Air Canada Baggage Allowance: What Are the Weight and Size Limits?

Carey Cronin
1 day ago
6 min read

Air travel can be exciting, but baggage rules often confuse passengers. If you’re planning to fly with Air Canada, you’ll want to fully understand their baggage policy before heading to the airport. From Air Canada Baggage Allowance to Air Canada checked baggage weight and the Air Canada baggage fees that apply when you exceed limits, every detail matters.

Many travelers only realize restrictions when they’re already at the check-in counter, leading to costly extra charges and unnecessary stress. This guide provides clear, detailed, and accurate information with figures and measurements so you can plan ahead, pack smartly, and avoid unwanted surprises.

If you’re planning your next trip, you might be asking: What exactly is allowed in terms of size and weight? How much will it cost if you exceed the limit? This guide will walk you through the entire Air Canada baggage policy in a clear, professional, and traveler-friendly manner so you can avoid surprises at the airport.

Understanding Air Canada Baggage Policy

Air Canada’s baggage rules vary depending on your travel class, destination, and frequent flyer status. The airline provides flexibility but ensures safety and efficiency with well-defined weight and size restrictions. Passengers must familiarize themselves with these rules before departure to avoid additional Air Canada baggage fees.

Fare class (Basic, Standard, Flex, Comfort, Premium Economy, or Business Class)
Route (domestic Canada, U.S. flights, or international destinations)
Frequent flyer status (Aeroplan Elite members get special allowances)

Every traveler is entitled to at least one standard carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge. Checked baggage allowance, however, depends heavily on fare type and destination.

Air Canada Carry-On Baggage Explained

Air Canada allows every traveler to bring carry-on baggage onboard, but there are strict guidelines regarding dimensions and weight.

Air Canada Carry-On Baggage Dimensions and Weight

Maximum size (carry-on): 21.5 in (55 cm) x 15.5 in (40 cm) x 9 in (23 cm)
Maximum size (personal item): 17 in (43 cm) x 13 in (33 cm) x 6 in (16 cm)
Weight limit: No official limit, but must be light enough to be lifted into the overhead bin without staff assistance

Examples of acceptable personal items:

Laptop bag (up to 17 x 13 x 6 inches)
Small backpack
Purse or handbag
Briefcase

Examples of restricted items in carry-on baggage:

Containers of liquids exceeding 100 ml (3.4 oz)
Sharp objects (scissors, knives)
Flammable materials

Pro tip: Air Canada has sizers at airports to check compliance. If your carry-on exceeds the limit, it will be tagged and checked in, often with additional fees.

Tips for Packing Air Canada Carry-On Baggage

Use lightweight suitcases to maximize packing capacity.
Roll clothing to save space.
Place liquids in small containers within a clear resealable bag.
Keep travel documents and essentials in your personal item for easy access.

Air Canada Checked Baggage Allowance

For travelers needing more than a carry-on, Air Canada provides a detailed checked baggage system. Allowance depends on route and fare type.

Air Canada Checked Baggage Size and Weight

Maximum dimensions per bag: 62 linear inches (158 cm) = (L + W + H)
Economy Class weight limit: 50 lb (23 kg) per bag
Business & Premium Economy weight limit: 70 lb (32 kg) per bag
Maximum number of bags allowed: Up to 2 checked bags (more can be added with fees)

Air Canada Baggage Fees (Domestic, U.S., International)

Domestic flights within Canada:

1st bag: CAD $30–50 (USD $22–37)
2nd bag: CAD $50–70 (USD $37–52)

Flights between Canada and the U.S.:

1st bag: CAD $30–50 (USD $22–37)
2nd bag: CAD $50–70 (USD $37–52)

International flights (Europe, Asia, South America):

Many routes include 1 free checked bag in Economy
Additional bags: USD $70–100
Overweight/oversized: USD $100–150

Oversized Baggage (over 62 in / 158 cm but under 80 in / 203 cm):

Fee: USD $100–118 per bag

Overweight Baggage (50–70 lb / 23–32 kg in Economy):

Fee: USD $100–118 per bag

Maximum allowance:Bags exceeding 100 lb (45 kg) or 80 in (203 cm) are not accepted.

Air Canada Checked Baggage in Detail

Checked baggage is subject to stricter weight and size restrictions than carry-on items. Understanding these requirements will save you from paying unexpected Air Canada baggage fees.

Weight and Size Restrictions for Air Canada Checked Baggage

For most flights within Canada, to the United States, and internationally, the standard checked baggage allowance includes:

Maximum weight per bag: fifty pounds (twenty-three kilograms) in Economy class.
Maximum size: sixty-two linear inches (one hundred fifty-eight centimeters), measured by adding length, width, and height.

