Baggage Limits
Home / Airlines / Air Canada

Air Canada Baggage Policy

Canada Canada Star Alliance Star Alliance 4-Star Skytrax AC / ACA
Visit Website

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, serving destinations across North America and worldwide. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The airline is a member of Star Alliance.

Carry-on Baggage

Carry-on Bag

Dimensions 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
Weight No weight limit
One standard carry-on article allowed.

Personal Item

Dimensions 17 x 13 x 6 inches (43 x 33 x 16 cm)
Weight No weight limit
One personal item that fits under the seat.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Class First Bag Second Bag Weight Dimensions
Economy Basic From CAD $35-$75 From CAD $50-$100 51 pounds (23 kg) 62 linear inches (158 cm)
Economy Standard/Flex Free From CAD $50-$100 51 pounds (23 kg) 62 linear inches (158 cm)
Business Class Free Free 70 pounds (32 kg) 62 linear inches (158 cm)

Additional Bags & Notes

Basic fares: No checked bags included, personal item only

💡 Fees and allowances may vary by route, fare type, and booking date. Always verify on the official Air Canada baggage page before traveling.

Example Baggage Scenarios

Montreal → London (Economy)

Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm), No weight limit max
Checked bag: 1 piece 51 pounds (23 kg) — From CAD $35-$75
2nd bag: From CAD $50-$100
Tip: Prepay online to lower baggage costs before you arrive at the airport

Montreal → Tokyo (Business Class)

Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm), No weight limit max + personal item
Checked bags: 2 pieces 51 pounds (23 kg) — Included free
Priority: Business class bags tagged priority for faster delivery
Lounge: Complimentary lounge access with extra bag storage

⚠️ These are typical examples. Actual fees depend on fare type, route, booking date, and frequent flyer status.

Excess Baggage Fees

Fee Type Amount Notes
Extra Bag / Per Kg CAD $50-100 flat fee per bag (varies by route) Varies by route and booking time
Prepaid Discount Save up to 30% when prepaying online Book online before departure to save
Overweight (23-32kg) CAD $100-225 for bags 23-32kg Per bag exceeding standard weight

💰 Pro tip: Always prepay for extra baggage online. Airport fees can be 20-40% higher.

Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees

  • Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. Most overweight fees start at $50-100 per bag.
  • Prepay online: Book extra baggage through Air Canada's website to save 10-20% vs airport prices.
  • Wear heavy items: Boots, coats, and heavy clothing don't count toward luggage weight.
  • Use compression bags: Vacuum bags reduce clothing volume by up to 75%.
  • Check credit card perks: Premium cards often include free checked bags on select airlines.
  • Join Aeroplan: Elite members often get free checked bags and priority boarding.

Special Items & Equipment

Air Canada accepts various special items with specific conditions. Advance booking is required for most special items. Contact the airline at least 48-72 hours before departure.

Important: All special items require advance reservation. Airport acceptance is not guaranteed without pre-booking. Fees shown are estimates — actual prices vary by route, season, and availability.

Sports equipment: Golf, hockey, ski equipment accepted

Pre-booking required 48-72h before departure.

Size Max 300cm linear (L+W+H)
Fee €50-150 per item
Booking 48-72h ahead

Must be properly packed in protective bag/case

Musical instruments: Can be carried on or checked with guidelines

Small instruments cabin-allowed if space permits.

Size Cabin: max 80cm length; Checked: max 32kg
Fee €0-200 (extra seat for large items)
Booking 48-72h ahead

Cellos/large instruments may require seat purchase

Infant baggage: Stroller and car seat checked free

Strollers and pushchairs gate-checked free.

Size No size restrictions
Fee Free of charge
Booking 48-72h ahead

Compact strollers may be allowed in overhead bin

Aeroplan Elite Status: Additional baggage benefits

Contact airline for specific requirements.

Size Varies
Fee Contact airline
Booking 48-72h ahead

Pre-booking recommended

Best Airline in North America - Skytrax

Contact airline for specific requirements.

Size Varies
Fee Contact airline
Booking 48-72h ahead

Pre-booking recommended

Musical Instruments & Sports Equipment — Quick Reference

Musical Instruments

  • Cabin: Guitars, violins if overhead space permits
  • Extra seat: Cellos, French horns (€100-300)
  • Checked: Hard case mandatory, max 32kg
  • Booking: Contact airline 72h before flight

Sports Equipment

  • Golf: €30-80/bag, max 15kg
  • Ski/Snowboard: €40-100/set, max 23kg
  • Bicycle: €60-150, must be boxed
  • Surfboard: €75-200, depends on length

Hub Airports

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does checked baggage cost on Air Canada?
On Air Canada, Economy class first checked bag costs From CAD $35-$75 (max 51 pounds (23 kg), 62 linear inches (158 cm)). Second bag: From CAD $50-$100. Business Class: first bag Included (max 70 pounds (32 kg)). Save up to 30% when prepaying online.
What are the carry-on size limits for Air Canada?
Carry-on bags on Air Canada must not exceed 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm). Weight limit is No weight limit. In addition, you can bring one personal item (max 17 x 13 x 6 inches (43 x 33 x 16 cm)) that fits under the seat. Oversized bags will need to be checked at the gate.
Can I bring a personal item in addition to carry-on?
Yes, Air Canada allows one personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) in addition to your main carry-on. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you, typically max dimensions of 17 x 13 x 6 inches (43 x 33 x 16 cm).
What liquids can I bring in my carry-on?
Following international aviation rules, liquids in carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less, all fitting in a single transparent 1-liter resealable bag. This includes gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols. Exceptions apply for baby food, medications, and duty-free purchases in sealed bags.
How do I avoid excess baggage fees?
Tips to avoid extra fees on Air Canada: Weigh your bags at home before departure. Save up to 30% when prepaying online. Wear heavy items like coats and boots. Use compression bags for clothes. Join Aeroplan for elite baggage benefits.
Can I bring sports equipment or musical instruments?
Air Canada accepts sports equipment (golf clubs, skis, surfboards, bicycles) and musical instruments as checked or cabin baggage with special conditions. Large instruments may require a separate seat purchase. Contact Air Canada directly at least 48 hours before departure to arrange transport and confirm fees.
What items are prohibited in checked baggage?
Prohibited items in Air Canada checked baggage include: lithium batteries over 100Wh, flammable liquids, explosives, compressed gases, and valuable items (jewelry, electronics, cash, important documents). These should be carried in your cabin bag or left at home. Check Air Canada's dangerous goods policy for the complete list.

Similar Airlines