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 other international destinations (excluding Economy Basic fares and Aeroplan Standard Reward). Checked baggage can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) for economy and up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for business class and must not exceed maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 centimeters). For other routes, checked baggage can be purchased starting at CA$/$35 for the first piece and up to CA$/$100 for the second piece.

Do you get a free checked bag with Air Canada?

Flights within the U.S. and from the U.S. and Canada to other international destinations get a piece of free checked luggage, excluding Economy Basic fares and Aeroplan Standard Reward. This bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in economy and 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for business class and must not exceed 62 inches (158 centimeters) (maximum linear dimensions). For all other routes, checked baggage must be added 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 other international destinations, Air Canada charges CA$/$35 for the first bag and CA$/$50 to CA$/ 100 for the second bag. See our table in this article for full details.

How much can your carry-on bag weigh on 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. It does 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 are 13 x 17 x 6 inches, it is unlikely that most backpacks will adhere to this allowance. 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.

Air Canada Baggage Fees and Tips To Cover the Expenses

Updated: September 11, 2024, 11:57am CDT

Edited by:

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Key Takeaways
Air Canada Carry-On Allowance
Air Canada Checked Baggage Allowance
Excess Baggage Fees
Exclusions and Waivers
Can I Prepay for Baggage?
Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

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Key Takeaways

Air Canada’s baggage policies vary by fare type and route. Most economy fares include 1 free carry-on and 1 personal item, while checked baggage incurs additional fees.
Flights within the U.S. or to other international destinations typically include a piece of checked luggage; otherwise, fees for the first checked bag usually start at $35 (U.S. or Canadian), with higher charges for overweight or oversized luggage.
Aeroplan and Star Alliance Gold members receive complimentary checked baggage allowances.

Air Canada’s baggage fees are fairly straightforward for the first couple of standard bags. However, you’re guaranteed to fork over some cash for overweight or oversized bags. Make sure you’re packing within the maximum limits to avoid hefty fees!

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

Air Canada Carry-On Allowance

1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: FREE

Size Restrictions

Personal: 17 x 13 x 6 inches (43 x 33 x 16 centimeters)
Standard: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 centimeters)

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy

If you’re traveling with an infant on your lap, you can bring 1 additional standard article for your child’s belongings.

Stroller Check Policy

Smaller strollers can be checked at the baggage counter or boarding gate. The stroller can’t exceed a collapsed diameter of 10 inches (25.5 centimeters), and the length must not exceed 36 inches (92 centimeters). Small strollers checked at the baggage counter will be available for pick up at the destination’s baggage claim. Strollers checked at the boarding are available at the aircraft door upon arrival at your destination.
Large strollers must be checked at the baggage counter.

Hot Tip:

Would you prefer to sit in the front of the plane? Check out our guide to upgrading to business and first class on Air Canada.

Air Canada Checked Baggage Allowance

Listed below is the average pricing for most routes under these categories. However, these may differ slightly according to your specific route. We suggest using Air Canada’s baggage calculator tool to calculate your baggage costs.

All checked bags must adhere to a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in economy or 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for business class, with maximum linear dimensions of 62 linear inches (158 centimeters).

Premium economy, Premium Rouge, and Business class each have 2 bags included.

Dollar amounts are in both Canadian and U.S. dollars.

Hot Tip:

When talking about baggage allowances, many airlines refer to “maximum linear dimensions” or something similar. This is merely the number you get when you add the length, width, and depth of a piece of luggage. For example, if you have a suitcase that’s 26 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, then its linear dimensions are 62 inches, or right at the maximum for many airlines.

Economy:

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Route/Fare

Base & Standard

Comfort & Flex

Latitude

Between the U.S. and Canada

1st Bag: CA$/$35 to CA$/$42

2nd Bag: CA$/$50 to CA$/$60

3+ Bags: CA$/$100 each

1st Bag: Free

2nd Bag: CA$/$50 to CA$/$60

3+ Bags: CA$/$100 each

1st Bag: Free

2nd Bag: Free

3+ Bags: CA$/$100 each

Between Canada and Mexico or the Caribbean

1st Bag: CA$/$35

2nd Bag: CA$/$50

3+ Bags: CA$/$225 each

1st Bag: Free

2nd Bag: CA$/$50

3+ Bags: CA$/$225 each

1st Bag: Free

2nd Bag: Free

3+ Bags: CA$/$225 each

Within Canada

1st Bag: CA$/$35 to CA$/$42

2nd Bag: CA$/$50 to CA$/$60

3+ Bags: CA$/$120 each

1st Bag: Free

2nd Bag: CA$/$50 to CA$/$60

3+ Bags: CA$/$120 each

1st Bag: Free

2nd Bag: Free

3+ Bags: CA$/$120 each

Within U.S.

