Air Canada Baggage Policy 2026, Size & Weight, Carry-on & Checked Bag
Air Canada Flex economy fares include 1 standard carry-on bag up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm and 1 personal item up to 43 × 33 × 16 cm. No weight limit applies to carry-on baggage as long as you can lift it into the overhead bin unassisted. Checked baggage includes 1 free bag up to 23 kg with a maximum linear size of 158 cm. Economy Basic fares on domestic and Americas routes only allow a personal item on board.
Published on July 5, 2026 · Last verified on August 8, 2026 by Luggage Validator
7/10
Air Canada Baggage Policy Strictness
Strict
Overview
Standard baggage allowance for your selected route and fare class. All dimensions include wheels and handles.
Carry-on Bag
55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in)
Overhead bin · Not specified
Personal Item
43 × 33 × 16 cm (17 × 13 × 6 in)
Under seat ·Not specified
Checked Baggage
≤ 158 cm (62 in)
1 free pc · 23 kg (50 lbs)/pc
Free Special Items
Items you can bring for free that do not count toward your standard baggage allowance on Air Canada.
Diaper bag and infant care items
Collapsible stroller and child car seat
Mobility aids, crutches and medical devices
Standard Economy Allowance
Quick reference for your selected route type. See below for full cabin class comparison.
| Baggage Type | Free | Max Size | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag Overhead bin · per piece | 1 pc | 55×40×23cm 21.5×15.5×9in | Not specified |
| Personal Item Under seat · per piece | 1 pc | 43×33×16cm 17×13×6in | Not specified |
| Checked Baggage Cargo hold · piece system | 1 pc free | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | 23 kg 50 lbs |
Full Cabin Class Comparison
Compare allowances across all fare types and cabin classes for your selected route.
| Item | Basic | Flex | Premium Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item Under seat | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Personal Item Size L × W × H | 43×33×16cm 17×13×6in | 43×33×16cm 17×13×6in | 43×33×16cm 17×13×6in | 43×33×16cm 17×13×6in |
| Carry-on Pieces Overhead bin access | No | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Carry-on Size L × W × H | - | 55×40×23cm 21.5×15.5×9in | 55×40×23cm 21.5×15.5×9in | 55×40×23cm 21.5×15.5×9in |
| Carry-on Weight Per piece | - | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Free Checked Bags Piece system | No | 1 pc | 2 pc | 2 pc |
| Checked Bag Size Max per piece | - | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in |
| Checked Bag Weight Per piece max | - | 23 kg 50 lbs | 23 kg 50 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs |
Recent Traveller Feedback
With economy basic, my lap infant got 1 carry-on bag even though my wife and I only had personal items. We gate-checked the stroller for free. At the counter they also checked a car seat and playpen at no charge — two out of three items are complimentary. Both lap infants and ticketed children can check a car seat or booster seat and gate-check a stroller.
The overweight fee is per bag — I had 2 bags both over 23 kg and paid the $100 fee twice plus the 2nd bag charge, total $300. Try to keep only one bag overweight. For a 3rd bag at $225, that one can go up to 32 kg without additional overweight charges, but the first 2 bags still need to be at 23 kg.
300 USD
We gate-checked our car seat in a travel bag but only the stroller arrived at the gate. I spent 3 hours at baggage claim and talking to staff, and they admitted they hadn't located it. We had to call a relative with a spare car seat to pick up our child. Always put a personal tag on gate-checked items and prepare for the possibility they may not arrive with you.
Common Luggage Compatibility
Based on Air Canada · Economy class · Domestic routes. Compare luggage compatibility across all fare types and cabin classes using the filters above.
| Luggage | Personal Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
Regular Backpack | OK | OK | OK |
16" Under-seat Briefcase | Over Limit | OK | OK |
18" Cabin Suitcase | Over Limit | OK | OK |
Standard 20" Carry-on | Over Limit | OK | OK |
22" North American Carry-on | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
24" Medium Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
26" Mid-size Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
28" Large Checked Suitcase (IATA Standard) | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a backpack as my personal item on Air Canada?
Yes, a backpack counts as your personal item as long as it stays within 43 × 33 × 16 cm or 17 × 13 × 6 inches.
It must fit fully under the seat in front of you.
You can also bring a full-size carry-on bag for the overhead bin on top of your personal item on most fares.
If you are flying Economy Basic on domestic or Americas routes, you only get the personal item and no standard carry-on bag.
Which Air Canada economy fare should I choose?
Economy Basic is the cheapest fare but includes the least baggage. On flights within Canada and to the U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, you only get one personal item and no carry-on bag or checked bag.
On international flights beyond the Americas, Basic fares do include a standard carry-on bag but still no free checked bag.
Flex fare includes one standard carry-on bag plus one personal item, plus one free checked bag up to 23 kg.
If you travel light and are sure about your plans, Basic saves you money. If you need to check a bag or want more flexibility, Flex usually costs less than paying for bags separately.
Does Air Canada weigh carry-on bags?
No, Air Canada does not have an official weight limit for carry-on bags or personal items.
Your bag just needs to be light enough that you can lift it into the overhead bin by yourself without help.
If your bag looks too heavy or too big, gate staff may ask you to check it.
Size limits are strictly enforced, so it is more important to make sure your bag fits the dimensions than to worry about weight.
Why doesn't my Air Canada Basic fare include a carry-on bag?
On flights within Canada, to and from the U.S. including Hawaii, and to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, Economy Basic fares include only one personal item on board.
On international itineraries beyond the Americas, Basic fares do include one standard carry-on bag plus one personal item.
Eligible Aeroplan status members and certain credit card holders are exempt and may bring a standard carry-on even on Basic fares.
Can Air Canada force me to gate-check my carry-on bag?
Yes. Even if your carry-on meets the published size limits, it may be gate-checked when overhead bin space is full or the aircraft has limited cabin storage.
Gate checking for this reason is generally free.
Keep valuables, medications, travel documents, and lithium batteries with you before handing over the bag.
Do Air Canada partner airlines follow the same baggage rules?
Not always.
Flights operated by Star Alliance or other partner airlines may have different baggage allowances and fees.
On connecting itineraries, the operating carrier or the Most Significant Carrier (MSC) baggage rules may apply instead of Air Canada's standard policy.
Does Air Canada measure carry-on bags at the airport?
Yes. Gate agents may ask passengers to place carry-on bags or personal items into a baggage sizer if they appear oversized.
Wheels, handles, and pockets are included when measuring the bag.
Bags that exceed the permitted dimensions may need to be checked.
What happens if my checked bag weighs more than 23 kg?
Checked bags weighing between 23 kg and 32 kg are considered overweight and incur an additional overweight fee per bag.
No single checked bag may exceed 32 kg across any cabin class. Heavier items must be shipped as cargo instead.
Repacking or redistributing weight between bags before check-in can help avoid unexpected overweight charges.
Can I bring a power bank in my checked baggage?
No.
Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be packed in your carry-on baggage.
They should never be placed inside checked baggage for safety reasons.
All baggage rules on this page are from the official Air Canada website. Last updated August 8, 2026. Before you fly, please check the official site again to make sure nothing has changed.
Help keep this data accurate. If you spot outdated baggage rules or have recent experience flying with Air Canada contribute your update