Air Canada Baggage Policy

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About Air Canada Airlines

Air Canada is a prominent airline of Canada and offers the utmost convenience to all its passengers. Keeping that in mind, it has created an Air Canada baggage policy which each passenger must adhere to. But scrolling through the website can be a hefty task. So, here comes a guide explaining everything you need to know about this airline. 

Air Canada (AC) is the largest flag carrier airline of Canada. It was founded in 1937, and runs scheduled and charter passenger flights to various destinations worldwide. In addition, it’s a founding member of Star Airline Alliance Group and is headquartered in Montreal and Quebec. Currently, it operates in 64 domestic and 158 international destinations of Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. It also has a primary hub at Montreal International and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Baggage Allowance Policy

Before packing your luggage, it’s best that you learn about the baggage allowance guidelines of the airline. Below mentioned key points of Air Canada baggage rule will help you learn about the allowed items in your luggage. 

• Each passenger is allowed one piece of carry-on baggage and personal item bag irrespective of flight destination and ticket type.
• The checked baggage allowance will depend upon your type of ticket and flight destination.
• All baggage exceeding the limit of allowed checked baggage, will incur an excess baggage fee.
• Air Canada (AC) offers exciting amenities for infants and children traveling with the airline.
• The airline provides complete assistance in cases of damaged and delayed baggage.
• The airline allows household cats and dogs in the passenger cabin under full responsibility of its owner.

Carry-On Baggage Allowance 

Not sure what you can bring on board with you? Then check out these guidelines of Air Canada baggage allowance and pack your handbag accordingly. 

• Regardless of your destination, you can bring 1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item bag. The personal item bag is considered as the handbag, laptop bag or suitcase which should fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
• Maximum dimensions for wheeled or non-wheeled bags must not exceed 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm.
• Although no weight limit applies to carry-on baggage, your bag must be light enough that you can store it in the overhead bin unassisted.
• All carry-on baggage rules are strictly enforced. All bags that do not respect maximum sizes will need to be checked, and additional checked baggage charges may apply.

Restrictions for Liquids and Gels 

• It is advised that you always purchase liquids after you’ve passed the security checkpoint.
• If you travel with liquids or gels in containers over 100mL/100g (3.4oz) in your carry-on baggage you will have these items confiscated at the security checkpoint.

If you have a connecting flight you’re advised not to purchase liquids or gels in containers over 100 mL / 100 g (3.4 oz) within the secure area at the airport or on board the aircraft if you don’t have:

• Access to your Air Canada checked baggage between connecting flights
• Space in your checked baggage to pack your duty-free purchases before rechecking your bags for your next flight.
• You cannot consume your own alcoholic beverages on board.

Other Allowed Items Onboard 

Here are examples of other items you can bring on board in addition to your carry-on allowance:

• Coat or other outer garment
• Small purse measuring no more than 25cm x 30cm x 14cm (10in x 12in x 5.5 in)
• Larger purses will be included in your carry-on allowance.
• Infant care item (e.g. diaper bag)
• Stroller – collapsed diameter can’t exceed 25.5 cm (10 in) and length can’t exceed 92 cm (36 in)
• Child restraint device (if a seat has been purchased for your child)

Snacks or food to eat on board

• All food must be wrapped or in a container.
• You cannot consume your own alcoholic beverages on board.

Smoking accessories

• One book of matches per passenger
• Butane (Bic-type) lighters, which are the only lighters accepted past U.S. pre-clearance checkpoints for departures from the U.S.
• Electronic cigarettes (or ‘e-cigarettes’), provided they remain stowed and unused in your carry-on baggage.

Electronic Devices 

• Wireless handheld devices (Smart phones, cellphones, including cell phones with MP3 player or built-in camera, iPads, tablets, VRs, etc.)
• Personal entertainment devices (MP3, iPods, portable games, radio receivers, video cameras)
• Bluetooth headsets.
• Satellite receivers (e.g. hand-held global positioning systems)
• Laptops cannot be stowed in seat back pockets, as these are not designed to sustain the weight of a laptop and may be damaged over time.
• Electric shavers
• “Noise busters” (electronic noise canceling devices)

Electronic devices which cannot be used on board at any time

• Radio transmitters or radio-controlled equipment/toys
• Printers, computer peripheral devices or laser pointers

Note: These items must be properly and adequately packed in your Air Canada baggage.