1st Bag: CA$/$75 (Economy Basic and Aeroplan Standard Reward)

2nd Bag: CA$/$100

3+ Bags: CA$/$225 each

1st Bag: Free

2nd Bag: CA$/$100

3+ Bags: CA$/$225 each

1st Bag: Free

2nd Bag: Free

3+ Bags: CA$/$225

Other International Destination

1st Bag: CA$/$75 (Economy Basic and Aeroplan Standard Reward)

2nd Bag: CA$/$100

3+ Bags: CA$/$225 each

1st Bag: Free

2nd Bag: CA$/$100

3+ Bags: CA$/$225 each

1st Bag: Free

2nd Bag: Free

3+ Bags: CA$/$225

Excess Baggage Fees

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Route	By Piece	Overweight 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg)	Oversized 63 to 115 inches (158 to 292 cm)
Between the U.S. and Canada	CA$/$100 to CA$/$120	CA$/$100 to CA$/$120	CA$/$100 to CA$/$120
Between the U.S. and Mexico/Costa Rica/Caribbean/Bermuda	CA$/$225	CA$/$100	CA$/$ 100
Between Canada and other international destinations	CA$/$225	CA$/$100	CA$/$100
Within Canada	CA$/$100 to CA$/$120	CA$/$100 to CA$/$120	CA$/$100 to CA$/$120

No overweight or oversized charges apply when the additional bag fee is paid. If a bag is overweight and oversized, the fee is charged only once. Some fees may exclude taxes.

Refer to Air Canada’s special items policy for baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.).

Exclusions and Waivers

Aeroplan Privileges

Elite 25K: 2 checked bags free (up to 50 pounds/23 kilograms)
Elite 35K: 3 checked bags free (up to 70 pounds/32 kilograms)
Elite 50K: 3 checked bags free (up to 70 pounds/32 kilograms)
Elite 75K: 3 checked bags free (up to 70 pounds/32 kilograms)
Super Elite 100K: 3 checked bags free (up to 70 pounds/32 kilograms)

Military

Canadian and U.S. eligible active and retired military can bring 3 pieces of checked luggage weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) each.

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

Air Canada allows passengers to prepay for baggage online or via the mobile app from 24 hours before the flight departure.

Here are the ways you can prepay:

Air Canada’s website, when you check in. Log in to your booking and add your extras
Air Canada’s mobile app when you check-in. Download the app and log in to your booking to add your extras

You can prepay for baggage up to 45 minutes before departure for flights within Canada and up to 60 minutes for all other flights.

Based near the airport? You can also add baggage from 12 hours before departure using one of Air Canada’s self-serve kiosks.

Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

The co-branded Aeroplan^® Credit Card offers a free checked bag (up to 50 pounds/23 kilograms) for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.

Aeroplan^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Aeroplan^® Credit Card

The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status.

Welcome OfferEarn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.
Up to 100,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Flyers based in the U.S. may think they wouldn’t have a need for a card like the Aeroplan^® Credit Card, it might be much better suited for you than you think.

Not only does Air Canada offer fantastic award redemptions, but adding the card to your wallet makes the program even more rewarding by offering elite status, more points, travel coverage, and more. Let’s take a closer look and see why the Aeroplan card might make a lot of sense for you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

3x points per $1 on Air Canada purchases, at grocery stores, and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month (up to a maximum of 1,500 bonus points)
Receive Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the calendar year, plus the following calendar year, and continue to extend it beyond that by spending $15,000 on the card per calendar year

Cons

$95 annual fee
Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn up to 100,000 bonus points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.
$95 Annual Fee
Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan^® Credit Card.
Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan^® Credit Card.
Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month - up to 1,500 points per month.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Otherwise, the Capital One cards below can help offset some of your checked bag fees with Air Canada. Each card allows you to redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for previous travel purchases (within 90 days):

TOP PICK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome OfferEarn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

$395 annual fee (rates & fees)
Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome OfferEnjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

$95 annual fee (rates & fees)
Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome OfferEarn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$360

Annual Fee

APR

19.49% - 29.49% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

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But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

No annual fee (rates & fees)
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.49% - 29.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot