Bearskin Airlines, a regional Canadian carrier operating under Perimeter Aviation, has a baggage policy tailored to its small aircraft (primarily Fairchild Metroliners) and routes across Northern Ontario and Manitoba. Below is a concise summary based on the latest information from their official website and other reliable sources
Carry-On Baggage (Free):
- Personal Item: Items like personal cameras, coats, purses (≤25 x 30 x 20 cm/10 x 12 x 8 inches), urns, canes, or containers with life-sustaining items are allowed free and do not count toward the baggage allowance. These must fit under the seat or in limited cabin space.
- Standard Carry-On: One carry-on bag is permitted, maximum dimensions 40 x 33 x 20 cm (16 x 13 x 8 inches), with a maximum combined weight of 6 kg (13 lbs) including any carry-out items. Eligible items include soft-sided briefcases or laptop bags. Carry-ons must fit in the sizer at check-in counters.
- Carry-Out Items: Items too large for carry-on (but within checked baggage limits) are tagged as carry-out at check-in and form part of the free baggage allowance. A maximum of 2 pieces (carry-on + carry-out combined) is allowed.
- Notes: Due to small aircraft cabins (no overhead bins on some planes), carry-on space is limited. Flight crew may request laptops be removed from cases if deemed too large. If carry-ons exceed limits or space is unavailable, they may be checked as part of the free allowance or incur fees. Liquids follow the 3-1-1 rule (100 ml/3.4 oz in a 1-liter clear bag).
Checked Baggage (Free Allowance):
- Size and Weight Limits: Maximum size per bag is 203 cm (80 inches, length + width + height). Maximum weight is 27 kg (60 lbs) total per passenger, including carry-on, carry-out, and checked baggage, with a maximum of 4 checked pieces. Individual bags over 31 kg (70 lbs) are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as cargo.
- Allowance: 27 kg (60 lbs) total per passenger across all baggage types (carry-on, carry-out, checked). This applies to all fare types (Fixed, Flex, Freedom) on Bearskin-operated flights.
- Infants/Children: One stroller, wheelchair, walker, car seat, or bassinet is accepted free and does not count toward the 27 kg allowance.
- Interline Flights: If the first flight is with Air Canada (including Air Canada Rouge or Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian, or Exploits Valley Air), Air Canada’s baggage rules apply for the entire itinerary. If Bearskin operates the first flight, Bearskin’s rules apply. Baggage is checked through to the final destination, except when connecting between Perimeter Aviation Airport and Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, where passengers must collect and recheck bags.
Excess Baggage Fees:
- Extra Pieces: $2 per piece over the 4-piece limit, plus applicable excess weight fees.
- Overweight/Oversized: Fees for exceeding 27 kg total or individual bag limits (e.g., 23–31 kg) are not explicitly listed but are charged on a space-available basis. Excess items may travel on a later flight due to aircraft size constraints.
- Notes: Fees are higher at the airport; prepay by contacting Reservations to save. Maximum aggregate weight accepted is 45 kg (99 lbs) per passenger.Notes: Fees are higher at the airport; prepay by contacting Reservations to save. Maximum aggregate weight accepted is 45 kg (99 lbs) per passenger.
Special Items:
- Sports Equipment: Fishing equipment, golf clubs, and other sporting gear must be in hard-shell containers designed for shipping. If not, a limited release tag is required at check-in, absolving Bearskin of liability for damage. These count toward the 27 kg allowance unless overweight/oversized, then excess fees apply.
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments (≤40 x 33 x 20 cm, ≤6 kg) can replace carry-on. Larger instruments are checked as part of the 27 kg allowance or incur excess fees. Contact Bearskin for oversized items or extra seat purchases.
- Pets: Small pets (≤10 kg/22 lbs, including carrier, ≤41 x 33 x 18 cm/16 x 13 x 7 inches) are allowed in-cabin for $50 + tax (one-way). Medium (23–50 lbs) and large (51+ lbs) pets in the unheated cargo hold cost $70 and $100 + tax, respectively, and are accepted only from April 15 to October 15 due to temperature restrictions. All pets require an approved, escape-proof kennel and advance booking. Certified service animals travel free in the cabin at the passenger’s feet.
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, walkers, and battery-powered mobility aids (wet/dry cell) are carried free and do not count toward the allowance. Notify Bearskin 48 hours in advance for battery-powered equipment.
- Prohibited Items: Valuable, fragile, or perishable items (e.g., medication, money, jewelry, electronics) should be in carry-ons, as Bearskin is not liable for loss, damage, or delays of these in checked bags. Explosives, flammable liquids, and certain batteries are banned. Check Bearskin’s Allowed, Prohibited, and Illegal Items list.
