Air Canada Baggage Rules: Cabin & Checked Luggage Guide
Everything you need to know about Air Canada cabin baggage, checked luggage, carry-on liquids and baggage allowances before you fly.
Last updated: 17th May 2026
Free Cabin Bag Size
55 × 40 × 23 cm
Personal item:
43 × 33 × 16 cm
Checked Baggage Allowance
Economy Basic:
Personal item only on some North American routes
Standard Economy:
1 carry-on bag + personal item
Premium Economy:
2 checked bags included on many international routes
Business Class:
2 checked bags included
Checked Baggage Weight
Economy:
Typically 23kg per bag
Premium Economy:
Usually 2 × 23kg bags
Business Class:
Usually 2 × 32kg bags
Air Canada baggage rules vary depending on fare type, destination and cabin class, with different allowances for carry-on bags, personal items and checked baggage.
Most passengers can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard free of charge, although some Economy Basic fares on North American routes may only include a personal item.
Air Canada carry-on baggage dimensions are clearly defined, with standard cabin bags limited to 55 × 40 × 23 cm including handles and wheels, while personal items must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Checked baggage fees vary significantly depending on route, fare type and destination. International Economy passengers may pay from approximately CA$90 for a first checked bag and CA$120 for a second bag on some routes.
Premium Economy and Business Class passengers generally receive more generous checked baggage allowances, particularly on long-haul international flights.
As with all airlines, liquids carried in hand luggage must normally remain within 100ml containers and fit inside a transparent resealable liquids bag for airport security screening.
CabinCleared travel toiletries are designed to help travellers maximise cabin baggage space while staying within airport liquid restrictions.
Cabin baggage sizes explained
Understanding the difference between small cabin bags, cabin suitcases and checked baggage helps you pack efficiently and avoid delays at the airport.
Air Canada baggage allowance by ticket type
Air Canada baggage allowances vary by fare type, destination and cabin class. Carry-on baggage, personal item rules and checked baggage fees differ depending on your route and ticket type.
Economy Basic
1 personal item included
(43 × 33 × 16 cm)
Carry-on bag restrictions
Fees may apply on some North American routes
No Checked baggage included
Best for:
Budget travellers wanting lower fares and travelling light
Economy / Premium Economy
1 personal item included
(43 × 33 × 16 cm)
1 Cabin bag included
(55 × 40 × 23 cm)
Checked baggage included
Typically up to 23kg
Best for:
Travellers needing standard cabin and checked baggage allowances
Business Class
2 x cabin bag included
Maximum 7kg each
Premium Cabin Flexibility
Additional personal item permitted
2 checked bags
Typically 32Kg each
Best for:
Long-haul and premium travellers needing maximum baggage flexibility
Checked baggage with Air Canada: what you need to know
Air Canada checked baggage allowances vary depending on your fare type, destination and cabin class, with different rules for Economy Basic, standard Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class passengers.
Many Air Canada international routes include checked baggage allowances, although Economy Basic fares may charge separately for checked baggage, particularly on routes within North America.
For some international Economy fares, checked baggage fees can begin from approximately CA$90 for the first checked bag and around CA$120 for the second checked bag on routes such as London to Vancouver.
Standard checked baggage is usually limited to 23kg (50lb) per bag in Economy and Premium Economy, while Business Class passengers can typically check bags up to 32kg (70lb) each.
Checked baggage dimensions should generally not exceed 158cm total dimensions (length + width + height), with additional oversize or overweight fees applying above these limits.
Air Canada passengers can often reduce baggage costs by purchasing additional checked baggage online before departure rather than paying airport rates.
Passengers should also remember that Air Canada places strong emphasis on cabin baggage compliance, particularly for Economy Basic fares where carry-on restrictions may apply on some routes.
