50.00 Latitude fares: 2 bags free |
Economy Class travel (between Canada and Mexico or the Caribbean) | Basic and Standard fares: 1st bag: $35.00 2nd bag: $50.00 Comfort and Flex fares: 1st bag: free 2nd bag: $50.00 Latitude fares: 2 bags free |
Other international travel | The baggage allowance for flights between Canada and other international destinations varies based on the route selected and the date your ticket was issued. |
- Check Air Canada's website for the latest policies.
- Use Air Canada's baggage calculator for accurate fees.
- Pack light to avoid extra baggage charges.
Navigating restricted items on Air Canada
What you can and can’t bring on board
When flying on Air Canada, it’s important to stick to the airline’s and CATSA regulations around 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.
If you’re travelling with an infant, you can bring an extra standard item as a carry-on, like a diaper bag. 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.
We suggest you to refer to the airline’s official website for a comprehensive list, but the below table should help.
Allowance | Vital Information | Caution |
|---|---|---|
Carry-on liquids | You cannot bring liquid or gel items more than 100ml/100g (3.4 oz) in your carry-on. | Any liquid or gel exceeding 100ml will be confiscated at a security checkpoint. |
Medical equipment | Mobility aids allowed on board. Needles and syringes with a needle guard. Labelled medication in its original container. | Things like pressurized oxygen canisters may be allowed if needed for health reasons. Inform Air Canada at least 48-72 hours prior to departure, depending on your destination. |
General restrictions | Camping equipment including fuel tablets or gas cartridges, items that are explosive or flammable, and some types of paint are not permitted. | Blades exceeding 6cm aren’t allowed on board. |
Air Canada baggage FAQs
Now you know all about the baggage allowances on Air Canada, you can fly with ease and breeze through the airport with no stress.
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