Flying with Air Canada soon? Here's everything you need to know about their baggage policies.
Airline baggage policies can look deceptively similar at a glance, but they're usually just that little bit different.
Air Canada's baggage rules are actually a tad more complicated than some other airlines, primarily because different destinations mean different allowances, so there's no 'one size fits all' answer.
But don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's a breakdown of how it all works...
What's Air Canada's hand baggage allowance?
Air Canada flights include a personal item and a cabin bag ('standard article') in all cabins, on all routes, except when flying within Canada, to or from the US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean in Economy Basic.
However, since the airline has five different economy fares (in addition to Premium Economy and Business Class) if you are flying within North and Central America and need a cabin bag included, consider selecting another ticket type which has it covered.
Alternatively, you can purchase the cheapest ticket (Economy Basic) and bring a cabin-sized bag with you to check in at the airport. However this may end up costing you more than purchasing a slightly pricier ticket.
One great perk of Air Canada's hand baggage policy is that there's no weight restriction on your cabin bag, you just have to be able to lift it unassisted into the overhead lockers. Remember this when packing, as it may save some weight in your checked baggage - which is subject to weight restrictions.
There are some items Air Canada customers may bring on board in addition to their hand baggage allowance. If you're travelling with an infant on your lap, for example, you may bring an additional cabin bag for your child’s belongings, as well as a stroller (as long as it's no bigger than 25.5cm x 92cm when collapsed) and an infant care item such as a nappy bag.
Here's an overview of Air Canada hand baggage allowance:
Air Canada cabin bag maximum size | Air Canada cabin bag weight | Number of bags allowed on board | Cost to check in oversized hand luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
Personal item: Cabin bag: 55cm x 23cm x 40cm (including wheels and handle) | No weight restriction, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin | Flights within or between Canada, US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean: Everywhere else: | Subject to checked baggage fees as below |
There's no weight limit on hand luggage with Air Canada, so make the most of it!
What is Air Canada's checked baggage allowance?
Many factors go into deciding how much baggage you're allowed to check-in on an Air Canada flight - such as destination, date of flying and loyalty status - so be sure to check before you book to avoid any nasty surprises at the airport.
Below is a breakdown of Air Canada checked baggage allowance, though if you're still unsure, use Air Canada's baggage calculator to work out your allocation before flying.
Air Canada hold baggage size | Air Canada hold luggage maximum weight allowance | Number of hold bags included in ticket | Cost of Air Canada's hold luggage (per flight) |
|---|---|---|---|
Total dimensions of 158cm - add the length, height and weight to calculate this | 23kg for all classes except Business Class which is 32kg | Economy Class: Within Canada, the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America: Basic and Standard fares: Comfort and Flex fares: 1 bag Latitude fare: International flights: Varies depending on route and date the ticket was issued. Premium Economy: 2 bags Business Class: | Economy Class: Within Canada, the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America: Basic and Standard fares: 1st bag: £19-£22.75 ($35.00 - $42.00 CAD) 2nd bag: £27.10-£32.50 ($50.00 - $60.00 CAD) Comfort and Flex fares: 2nd bag: £27.10-£32.50 ($50.00 - $60.00 CAD) Latitude fare: International: Varies depending on route and date the ticket was issued. |
What happens if my Air Canada baggage is oversized or overweight?
When flying with Air Canada, bags weighing between 23 and 32kg are considered overweight, while bags clocking in total dimensions of 160 - 292cm are viewed as oversized. You'll need to pay extra to bring these bags with you, and what it costs depends on your flight route.
If your bag is heavier or larger than these dimensions (or has one side longer than 203cm), it'll need to be shipped as cargo through Air Canada Cargo.
For an overview of estimated costs to travel with an overweight or oversized bag, take a look below.
Travel within Canada and Economy Class travel between Canada and the U.S. | Economy Class travel between Canada and the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America and all other international destinations |
|---|---|
Overweight or oversized bag: Overweight and oversized bag: Additional bag (over and above your standard allowance) Additional bag: £54.20-£65 ($100.00 - $120.00CAD) No overweight or oversize fee applies to an additional bag for which the additional bag fee of £54.20-£65 ($100.00 - $120.00CAD) is paid. | Overweight or oversized bag: £54.20-£65 ($100.00-$120.00CAD) Overweight and oversized bag: £54.20-£65 ($100.00-$120.00 CAD (single fee) Additional bag (over and above your standard allowance) Additional bag: £121.90-£146.30 ($225.00-$270.00CAD) No overweight or oversize fee applies to an additional bag for which the additional bag fee of £121.90-£146.30 ($225.00-$270.00CAD) is paid. |
What else do I need to know about Air Canada's baggage policies?
There are a few other bits to keep in mind when flying with Air Canada:
Take extra care to check your allowance if you're flying to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, as they may be subject to different restrictions
If you're flying in Business Class, you can bring a total of three bags in the hold, though the third is subject to a fee
If you're travelling to or from Kingston, Jamaica (KIN) between September 1 and January 15 you're restricted to one checked bag per person
All information sourced from the Air Canada website and correct as of April 2026. Always check your baggage limits with the airline before travelling.