Medication / mobility devices

Medication

Always carry your prescription medication on board in your carry-on baggage. This is especially important if you are taking medication for heart disease, diabetes, or seizures. Passengers with severe allergies should carry one or more Epipens as they would under any other circumstances.

Insulin

Although insulin does not generally require refrigeration, passengers wishing to keep their medication cold are asked to bring a small cooler, as the cabin crew is unable to look after medication on board. If available, extra ice may be provided as needed.

Medical or mobility devices

The following items are allowed at all times, in addition to your carry-on allowance as per Air Canada baggage policy:

• Mobility aids (e.g. braces, cane, crutches, walker, communication device*) or other special need items
• Tools of any size which are required by a passenger with special needs who is traveling with a mobility aid
• Battery-powered medical equipment (such as CPAP and sleep apnea devices) and Personal Oxygen Concentrators
• Medication in its original, labeled container
• Syringes or hypodermic needles for personal medical use (e.g. Epipen), provided the needle guards are intact, and that they are accompanied by the prescription medication with a printed label identifying the medication name and the issuing medical office or pharmacy.
• Container carrying life sustaining items

Cremated Remains

• Cremated remains are allowed to be carried on board, in addition to your carry-on allowance, provided they are stored in a cardboard or wooden box or an urn made of a material that can be security screened (with a tight-fitting lid to ensure no spillage occurs).
• A certificate of cremation or death certificate is not required for the carriage of ashes. However, for international travel, customers must ensure they have obtained all documentation and certificates that may be required when traveling to or via another country / region.

Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses can be carried on board as per Air Canada baggage rule, and stored in the overhead bin provided the garment bag does not exceed maximum carry-on limits. Note that items in the overhead bin can shift during the flight, possibly causing delicate pieces to be wrinkled, crushed or torn.

Checked Baggage Allowance 

• As per Air Canada baggage policy, the maximum weight of your checked baggage should be 50 lbs and the baggage dimensions should not exceed 158 cm. 
• Your free baggage allowance is determined by your fare, destination, date of ticket purchase and frequent flyer status. 

Checked Baggage Charges 

Within Canada, or between Canada and US, e.g. Toronto to New York

• 1st bag: CAD 31.50
• 2nd bag: CAD 52.50

Checked baggage fees for International destinations 

• 1st bag: Free
• 2nd bag: max. CAD 100

Checked baggage charges for Canada to Mexico or the Caribbean

• 1st bag: Free
• 2nd bag: CAD 50

Additional Checked Baggage 

Overweight and oversize limits – all itineraries

Bags weighing 50 to 70 lbs (23 to 32 kg) are considered and accepted as overweight

Bags measuring 63 to 115 in (160 to 292 cm) are accepted as oversized.

Additional baggage fees 

Travel within Canada 

Charges for overweight / oversized bag

• Overweight or oversized bag: CAD 105.00 – CAD 115.00
• Overweight and oversized bag: CAD 105.00 – CAD 115.00 (single fee)

Charges for additional bag

• Additional bag: CAD 105.00 – CAD 115.00
• No overweight or oversize fee applies to an additional bag for which the additional bag fee of CAD 105.00 – CAD 115.00 is paid.

Travel within Canada and the USA

Charges for overweight / oversized bag

• Overweight or oversized bag: CAD 100.00 – CAD 105.00
• Overweight and oversized bag: CAD 100.00 – CAD 105.00 (single fee)

Charges for additional bag

• Additional bag: CAD 100.00 – CAD 105.00
• No overweight or oversize fee applies to an additional bag for which the additional bag fee of CAD 100.00 – CAD 105.00 is paid.

Travel between the U.S. and Mexico / Costa Rica / Caribbean / Bermuda

Charges for overweight / oversized bag

• Overweight or oversized bag: CAD 100.00 – CAD 118.00
• Overweight and oversized bag: CAD 100.00 – CAD 118.00 (single fee)

Charges for additional bag

• Additional bag: CAD 225.00 – CAD 265.50
• No overweight or oversize fee applies to an additional bag for which the additional bag fee of CAD 225.00 – CAD 265.50 is paid.

Travel between Canada and other international destinations

Charges for overweight / oversized bag

• Overweight or oversized bag: CAD 100.00 – CAD 118.00
• Overweight and oversized bag: CAD 100.00 – CAD 118.00 (single fee)

Charges for additional bag

• Additional bag: CAD 225.00 – CAD 265.50
• No overweight or oversize fee applies to an additional bag for which the additional bag fee of CAD 225.00 – CAD 265.50 is paid.

