Air Canada Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Founded in 1937, Air Canada (AC) is a major North American flag carrier from Canada. They operate transcontinental routes connecting Canada with the Americas, Europe, and Asia, offering flights to 200+ destinations.

Air Canada's baggage policy is primarily structured around the passenger's specific fare brand, such as Economy Basic, Flex, or Business Class. The allowance is also heavily influenced by the flight's geographic route, distinguishing between domestic Canadian, transborder (U.S.), and other international destinations. Additionally, a passenger's Aeroplan Elite status or the use of co-branded credit cards can significantly enhance their baggage privileges.

Checked bag vs. carry-on vs. personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

• Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for Air Canada, the maximum standard size is 158 cm / 62 in.
• Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
• The personal item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

Air Canada carry-on allowance

The maximum dimensions for each carry-on bag are 55 x 40 x 23 cm and while a weight limit is not enforced on carry-on items, they must be light enough for the passenger to stow them unassisted. In addition to the standard carry-on allowance, passengers are also permitted one personal item with maximum dimensions of 33 x 43 x 16 cm (13 x 17 x 6 in), which must fit under the seat in front of them.

Air Canada checked baggage allowance

Air Canada primarily operates on the piece concept for its checked luggage.

The piece concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the weight concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

The maximum size for each piece of checked baggage is 158 cm / 62 in total linear dimensions.

Air Canada extra baggage fees

For bags that exceed standard limits, Air Canada applies a flat-rate penalty fee of approximately $100–$120 CAD/USD per direction. This charge applies to overweight items (between 23 and 32 kg) or oversized items (linear dimensions between 158 and 292 cm). Notably, if a bag is both overweight and oversized, you are only charged a single fee rather than two separate penalties.

When bringing additional pieces beyond your free allowance, fees depend on the route and the number of bags. Within Canada and the U.S., a second bag typically costs $50–$60, while subsequent bags cost $100–$120 each. For international travel, the fee for a third bag or more increases to $225–$270; however, this higher international rate includes the cost for excess weight or size, meaning no further penalties are added to those specific items.

Air Canada special baggage policy

• Infants: One additional standard carry-on item (like a diaper bag) is permitted for the infant's essentials, free of charge, in addition to the adult's allowance. As for checked baggage, a maximum of two essential infant items (such as a stroller, car seat, or playpen) can be checked free of charge, regardless of the fare type.
• Military Personnel (Canadian/U.S.): Eligible active and retired military members are entitled to check up to three pieces of baggage, each with a maximum weight of 32 kg (70 lb), free of charge.
• Sporting Equipment: Most equipment (e.g., ski gear, golf clubs, hockey equipment) is accepted and is usually counted as one piece of the checked baggage allowance. Oversize charges are waived for some items (e.g., hockey/ski bags), but overweight charges still apply if the weight limit is exceeded.
• Musical Instruments: Instruments can be carried on board as the standard carry-on item if they fit the size requirements. Larger instruments that do not fit in the overhead bin must be checked, and standard checked baggage fees/rules apply, or a separate seat may be purchased for them.

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