The process of packing your luggage becomes even more complicated once you take into account baggage regulations, baggage fees, and weight restrictions. Travelers heading to Air Canada with flights from the USA will find out how useful it is to know Air Canada baggage policy beforehand.
The baggage allowance at Air Canada is based on several things, including the ticket class, destination, date of travel, and routing. In this guide, you will get all the information related to the baggage charges, carry-on restrictions, luggage allowance, Air Canada baggage weight limit, and more.
Note: Baggage policies and restrictions vary by route. Make sure you check your allowed baggage allowance for Air Canada on your travel itinerary.
Air Canada Baggage Policy at a Glance
Here is a quick overview of the main rules travelers should know:
| Baggage Type | Maximum Size | Typical Allowance |
| Standard carry-on | 9 × 15.5 × 21.5 in | 1 bag when permitted by fare |
| Personal item | 13 × 17× 6 in | 1 personal item |
| Economy checked bag | 62 linear in | Up to 50 lb. per bag |
| Business checked bag | 62 linear in | Up to 70 lb. per bag |
| Oversized checked bag | Up to 115 linear in | Additional charges may apply |
Source: Air Canada Baggage Policy
Air Canada calculates weight by adding length, width, and height. For regular Economy bags, this should not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) and 23 kg (50 lb.). Business Class bags may usually have weights that reach up to 32 kg (70 lb.).
What is Air Canada Carry-On Allowance Policy?
In the case of airfares with a complimentary carry-on policy, Air Canada permits:
- One complimentary carry-on piece.
- One personal item.
- The size of a complimentary carry-on can be up to 9 × 15.5 × 21.5 inches.
- The size of a personal item can be up to 13 × 17 × 6 inches.
- Dimensions are inclusive of wheels and handles.
- There is no specific weight restriction on a complimentary carry-on with Air Canada; however, one should be able to fit it in the overhead bin by oneself.
Important Information Regarding Economy Basic Fares
Here is where most Americans tend to find themselves taken by surprise.
On or after January 3, 2025, passengers who have bought their economy basic fare tickets are restricted to carry only one personal item as they travel within Canada, to and/or from the United States, as well as on some selected flights to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
In any case, it is important to look at your ticket before packing your hand luggage.
If your flight ticket does not include standard hand luggage, bringing it to the airport will increase the cost of the cheap fare.
Air Canada Checked Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance varies mostly based on your fare class and route.
Regarding the standard Economy class baggage, it is normally not allowed to weigh more than:
- 50 lb. (23 kg)
- 62 linear inches (158 cm) in size
In the case of Business Class, the maximum luggage weight allowed per piece is 70 lb (32 kg). Air Canada mentions that if any luggage exceeds 70 lb. over 115 inches linear measure or 80 inches in length, it will not be accepted as standard luggage.
Air Canada Baggage Fees
Air Canada baggage fees will differ according to whether you have paid economy fares, premium economy, business class, or first-class airfares; whether you are traveling from Canada to destinations within the USA or internationally.
Baggage Charges for Air Canada Flights Between U.S. And Canada
The baggage charges that Air Canada applies to flights between Canada and the U.S. for Economy Basic and Economy Standard tickets sold on or after April 13, 2026, are US$45 for the first checked bag and US$60 for the second checked bag. The first checked bag comes included for an Economy Flex ticket.
| Fare | 1st Checked Bag | 2nd Checked Bag |
| Economy Basic | US$45 | US$60 |
| Economy Standard | US$45 | US$60 |
| Economy Flex | Free | US$60 |
| Higher Economy Fares | Allowance Varies | Allowance Varies |
*These charges will be levied on the specific route and date as outlined by Air Canada. Tax may also apply where appropriate.
Baggage Fees on Air Canada International Flights
If you are flying to/from the U.S. or Canada to a destination such as Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East, and South Pacific, your baggage fees will vary depending on where you are going, compared to Canada–U.S. trips.
The baggage fees for certain Economy fares, if purchased from May 14, 2026 onward, are as follows:
| Fare | 1st Checked Bag | 2nd Checked Bag |
| Economy Basic | US$90 | US$120 |
| Economy Standard | Free | US$120 |
| Economy Flex | Free | US$120 |
Since charges differ according to routes and fares, do not assume that the charge for a Canada-US flight will be the same for a US-Europe or US-Asia flight.
What Determines Your Air Canada Baggage Fee?
Your total charge for baggage will be affected by:
- Fare basis: Basic, standard, Flex, and other fares have different baggage policies.
- Flight destination: The charge varies for flights from Canada to the U.S. and internationally.
- Ticket date: New fee structure may apply depending on your ticket purchase date.
- Number of bags: Your first, second, and subsequent bags might have different fees.
- Weight/size of luggage: Your overweight or oversized luggage may incur extra fees.
- Airline Status: You might enjoy baggage benefits from your eligible Aeroplan or Star Alliance Status.
Run by: The baggage policy of the carrier running the flight shall apply if any of the airlines is running your flight.
Advice: To find out the exact baggage fees for Air Canada, see your booking or the Air Canada baggage calculator before you fly.
Key Takeaway: You should know that the fee for carrying luggage on a US-Canada flight is not the same as for the US-Europe or US-Asia route.
Flying Soon? Check your Air Canada baggage allowance, compare flight options, and plan ahead with ASAPTrips. Start your trip prepared and avoid unexpected baggage costs.
Policy for Lost Luggage in Air Canada
In case there is a situation in which you are unable to receive your luggage because of its delay at any point of the journey, it is advisable that you contact Air Canada immediately. Air Canada will assist you in reporting the loss of your luggage and guide you on how to trace your luggage.