Delayed / Damaged Baggage Policy 

Delayed Baggage 

• Air Canada (AC) does its very best to make sure your luggage arrives with you at your destination, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. 
• If you can’t locate your Air Canada checked baggage upon arrival, the first thing you’ll need to do is notify a baggage service agent of the airline with which your flight terminates. 

The baggage service agent will ask you to provide the following documents: 

• Your contact information
• A detailed description of your baggage and contents
• Your baggage claim stubs
• Your boarding passes

What to do if your baggage is still missing after 3 days?

In the unlikely event that our Baggage Services can’t locate your delayed baggage within 3 days, you’ll be required to complete the Baggage Tracing form page without delay, and the Air Canada’s Central Baggage Tracing Team will take over.

For the airline’s Central Baggage Tracing Team to successfully reunite you with your property, please list all items and contents as accurately as possible on the Delayed Baggage form.

When does Air Canada locate your baggage?

Once they have located your baggage and have ensured it reached its destination airport, the airline will contact you to arrange delivery via a contracted carrier in the area or FedEx.

Baggage Refund

If your baggage was delayed, the airline will refund the Air Canada checked baggage fees that you paid on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express.

Interim Expenses

While you are without your belongings as a direct result of your delayed baggage, Air Canada (AC) will reimburse you for reasonable expenses that you’ve incurred for rentals or essential items. Examples of essential items may include but are not limited to clothes and toiletries or sport equipment rental. All claims must be supported by receipts.

Damaged Baggage

Air Canada (AC) strives to handle and ship your baggage with care. However, despite the best efforts, baggage may be damaged during flight. If you notice damage to your baggage upon arrival, the airline has a dedicated team ready to help. 

How to report damaged baggage?

At the airport

If you’re still at the airport and you notice that your baggage has been damaged, please contact an airport agent at the Air Canada Baggage Service Counter before leaving the airport. In larger airports in Canada where the service is available, the airline can provide you with replacement baggage before you leave the airport.

After you’ve left the airport

For damage not noticed at the airport, the airline strongly recommends that you return to the airport with your damaged baggage, ticket, and baggage tag to report the damage.

Reporting damage via the website

As per Air Canada baggage policy for damaged goods, to make an official claim online, you can follow the instructions on the Let Us Know form to submit a Damage Property Report and notify airline’s Baggage Claims representatives. You’ll need to write to them within 7 days from the day on which you received your baggage otherwise your claim cannot be processed. 

When you submit a Damage Property Report via the Let Us Know form, make sure to provide clear pictures of:

• The damage
• The brand and model and in some cases the serial number
• Your baggage tags still attached to your baggage
• Your boarding passes

Note: Do not dispose of your damaged item until your claim has been finalized. You’ll have 60 days to have your damaged baggage assessed, repaired or replaced.

Repairs to damage

You may choose to:

• Bring your damaged baggage back to the airport and have Air Canada (AC) send it to an authorized repair center.
• Bring the baggage to the authorized repair center yourself.
• Have the baggage repaired at the repair shop of your choice. You must submit a quote with your claim prior to repairing the baggage.

Baggage Refund

If your baggage was damaged, then the airline will refund the Air Canada checked baggage fees that you paid on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express.

Air Canada Baggage Policy For Children and Infants

Air Canada (AC) offers special assistance and amenities for passengers traveling with their kids and infants. 

• Passengers traveling with kids under age of 6 have access to early boarding and offer them extra time to settle in. 
• When you book your flight online, indicate that you are traveling with children, and the airline will assign generic seats in proximity to each other for you and your children before check-in. 
• Infants will be allowed one piece of standard size diaper bag to be carried per adult passenger.

Guidelines for infants

• An infant as young as 7 days can travel on an Air Canada (AC) flight.
• At no time can an adult passenger be responsible for more than one infant.

Whenever the seat belt sign is on:

• An infant seated on a parent’s lap must be held securely. Lap held infants are not adequately secure during takeoff, landing and turbulence. Air Canada baggage policy recommends that you purchase a seat for your child and use a child restraint device.
• An infant for whom a seat is purchased must be properly secured in an approved child restraint device.
• Bassinets are assigned on a first come, first served basis, subject to availability at time of flight departure.

