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: 2nd June 2026
Air Canada offers a flexible baggage policy that combines North American carry-on rules with more traditional international checked baggage allowances.
Most passengers can travel with both a carry-on bag and personal item, although some Economy Basic fares on North American routes may include only a personal item.
Passengers can bring one carry-on bag measuring up to 55 x 40 x 23cm, including handles and wheels, along with one personal item up to 43 x 33 x 16cm that fits beneath the seat in front. Personal items typically include backpacks, handbags, laptop bags or briefcases.
As with all airlines, liquids carried through airport security must comply with local screening requirements and be carried in containers of 100ml or less when travelling through UK and European airports.
Checked baggage allowances vary significantly depending on fare type, destination and cabin class.
International Economy passengers often receive checked baggage allowances of up to 23kg per bag, while Premium Economy and Business Class passengers typically benefit from more generous baggage entitlements. On some routes, checked baggage may need to be purchased separately.
For travellers looking to avoid baggage fees, stay organised and travel more efficiently, making full use of Air Canada's carry-on allowance can often remove the need for checked luggage altogether.
Free Cabin Bag Size
One carry-on bag included*
One personal item included
ON MOST FARES
Carry-on bag
Up to 55 × 40 × 23cm
INCLUDING HANDLES & WHEELS
Personal item
Up to 43 × 33 × 16cm
MUST FIT UNDER SEAT
Checked Baggage Allowance
First checked bag
FROM CA$90
Route and fare dependent
Checked Baggage Weight
Economy Class
UP TO 23KG PER BAG
Business Class
UP TO 32KG PER BAG
Key Air Canada Baggage Tips
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Check your fare type carefully, as some Economy Basic fares on North American routes may include only a personal item.
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Most passengers can bring both a carry-on bag and personal item at no extra charge.
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Ensure your carry-on bag does not exceed 55 × 40 × 23cm including handles and wheels.
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Keep your personal item within the 43 × 33 × 16cm limit and ensure it fits beneath the seat in front of you.
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Backpacks, handbags, laptop bags and briefcases generally qualify as personal items.
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Review checked baggage allowances before travelling, as they vary significantly by route and fare type.
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Pack liquids in containers of 100ml or less when travelling through airports that apply standard liquid restrictions.
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Keep passports, medication, valuables and electronic devices in your personal item for easy access.
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Travelling with carry-on luggage only can often help avoid checked baggage fees on many Air Canada routes.
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Review your baggage allowance before departure, particularly if travelling on an Economy Basic fare or international itinerary.
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.
Travelling with hand luggage only?
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.
