Air Canada Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

Updated: October 22, 2023, 2:32am CDT

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Air Canada Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

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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 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 cm)
Standard: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm)

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 size of the stroller should not exceed a collapsed diameter of 10 inches (25.5 cm) and a length not exceeding 36 inches (92 cm). Small strollers that are checked at the baggage counter will be available for pick up at the destination’s baggage hall, while strollers that are checked at the boarding are available at the aircraft door upon arrival to 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. To calculate your official baggage costs, we suggest using Air Canada’s baggage calculator tool.

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

Premium economy, Premium Rogue, and business class each have 2 bags included.

Economy:

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Route	First Bag	Second Bag	3+ Bags
U.S. to/from Canada	$30 (FREE for Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fare)	$50 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$100 each
U.S. to/from Mexico	$30 (FREE for Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fares and Air Canada vacation package holders)	$50 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$225 each
U.S. to/from Europe	Included (excluding Economy Basic fares and Aeroplan Standard Reward: $75)	$100 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$225 each
Canada to/from Europe	Included (excluding Economy Basic fares and Aeroplan Standard Reward: $75)	$100 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$225 each
Domestic U.S.	Included (excluding Economy Basic fares and Aeroplan Standard Reward: $75)	$100 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$225 each
Domestic Canada	$36 (FREE for Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fare)	$60 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$120 each

Excess Baggage Fees

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Route	By Piece	Overweight 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg)	Oversized 63 to 115 inches (160 to 292 cm)
U.S. to/from Canada	$100 to $120	$100 to $120	$100 to $120
U.S. to/from Mexico/Costa Rica/Caribbean/Bermuda	$225	$100	$100
Canada to/from other international destinations	$225	$100	$100
Domestic Canada	$100 to $120	$100 to $120	$100 to $120

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

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

Exclusions and Waivers

Aeroplan Privileges

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

Star Alliance Gold

Star Alliance Gold members can enjoy 1 free checked bag on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge, regardless of the fare purchased.

Military

Canadian and U.S. eligible active and retired military are permitted to bring 3 pieces of checked luggage weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kg) 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; simply log in to your booking and add your extras
Air Canada’s mobile app when you check-in; simply 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.

Learn More(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 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$900

Annual Fee

APR

21.74% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

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
Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 traveling companions
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee credit
Preferred pricing on award tickets
No foreign transaction fees

Cons

$95 annual fee
Does not earn transferable rewards

Earn 60,000 bonus points
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
$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: 21.74% - 28.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

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.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

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% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Excellent (740-840)

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

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros

10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
$300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
Add authorized users for no additional annual fee (rates & fees)
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

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

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 booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges 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
Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

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!

Learn More(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% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

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

5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

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

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 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 $100 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
Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

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.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

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

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

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

Pros

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

Cons

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

$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; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Air Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

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 and Aeroplan Standard Reward). Checked baggage can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kg) for economy and up to 70 pounds (32 kg) for business class 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 and up to $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 Europe get a piece of free checked luggage, excluding Economy Basic fares and Aeroplan Standard Reward. This bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kg) in economy and 70 pounds (32 kg) for business class 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 $30 for the first bag and $50 to $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 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.

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An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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