Business Class and Premium Economy passengers may enjoy higher allowances, often up to seventy pounds (thirty-two kilograms) per bag.

Excess Baggage and Air Canada Baggage Fees

If your baggage exceeds the standard weight or size limit, Air Canada baggage fees apply. Overweight and oversized luggage typically cost between one hundred and one hundred fifty US dollars per bag depending on the route. A second or additional checked bag may also carry fees, usually starting at fifty US dollars for flights within North America.

Comparing Air Canada Baggage Fees Across Destinations

Air Canada baggage fees are not uniform. They vary depending on whether you’re flying domestically, to the U.S., or internationally. For example, transatlantic flights may include one checked bag free, while domestic trips within Canada often require an additional fee for the first checked bag. Always confirm fees on your route before travel.

Three Key Areas of Air Canada Baggage Policy

Air Canada Baggage Fees

Air Canada baggage fees are determined by your travel destination, fare type, and frequent flyer status. Economy Basic and Standard fares often have higher fees, while Flex, Comfort, and Premium fares may include at least one free checked bag. Elite frequent flyers may benefit from additional allowances.

Air Canada Checked Baggage

Checked baggage should always stay within size and weight limits. Overweight or oversized bags not only cost more but also may not be accepted on certain flights due to aircraft restrictions. To save money, pack strategically and weigh your bags before leaving for the airport.

Air Canada Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on luggage is ideal for short trips or avoiding baggage claim delays. Since Air Canada enforces strict carry-on size rules, travelers should use compact, airline-approved bags. This ensures faster boarding and reduces the chance of being asked to check your bag at the gate.

How to Avoid Extra Air Canada Baggage Fees

Purchase baggage in advance online: Cheaper than paying at the airport.
Weigh your bags at home: Prevent overweight charges.
Pack efficiently: Use compression bags and lightweight items.
Use loyalty programs: Aeroplan Elite members may get free checked baggage benefits.
Consider co-branded credit cards: Some cards offer baggage perks.

Tips to Avoid Air Canada Baggage Fees

Weigh bags before leaving home using a digital luggage scale.
Purchase baggage online at least 24 hours before departure.
Use lightweight luggage to maximize allowance.
Join Aeroplan Elite for free checked baggage benefits.
Use co-branded credit cards like Air Canada CIBC Visa that waive fees.
Split items into multiple bags rather than exceeding the weight limit.

FAQs

What is the Air Canada carry-on baggage size limit?The maximum size is twenty-one point five inches x fifteen point five inches x nine inches including wheels and handles.
How many checked bags are allowed on Air Canada?It depends on your fare and route. Economy typically includes no free bags, while higher classes include one or two.
What are Air Canada baggage fees for domestic flights?They usually start at fifty US dollars for the first checked bag.
How much does overweight baggage cost on Air Canada?Between one hundred and one hundred fifty US dollars depending on destination.
Can I bring a personal item with Air Canada carry-on baggage?Yes, one personal item is allowed such as a purse or laptop bag.
Does Air Canada checked baggage allowance differ by class?Yes. Business and Premium Economy passengers get higher weight limits per bag.
Are Air Canada baggage fees refundable?Generally, no. Fees are non-refundable once paid.
Can sports equipment be included in checked baggage?Yes, but size and weight restrictions apply, and special fees may be charged.
How strict is Air Canada with carry-on baggage weight?While there is no official weight limit, your bag must fit overhead and be lifted without help.
Does Air Canada baggage policy include international free checked bags?Yes, most international long-haul flights include at least one free checked bag.

Reviews

Sarah from New York“I booked through Tours N Travel Pro, and they explained Air Canada baggage policy so clearly. I saved money by pre-purchasing my checked bag online.”
James from Toronto“My Air Canada carry-on baggage fit perfectly thanks to the advice I got from Tours N Travel Pro. Boarding was smooth and stress-free.”
Linda from Chicago“I had two large bags, and the agent at Tours N Travel Pro helped me calculate Air Canada baggage fees beforehand. No surprises at the airport!”
Michael from Los Angeles“Excellent guidance on Air Canada checked baggage. I avoided overweight fees because of tips from Tours N Travel Pro. Highly recommend them.”

Conclusion

Understanding Air Canada baggage allowance is essential for stress-free travel. From carry-on limits to checked baggage weight rules, knowing the policy in advance saves money and avoids airport hassles. Whether you’re flying within Canada, to the U.S., or internationally, it’s best to plan ahead.

At Tours N Travel Pro, we simplify travel by helping passengers understand Air Canada baggage fees, Air Canada checked baggage allowances, and Air Canada carry-on baggage policies. Call our experts at +1-866-679-5070 for tailored travel assistance.