Fares 

Region	Infant (up to age 2)	Child (above age 2)
Within Canada	Seated on adult’s lap: no chargeOwn seat: adult fare	Own seat: adult fare
USA	Seated on adult’s lap: only taxes applyOwn seat: adult fare	Own seat: adult fare
International	Seated on adult’s lap: 10% of adult fareOwn seat: child’s fare	Own seat: child’s fare

Air Canada Pet Policy

• As per Air Canada baggage policy, you’re welcome to bring your cat or small dog in the cabin with you provided it is small enough to stand, turn around and lie down in its carrier under the seat in front of you. Just make sure to let Air Canada (AC) know in advance, as space is sometimes limited.
• The carrier will count as the one standard carry-on item which you are allowed to bring on board. Your pet must always remain in its closed carrier under the seat in front of you.
• Your pet’s carrier must be big enough to allow them to stand up, turn around and lie down safely and comfortably, with no part of them extending outside the carrier. Your pet could be refused travel if the carrier is deemed to be too small for them.

Maximum carrier size and charges  

In the cabin 

Maximum carrier size allowed	Hard-sided Height: 23 cm (9 in)Width: 40 cm (15.5 in)Length: 55 cm (21.5 in)	Soft-sided Height: 27 cm (10.5 in)Width: 40 cm (15.5 in)Length: 55 cm (21.5 in)
Charges for one-way travel	Within Canada and the U.S.(except Hawaii) = CAD 50.00.	International = CAD 100.00

In the baggage compartment

Maximum carrier size allowed	292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions
Maximum allowable weight	Up to 100 lbs
Charges for one-way travel	Within Canada and the U.S.(except Hawaii) = CAD 105.00 – CAD 120.75  International = CAD 270.00 – CAD 318.60

A reminder that your pet cannot travel with you in the cabin if you:

• Are an unaccompanied minor
• Are seated in an exit or bulkhead row
• Require the use of a medical device that needs to be stowed underneath the seat
• Are traveling in Premium Economy cabin, as the layout of Premium Economy seats does not allow for the safe stowage of a pet carrier.
• Are traveling in the Business Class cabin of Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8) aircraft

Air Canada Special Baggage Policy

Sports Equipment 

Air Canada accommodates a wide range of sports equipment as per Air Canada baggage policy, but some restrictions apply to these items. Here’s what you need to know.

• You’re invited to register your sports equipment at least 24 hours before your flight by contacting Air Canada Reservations, or your travel agent.
• If your baggage count (item in this category + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
• Some items that require extra care such as bicycles, will incur a fee starting from CAD 50. 
• Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.

The following items are allowed as sport equipment in Air Canada cabin:

Items not accepted as checked baggage

The following items are not accepted as checked baggage because of their overall dimensions:

• Bobsleighs
• Canoes
• Hang gliders
• Luges
• Windsurfing equipment

Music Instruments

Traveling with a musical instrument? Check out the guidelines for its carriage as explained by Air Canada baggage policy. 

Packing Instructions

• When a stringed instrument is transported by air, it may be exposed to dramatic changes in temperature and pressure, which can cause its headstocks to crack or snap off.
• To prevent possible damage, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the strings are loosened so that the tension is reduced.
• Musical instruments should always be properly packed in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping such items.

Musical instruments as carry-on baggage 

• You may bring your musical instrument on board as part of your carry-on baggage provided it meets the current Air Canada carry-on size requirements and the instrument fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, or you purchase a seat to accommodate it.
• A musical instrument you take on board will count as part of your carry-on baggage allowance, as either a personal or standard article (depending on the size and dimensions of the instrument).

Musical instruments as checked baggage

• If checked in separately, a musical instrument counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
• If your baggage count (musical instrument + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
• Musical instruments should always be properly packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specifically designed for shipping such items.

Hunting Equipment

Ammunition

Ammunition allowance is limited to 5 kg (11 lb) per passenger. Allowances for more than one passenger cannot be combined into one or more packages.

Antlers and Horns

Antlers and horns are accepted as checked baggage only.

Weight and Size

If checked separately, antlers and horns count as one piece of Air Canada baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type, provided they do not exceed:

• 32 kg (70 lb.) in weight, and/or
• 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (height + width + length)

Fees

• Antlers and horns are subject to a fee of CAD 150.00 (plus applicable taxes) for carriage on Air Canada.
• The fee applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.

Archery Equipment – Bows and Arrows

Bows and arrows are accepted as checked baggage.

