Air Canada Baggage Policy Fees Allowance

Air Canada Baggage Policy Fees Allowance. Air Canada’s baggage fees are fairly straightforward when it comes to the first couple of standard bags.

However, you’re guaranteed to fork over some cash in the overweight/oversized area.

Make sure you’re packing within the maximum limits to avoid hefty fees!

While this isn’t the complete Air Canada Baggage policy, we think you’ll find some helpful notes here.

Air Canada Baggage Policy Fees Allowance
Air Canada Baggage Policy Fees Allowance

What is Air Canada’s (AC) baggage policy?

The Air Canada (AC), Air Canada Express, and Air Canada rouge baggage policy for regular basic fares include the following:

Carry-on baggage

  • 1 personal item – Fee free
  • Checked baggage / Hold luggage – Applicable fees per bag increase with number checked.
  • Overweight and Oversize bags – Applicable fees per bag depending on weight and size categories.
  • Sports equipment – Certain items might have applicable fees.

What is Air Canada’s (AC) carry-on baggage policy?

Air Canada (AC) allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger fee free.

Carry-on should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions:

  • 46 linear inches (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in) or 118 centimeters (55 x 40 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels.
  • Fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Personal item should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions:

  • 36 linear inches (17 x 13 x 6 in) or 92 centimeters (43 x 33 x 16 cm)
  • Fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you
  • A jacket, umbrella, diaper bag, duty free items, and assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, strollers, child restraint seats, etc.) do not count towards your carry-on allowance.

NOTE: Bulkhead seats do not have under seat storage, therefore, all carry-on baggage must be stowed in the overhead bin during take-off and landing.

What is Air Canada’s (AC) checked baggage / hold luggage policy?

Air Canada’s (AC) standard checked baggage / hold luggage policy details follow:

  • 1 bag standard
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches or 158 centimeters (length + width + height)
  • Maximum weight: 50 pounds or 23 kilograms


NOTE: If you have purchased Air Canada’s Economy Basic fare, your checked bag is $60 CAD/USD per direction (plus taxes).

Are there fees for baggage on Air Canada (AC)?

Yes, fees might apply.

They are determined by the type of fare you purchased, your destination, if you have status with Air Canada’s (AC) frequent flyer program, status with an affiliated carrier, or if you are a member of the Canadian or U S military (Note: actual fees might be slightly higher due to fluctuating currency exchange rates and are subject to applicable Canadian taxes).

Please check Air Canada’s site for exact charges.

Air Canada’s (AC) standard checked baggage / hold luggage fees for Canada domestic, to/from the U S, and to/from the Caribbean flights follow:

  • First bag: $30.00 USD / $34.49 CAD
  • Second bag: $50.00 USD / $57.49 CAD

Air Canada’s (AC) standard checked baggage / hold luggage fees for to/from Canada international flights follow:

  • First bag: Free
  • Second bag: Some routes are free, most others are $50.00 to 100.00 CA/US – please check Air Canada’s site.

What is Air Canada’s (AC) fee for excess baggage?

  • Canada domestic, to/from the U S, and to/from the Caribbean – $225.00 CA/US extra per bag
  • To/from Canada from other international destinations – $225.00 CA/US extra per bag

What is Air Canada’s (AC) fee for overweight baggage?

Air Canada (AC) will charge the following for bags that are greater than the standard 50 pounds or 23 kilograms:

  • 51 to 70 pounds or 24 to 32 kilograms: at least $100.00 CA/US extra per bag
  • Bags exceeding 70 pounds or 32 kilograms will not be accepted as checked baggage / hold luggage.

What is Air Canada’s (AC) fee for oversize baggage?

Air Canada (AC) will charge at least $100.00 CA/US extra for bags that are from 63 to 115 linear inches or from 160 to 292 centimeters.

Bags greater than 115 linear inches or 292 centimeters will not be accepted as checked baggage / hold luggage.

RouteBy PieceOverweight 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg)Oversized
63 to 115 inches (160 to 292 cm)
U.S. to/from Canada$100-$105$100-$105$100-$105
U.S. to/from Mexico/Costa Rica/Caribbean/Bermuda$225-$265.50$100-$118$100-$118
Canada to/from other international destinations$225-$265.50$100-$118$100-$118
Domestic Canada$100-$115$105-$115$105-$115 for bags

Are there fees for sports equipment on Air Canada (AC)?

Sports equipment such as skis, golf bags, fishing equipment, hockey, and lacrosse equipment will be accepted up to Air Canada’s (AC) size and weight limits and will count as one checked bag/hold bag.

Associated fees might be applied.

CPAP Devices:

There are two options available to you if you require the use of medical oxygen while travelling.

You may bring your own approved Personal Oxygen Concentrator (POC) on board (along with enough battery power for 1.5 times your total travel time), or purchase Air Canada’s oxygen Medipak service by calling the Air Canada Medical Assistance Desk.

There are a few exceptions.

The Medipak service is not available on Beechcraft 1900D (BEH) aircraft operated by Air Georgian and Exploits Valley Air.

If you’re travelling with one of codeshare partners, visit their website to learn about their special service policies.

Also note that canned oxygen (also known as recreational or flavoured oxygen) is not accepted in checked or carry-on baggage.

Regardless of whether you choose to bring your own POC or purchase Air Canada’s oxygen Medipak service, you will need to obtain medical approval for travel, and provide 48 hours’ notice in advance of travel, regardless of your destination*, by contacting the Air Canada Medical Assistance Desk.

What is the baggage allowance for Air Canada?

Air Canada includes 1 piece of checked baggage for flights within the U.S. and flights from the U.S./Canada to Europe (excluding Economy Basic fares).

Checked baggage can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kg) and must not exceed maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).

For other routes, checked baggage can be purchased starting at $30 for the first piece up to $100 for the 2nd piece.

Do you get a free checked bag with Air Canada?

Flights within the U.S. and from the U.S. and Canada to Europe get a piece of free checked luggage, excluding Economy Basic fares.

This bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kg) and must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) (maximum linear dimensions).

For all other routes checked baggage needs to be added on separately to the booking.

How much does Air Canada charge for baggage?

For all routes excluding flights within the U.S. or from U.S./Canada to Europe, Air Canada charges the following fees for checked baggage: 1st bag: $30, 2nd bag: $50.

How much can your carry-on bag weigh Air Canada?

Air Canada does not specify a weight allowance for carry-on baggage.

It states that the piece of baggage must be light enough to store in the overhead compartments without assistance.

They do have maximum size limits of 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches for your standard piece and 13 x 17 x 6 inches for your personal item.

Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on Air Canada?

As the maximum dimensions for your personal item is 13 x 17 x 6 inches it is unlikely that a backpack will adhere to this allowance (unless it is a mini backpack).

A backpack that adheres to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches would be fine if you want to use your standard carry-on allowance for this plus a smaller personal item.

Exclusions & Waivers

Latitude Fares provide 2 checked bags on any domestic route or between the U.S. and Canada.

Flex and Comfort fares provide 1 checked bag free on any domestic route or between the U.S. and Canada.

Aeroplan Privileges:

  • Prestige 25K: 2 checked bags free (up to 23kg)
  • Elite 35K: 3 checked bags free (up to 32kg)
  • Elite 50K: 3 checked bags free (up to 32kg)
  • Elite 75K: 3 checked bags free (up to 32kg)
  • Super Elite 100k: 3 checked bags free (up to 32kg)

Military: Canadian and U.S. eligible active and retired military are permitted to bring three pieces of checked luggage weighing up to 32 kg (70 lb) each.