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Air Canada Baggage Policy 2026, Size & Weight, Carry-on & Checked Bag
Air Canada 2026 baggage rules, Carry-on 55×40×23cm (21.7×15.7×9.1in). Personal item 43×33×16cm (16.9×13×6.3in). Policy is strict.
Last updated on July 6, 2026
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 (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in)
Overhead bin · Not specified
Personal Item
43 × 33 × 16 cm (16.9 × 13 × 6.3 in)
Under seat · Not specified
Checked Baggage
≤ 158 cm (62.2 in)
1 free pc · 23 kg (50 lbs)/pc
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 21.7×15.7×9.1in | Not specified |
| Personal Item Under seat · per piece | 1 pc | 43×33×16cm 16.9×13×6.3in | Not specified |
| Checked Baggage Cargo hold · piece system | 1 pc free | ≤ 158 cm 62.2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Pieces Overhead bin access | No | 1 pc | 1 pc | 2 pc |
| Carry-on Size L × W × H | - | 55×40×23cm 21.7×15.7×9.1in | 55×40×23cm 21.7×15.7×9.1in | 55×40×23cm 21.7×15.7×9.1in |
| 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 Linear (L+W+H) | - | ≤ 158 cm 62.2 in | ≤ 158 cm 62.2 in | ≤ 158 cm 62.2 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.
Policies may vary by specific route or airport. Always check your booking confirmation or the official Air Canada website for the most up-to-date information before your trip.
Help keep this data accurate. If you spot outdated baggage rules or have recent experience flying with Air Canada contribute your update
Common Luggage Compatibility
Regular Backpack
40×30×15 cm
15.7×11.8×5.9 in
3 kg
7 lbs
Personal: OK Carry-on: OK
16" Under-seat Briefcase
40×30×20 cm
15.7×11.8×7.9 in
4 kg
9 lbs
Personal: Over Limit Carry-on: OK
18" Cabin Suitcase
45×35×20 cm
17.7×13.8×7.9 in
5 kg
11 lbs
Personal: Over Limit Carry-on: OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't my Air Canada Basic fare include a carry-on bag?
On flights within Canada, the U.S. (including Hawaii), Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, Economy Basic fares generally include only one personal item.
A standard carry-on bag is not included unless you qualify for an exemption, such as eligible Aeroplan status or a qualifying credit card.
Always check your itinerary because international routes may have different baggage allowances.
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 more than the standard allowance may be subject to overweight baggage charges.
Repacking your luggage before check-in can help avoid additional fees.
Bags exceeding the airline's maximum accepted weight may not be accepted as checked baggage.
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.