Carry-On Baggage:
Allowance:
- All fare-paying passengers can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (e.g., purse, laptop bag, camera bag, small backpack) free of charge.
- Infants (under 2 years): No specific carry-on allowance, but one car seat or collapsible stroller is permitted free, subject to size limits and space availability.
Size and Weight Restrictions:
- Personal Item: Maximum dimensions are 10 x 12 x 8 inches (25 x 30 x 20 cm). Must fit under the seat.
- Liquids, Gels, Aerosols: Containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) in a single, transparent, resealable 1-liter plastic bag, in original packaging, per Transport Canada regulations.
Additional Notes:
- A cabin baggage sizer is available at check-in to enforce size limits. Oversized or overweight bags may be checked at the gate with fees ($105–$115, depending on route).
- On smaller aircraft (e.g., ATR 42), carry-on bags may be stowed in the cargo hold due to limited cabin space, retrievable upon arrival.
- For Kenn Borek-operated flights (e.g., KBAL aircraft), no carry-on bags are permitted; personal items (max 10 x 12 x 8 inches) are stowed in the cargo area when instructed.
- Prohibited items in carry-on include sharp objects (e.g., knives, scissors), lighters, and avalanche rescue backpacks (must be declared, with batteries removed and carried in carry-on).
- Smart bags with lithium batteries must have batteries removed and carried separately (max two spare batteries, in protective cases).
- Alcohol in unopened retail packaging or homemade beer/wine must be checked; homemade liquor is prohibited.
Checked Baggage:
Size and Weight Limitations:
- Maximum dimensions: 157 cm (62 inches, L+W+H, including wheels and handles).
- Maximum weight: 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag. Bags weighing 23–45 kg (51–100 lbs) or measuring 157–292 cm (62–115 inches) are considered overweight/oversized and incur fees. Bags over 45 kg (100 lbs) are not accepted and must be shipped as cargo.
- Maximum three bags can be checked at the counter; additional bags must be shipped as cargo and travel standby (sent on a later flight if space is limited).
Priority Baggage:
- Passengers can prioritize one checked bag to ensure it travels on the same flight. Non-priority bags (second/third) travel standby and may be sent on a later flight if space is limited, addressing capacity issues on smaller aircraft.
Codeshare/Interline Flights:
- If the first flight is operated by Canadian North, its baggage rules apply for the entire itinerary. If a partner airline (e.g., Air Canada) operates the first flight, their rules apply. Present itineraries or boarding passes for connecting flights to ensure baggage is tagged through. Pets and dangerous goods (e.g., firearms) cannot be transferred between airlines.
Special Items (Sporting Equipment, Musical Instruments, etc.):
- Allowance: Items like bicycles, golf bags, and skis count toward the free baggage allowance if within size (157 cm) and weight (23 kg) limits.
- Specific Rules:
- Bicycles: $75 per piece, one-way, plus applicable excess fees. Must be packed with handlebars fixed and tires deflated.
- Musical Instruments: Accepted as checked baggage, subject to excess fees ($26.25–$114.98 for overweight/oversized). Small instruments can be carry-on if within size/weight limits.
- Sporting Equipment: Items like hockey gear or fishing equipment are subject to excess fees if over 23 kg or 157 cm.
- Advance registration is required for oversized items; contact Canadian North at least 48 hours prior.
- Non-Accepted Items: Bags over 45 kg (100 lbs) or 292 cm (115 inches), hoverboards, and certain hazardous items (e.g., loose ammunition) must be shipped as cargo.
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs and assistive devices are carried free with advance notification (48 hours). Lithium-ion batteries (up to 300 Wh) require approval.
- Medical Equipment: Battery-powered devices (e.g., CPAP machines, portable oxygen concentrators) are allowed as carry-on but cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing. Must meet size/weight limits.
Pet Policy:
- Small dogs, cats, and household birds (domestic Canada flights only) can travel in the cabin in a carrier (max 27 x 40 x 55 cm, one pet per carrier). Fee: $125 one-way (domestic), $200 (international).
- Kennels must be leak-proof, ventilated, and large enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down. Metal wire cages are not accepted.
- Pets cannot be transferred to other airlines and are limited per flight (e.g., one medium dog on Summit flights).
- Assistance dogs travel free in the cabin with prior approval and documentation.
Tips to Avoid Fees:
- Measure bags (carry-on: 26 x 46 x 56 cm for jets, 23 x 41 x 46 cm for turboprops, 10 kg; personal item: 10 x 12 x 8 inches; checked: 157 cm, 23 kg) and weigh them at home.
- Pack one priority bag with essentials, as additional bags may travel standby.
- For codeshare flights (e.g., Air Canada, Alaska Airlines), confirm the first carrier’s baggage rules and present connecting itineraries at check-in.
- Register special items or pets 48 hours in advance to avoid delays.
- Label bags with contact details inside and out to prevent loss.
- Arrive 2 hours before departure (check-in closes 45 minutes prior) to ensure baggage processing, as online check-in is available 24 hours before but may require airport verification.
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage:
- Report issues at the airport immediately to obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Report damage within 7 days, delays within 21 days.
- Canadian North is not liable for fragile, valuable, or perishable items (e.g., electronics, jewelry, perishables). Liability is limited per international conventions.