Charges

If your baggage count (item in this category + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.

Packing instructions

Bows and arrows must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

Bounty

Bounty is accepted as checked baggage in accordance with Air Canada baggage policy.

Charges

If checked separately, bounty counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type provided it doesn’t exceed:

• 23 kg (50 lb) in weight, and
• 158 cm (62 in) in linear dimensions (height + width + length)

Additional checked baggage charges apply if:

bounty exceeds above size and weight limits, and/or

if your baggage count (item in this category + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type.

Packing instructions

Meat and game must be transported in a leak-proof container or wrapped in absorbent material and then placed in plastic bags inside waxed cartons. Plastic bags alone are not good enough for transport.

Fishing Equipment

When packed separately, each of the following counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type:

• fishing rod in rod case + tackle box
• tackle bag + reels
• landing net
• boots

Waivers / Charges

• No oversize or additional piece charges apply to a fishing rod in its case if it’s carried with a tackle box.
• Please be advised fishing rods without a tackle box can be accepted as carry-on if dimensions are met, if not then fishing rods will be accepted as checked baggage only.

Packing instructions

Your fishing rod(s) must be packed in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

Restricted / Prohibited Items 

For the safety of passengers, Air Canada baggage policy has restricted and prohibited certain items. 

Prohibited items

Restricted items 

Air Purifiers and Ionizers 

• Air purifiers and ionizers for personal use are accepted only in carry-on baggage and must not be used on board the aircraft at any time.
• Air purifiers and ionizers for home use are accepted in carry-on baggage provided they remain safely stowed at all times. They are also accepted in Air Canada checked baggage provided the batteries are removed and placed in carry-on baggage.

Firearms 

Passengers traveling with a firearm, ammunition or cartridges must declare the items during the check-in process and complete a declaration form.

• Accepted firearms: Only hunting rifles, shotguns, BB guns, paintball guns, biathlon rifles, air pistols and certain handguns are accepted as checked baggage.
• A maximum of three firearms is allowed per person.
• They must be unloaded when checking in a firearm, customers must sign a declaration form attesting that the firearm is not loaded.
• They must be packed and locked in a specially designed, non-transparent case that can’t be easily broken into during transport.

Fueled Power Equipment

Devices whose fuel tank is permanently attached to the device (e.g. lawn mowers, grass trimmers) are accepted as checked baggage:

• Only if they are new and in the original unopened packaging.
• Only on Air Canada and Air Canada Express flights.
• See the ‘Camping equipment’ section above for specific rules regarding camping stoves.

Regardless of whether they’re in their original packaging or not, items powered by a fuel-powered engine won’t be accepted as checked baggage:

• If your itinerary includes a codeshare flight with another carrier;
• If you’re traveling to, from or via the U.S.
• If you’re traveling from or via a European Union country.
• Switzerland adheres to European Union prohibited items regulations. Items powered by a fuel-operated engine are not accepted for travel from or via that country.
• Any fuel-powered device that has been previously used.

Paint

• Tubes of oil-based and latex paint used by artists are accepted provided the material is packaged in absorbent material and placed in a heavy, plastic leak-proof bag/container.
• Oil-based paint, latex paint, lacquer, stains, shellac, and oils are not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage. Please contact your local Air Canada Cargo office for shipment of these items.

Smart Bags

A ‘smart bag’ is a bag that has built-in charging, location tracking or other battery-powered technology.

• You may bring your ‘smart bag’ onto the plane with you, provided it meets carry-on baggage size restrictions.
• On smaller aircraft where carry-on bags must be placed in the cargo hold, you will need to remove the battery and bring the battery into the cabin with you.
• If you plan on checking your ‘smart bag’, you will first need to remove the battery and bring the battery into the cabin with you. We will not be able to accept your bag as checked baggage if the battery cannot be removed.

Travel to European Union countries:

Passengers traveling to European Union (EU) countries are asked to take note of strict regulations that apply to the importation of restricted products such as meat and milk products for personal consumption.

Certain meat and milk products, e.g. powdered infant formula, infant food and special foods required for medical reasons are allowed to enter the EU only if:

• The product does not require refrigeration before consumption;
• It is a packaged registered trademark or proprietary brand product;
• The packaging is intact.

Passengers wishing to bring other types of meat or milk products into the EU must obtain, prior to travel, all necessary documentation from official veterinary services of the country to / from which they are traveling. 

FAQs