In case of delayed or lost baggage, please refer to the current procedure set by Air Canada for reporting and tracing your baggage. In case of damage or lost baggage, further claim process applies.
Air Canada Baggage Rules for Families
Children traveling generally mean more belongings being brought along too.
The airline gives some extra allowances for particular child belongings. It says in its baggage policy that people can take a stroller, car seat or booster seat, and playpen, according to certain conditions.
Moreover, a child who is going to travel by sitting on the laps of their parents will be provided with an extra article of luggage by Air Canada.
Nevertheless, the conditions might differ depending upon the child’s ticket and the route taken by the parents.
Advice to Avoid Baggage Fees at Air Canada
Proper planning will make all the difference.
1. Look at your ticket before you pack
2. Weigh your baggage before leaving home
3. Measure your suitcase
4. Review your reservation
5. Beware of connecting flights
6. Do not carry valuables in the checked baggage
Tips for Carry-ons: Store all documents, medicine, electronic items, jewelry, and other important things in your carry-on bag or personal item. When traveling under an Economy Basic Fare, be sure that your ticket allows you to have a standard carry-on.
A Final Pre-Flight Baggage Checklist
Before leaving for the airport, run through this quick list:
| Check | What to Confirm |
| Fare | Is my fare inclusive of a carry-on bag? |
| Weight | Do I have all bags below the weight requirement? |
| Size | Do I have the suitcase under the linear measurement requirement? |
| Fees | Have I checked the baggage charge rate? |
| Connections | Is there any other airline operating on this flight? |
| Booking | Is my fare inclusive of a carry-on bag? |
Five minutes spent in ensuring this will save you a lot of time at the airport.
Smart Packing for Hassle-Free Travel: Air Canada Baggage Allowance
Baggage regulations for Air Canada vary depending on the airfare, route and itinerary; hence, your Air Canada baggage allowance is likely to be different from another person’s. Prior to travel, make sure to verify your baggage restrictions before traveling to the airport.
If you make your booking with ASAPTrips, knowledge of the baggage policy is key to determining your total travel cost.
Disclaimer: The number of bags, charges applicable, and other baggage policy can be subject to variation based on route, fare class, date of booking and/or other factors. For confirmation, please check with Air Canada regarding the baggage policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Canada Baggage
What is the baggage allowance for Air Canada?
Baggage allowance at Air Canada depends on the fare class, destination, ticket purchase date, frequent flyer status, and the passenger’s itinerary. A standard size for Air Canada carry-on baggage is 9 × 15.5 × 21.5 inches, and a standard economy checked luggage weight limit is 50 lb.
Is there any Air Canada carry-on baggage allowance?
No. Flights on which the eligible basic economy fares have been bought since January 3, 2025, permit a passenger to take one personal item. These are flights to and from the U.S. and flights within Canada.
What does the first checked bag cost on Air Canada flights?
For qualified Economy Basic & Economy Standard bookings from April 13, 2026 onwards, the price of the first checked bag for flights to Canada-U.S. destinations is listed as US$45 excluding taxes.
What is the weight limit for Air Canada checked baggage?
The normal Air Canada baggage weight limit for checked baggage in Economy class is 50 lb. (23 kg). The maximum weight limit in Business Class is 70 lb. (32 kg).
What are the dimensions for my checked luggage on Air Canada?
For my checked baggage, it can be up to 62 linear inches (158 cm) in overall dimensions, which is arrived at by summing up its length, width, and height.
Can I bring a backpack as my personal item?
Yes, as long as it meets the personal item size requirements set by Air Canada, which are 10 x 13 x 6 inches. If your backpack is bigger, it might be a carry-on baggage.
Is there a fee for an additional checked luggage with Air Canada?
There may be. According to Air Canada, for Canada–U.S. Economy Basic and Standard tickets eligible starting from April 13, 2026, the second checked bag is $60 before taxes. It may vary depending on the route and ticket class.
What if my Air Canada luggage is overweight?
Overweight charges could be applicable in case your luggage is above 50 lb. but does not exceed 70 lb. Overweight luggage charges for Air Canada may also apply in cases where the size of luggage exceeds certain limits.
Do Air Canada baggage policies apply to code shares?
It is not necessarily so since the operating airline may have its own policy on bags. Air Canada recommends that you check the baggage policies of the airlines on your trip.
Where can I check for my baggage allowance at Air Canada?
Your Air Canada reservation receipt is one of the most ideal places to check for your baggage allowance. Alternatively, you may want to try out Air Canada’s baggage calculator. According to the airline, your actual allowance and related costs could be determined by some considerations.
How much does Air Canada charge for checked baggage?
The baggage fees charged by Air Canada depend on the route, the fare class, the date of purchasing tickets, and many other things. For instance, the first bag charge on routes to Canada, USA, or Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America for all Economy Basic or Economy Standard eligible fares purchased on or after April 13, 2026 is CA/US45whilethatforthesecondbagchargeisCA/US60, not including tax.
Baggage allowance on Air Canada
- Premium Economy Class: 2 checked bags (each weighing 23 kg / 50 lbs.), 1 carry-on bag (weighing 9 kg / 20 lbs.), 1 personal bag (weighing 9 kg / 20 lbs.)
- Business Class: 3 checked bags (each weighing 32 kg / 70 lbs.), 2 carry-on bags (each weighing 23 kg / 50 lbs.)
Travel smart: check the bag rules before you check the bag.
