Standard Allowance: Most passengers can bring 1 standard carry-on bag (55 x 40 x 23 cm, including handles and wheels) and 1 personal item (33 x 43 x 16 cm, e.g., handbag, laptop bag, or backpack) free of charge. There’s no weight limit, but you must be able to lift the carry-on into the overhead bin unassisted.
Economy Basic Exception: For tickets purchased on or after January 3, 2025, Economy Basic fares for travel within Canada, to/from the U.S. (including Hawaii and Puerto Rico), Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean allow only 1 personal item. A standard carry-on bag must be checked at the airport for a fee (starting at $35 CAD/USD, plus taxes). This restriction does not apply to international destinations beyond these regions, where 1 carry-on and 1 personal item are still permitted.
Exemptions: Aeroplan Elite Status Members, Star Alliance Gold members, and Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholders can bring 1 carry-on and 1 personal item on Basic fares, regardless of the new policy. Strollers (collapsed: max 25.5 x 92 cm), medical devices, mobility aids, and infant care items (e.g., diaper bags) are permitted without counting toward the carry-on allowance.
Enforcement: Automated carry-on sizers are used at Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR) airports. Non-compliant bags may incur fees (starting at $100 CAD for oversized/overweight) or be checked into the hold.
Liquids: Containers over 100 ml (3.4 oz) are confiscated at security. Duty-free liquids over 100 ml purchased post-security must be packed in checked baggage for connecting flights.
Checked Baggage:
Allowance: Varies by fare, route, ticket date, and loyalty status. Check Air Canada’s baggage calculator for specifics. General guidelines:
Economy Basic: No free checked bags; fees $35–$60 CAD/USD per bag per direction (+ taxes). For tickets issued on/after January 21, 2025, for Canada/U.S. to Asia/South Pacific, fees align with other international routes.
Economy Comfort: 1 free bag (2 free bags for tickets purchased.
Economy Flex: 2 free bags
Premium Economy/Signature Class: 2 free bags (up to 32 kg each, max 158 cm linear dimensions).
Aeroplan/Star Alliance Benefits: Aeroplan Elite, Star Alliance Gold, and Aeroplan co-branded cardholders get ≥1 free bag (23 kg). Canadian/U.S. military (active/retired) get 3 bags (up to 32 kg each).
Size/Weight Limits: Max 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions (length + width + height) and 23 kg (50 lb) per bag for most fares; 32 kg (70 lb) for higher fares. Oversized: 160–292 cm; overweight: 23–32 kg.
Prepayment: Fees can be prepaid online/app (24 hours prior) or at airport kiosks (12 hours prior).
Special Items:
Sports Equipment: Skis, snowboards, golf bags, hockey/lacrosse gear, and bicycles (in hard-sided box, max 32 kg) count as one checked bag. Fees apply if no free allowance ($50–$59 CAD one-way for bicycles). Book 24 hours in advance.
Musical Instruments: Can be carry-on (within size limits) or checked (counts as one bag). Large instruments may require an extra seat purchase.
Pets: Cats/small dogs in-cabin (carrier max 27 x 40 x 23 cm, ≤10 kg, fee $50–$59 CAD one-way) or in hold (≤45 kg, max 292 cm, fees $105–$270 CAD one-way). Book 24 hours in advance.
Infants: One extra carry-on for infant items + one checked bag (≤23 kg) free. Small strollers (max 25.5 x 92 cm collapsed) checked free at gate or counter.
Additional Notes:
Codeshare/Partner Flights: Operating carrier’s rules (first flight) may apply. Star Alliance Gold members get 2 carry-on items across member carriers.
Lost/Damaged Baggage: Report damage within 7 days, lost baggage within 21 days at airport or online. Fees refunded for delayed/lost bags.
Restricted Items: Cannabis prohibited for international travel, including U.S. diversions on domestic flights. Medical cannabis requires documentation.