Key Air Canada checked baggage tips:
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Economy Basic fares may only include a personal item on some North American routes
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Purchasing baggage online in advance is usually cheaper
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Standard Economy baggage weight limits are typically 23kg per bag
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Business Class passengers usually receive more generous baggage allowances
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Checked baggage dimensions should remain within 158cm total size limits
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Oversized and overweight baggage may incur substantial additional fees
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Carry-on-only travel can help avoid expensive baggage charges
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Always confirm route-specific baggage allowances before travelling
Air Canada cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
Air Canada cabin baggage rules vary depending on your fare type, route and destination, with different allowances applying to Economy Basic, standard Economy and premium cabins.
Most Air Canada passengers can bring one standard carry-on bag and one personal item onboard, although Economy Basic fares on some North American routes may only include a personal item.
Standard carry-on baggage dimensions must not exceed 55 × 40 × 23 cm including wheels and handles, while personal items should fit comfortably underneath the seat in front of you.
Personal items can include handbags, laptop bags, backpacks or small travel bags, with maximum dimensions generally limited to 43 × 33 × 16 cm.
Liquids, gels, creams and aerosols carried through UK airport security must normally remain within 100ml containers and fit inside a clear resealable liquids bag.
Passengers should also remember that Air Canada may strictly enforce cabin baggage size rules at the gate, particularly on busy flights and Economy Basic fares.
Regional aircraft and codeshare routes can sometimes apply additional cabin baggage restrictions, meaning larger bags may need to be checked into the hold before boarding.
Cabin-friendly travel toiletries can help passengers maximise limited cabin baggage space while remaining compliant with airport liquid restrictions.
Common Air Canada cabin baggage mistakes to avoid
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Assuming all Economy Basic fares include a carry-on suitcase
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Exceeding Air Canada carry-on size limits
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Bringing oversized personal items that will not fit under the seat
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Forgetting UK airport liquid restrictions still apply
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Packing liquids larger than 100ml in hand luggage
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Not checking baggage rules for regional or codeshare flights
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Overpacking cabin bags beyond practical overhead locker limits
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Leaving essential medication or valuables inside checked baggage
Cabin-approved travel kits make it easier to stay within liquid limits, pack efficiently, and get through airport security without hassle.
Air Canada baggage FAQs
1. Does Air Canada allow a free carry-on bag?
Yes. Most Air Canada fares include one standard carry-on bag and one personal item. However, some Economy Basic fares on selected North American routes may only include a personal item.
2. What size is the Air Canada carry-on bag allowance?
Air Canada standard carry-on bags must not exceed 55 × 40 × 23 cm including wheels and handles.
3. What size personal item can I take on Air Canada?
Personal items should generally fit within 43 × 33 × 16 cm and must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
4. Does Air Canada have a cabin baggage weight limit?
Air Canada does not publish a strict weight limit for standard carry-on bags, but passengers must be able to lift and store their baggage safely in the overhead locker without assistance.
5. Do Air Canada Economy Basic fares include carry-on baggage?
On some routes within Canada, the USA, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, Economy Basic fares may only include one personal item. A carry-on suitcase may need to be checked for an additional fee.
6. How much checked baggage is included with Air Canada flights?
Checked baggage allowances depend on route and fare type. Economy fares on international routes may charge separately for checked baggage, while Premium Economy and Business Class often include one or two checked bags.
7. What is the Air Canada checked baggage weight limit?
Economy and Premium Economy passengers typically receive a 23kg checked baggage allowance per bag, while Business Class passengers may receive up to 32kg per bag.
8. What are Air Canada checked baggage fees?
Checked baggage fees vary depending on route and cabin class. On many international Economy routes, the first checked bag may cost around CA$90/USD$75, with additional bags charged separately.
9. Do UK airport liquid rules still apply on Air Canada flights?
Yes. When travelling through UK airports, liquids carried in cabin baggage must usually be in containers of 100ml or less and placed inside a transparent resealable liquids bag.
10. Can Air Canada gate-check oversized cabin baggage?
Yes. Cabin bags exceeding permitted dimensions or bags carried on smaller regional aircraft may need to be checked into the aircraft hold at the gate.
Travelling with hand luggage only?
Cabin-approved travel kits make it easier to stay within liquid limits, pack efficiently, and get through airport security without hassle.
