All You Need to Know About Air Canada Baggage Allowance
Posted on Mar 25th, 2022 by Heena Ganotra, Last updated on Oct 11th, 2022
Do you plan to travel soon and are wondering about the Air Canada baggage allowance rules? Packing is one of the most frustrating aspects of traveling. You want to make sure you have everything you need but don’t want to exceed the baggage weight limit and pay for additional luggage. Packing is so much easier if you have an idea of what is allowed by the airline. Unfortunately, the baggage allowance varies from one carrier to another, which is why it is a good idea to double-check the Air Canada luggage allowance before packing.
What Is Air Canada Baggage Allowance?
The baggage allowance varies based on the type of items you carry, how much you carry, and how you transport them.
1. Air Canada Hand Carry Rules
Travelers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal bag with them on the flight. The personal bag can be something like a handbag, laptop bag, camera case, etc.
- The hand luggage size shouldn’t exceed 21.5 in x 9 in x 15.5 in or 55 cm x 23 cm x 40 cm.
- The personal bag shouldn’t exceed 13 in x 6 in x 17 in or 33 cm x 16 cm x 43 cm.
- The hand-carry bag shouldn’t weigh more than 10 kgs and should fit in the overhead storage compartment easily.
- There are exceptions to the rule. Passengers traveling with a baby can carry more items than their carry-on luggage and there are restrictions on liquids and foods.
If you can’t put the bag in the compartment yourself, you may want to consider lightening the luggage or taking a smaller bag. The personal bag should also fit into the compartment or under your seat. You can find more details about the carry-on luggage requirements in our post for carry-on allowance for liquids in Canada. (link WEB BLOG – Carry On Allowance for Liquids in Canada)
2. Air Canada Baggage Weight Allowance
The checked luggage allowances can vary based on the fare and route you choose. The costs can also vary based on the Aeroplan rewards program. But the bare bones of it is simple:
- Travelers are allowed 23kgs per bag for regular fares and 32kgs per bag on higher fares.
- The total dimensions of the bag shouldn’t exceed 292cm.
- Members of the Canadian or US military are allowed to carry three bags, each weighing 32kgs.
People who are a part of Canada’s most popular rewards program, the Aeroplan, may get additional benefits. If you exceed the Air Canada baggage size and weight requirements, you may incur an additional fee.
3. Air Canada Baggage Allowance for International Flights
The rules for international flights can be slightly different. For example, the first bag to any international destination is usually free and the second bag carries an additional fee. For destinations like Dubai, the first and second bags are both usually free.
All luggage should remain within the guidelines of Canadian airlines’ international baggage allowance or you’ll need to pay additional charges. It is a good idea to check the most recent additional baggage costs to make sure you understand how much you need to pay.
Travelers should know that even if some items are allowed on Air Canada, they may not be permitted by other carriers or some airports. Doublecheck to make sure your luggage is permitted by every mode of transport and transport hub you will encounter during your travels before packing.
Air Canada Baggage Fees
The baggage fees will depend on factors like origin, destination, Aeroplan or Star Alliance Status, and a class of service. Air Canada has a calculator you can use to get the precise allowance and cost. Here’s a general breakdown of the costs applicable:
- Air Canada Baggage Fees Domestic – The first bag may cost $30-$36. The 2nd bag will be $59, and any additional bags will be approximately $100. If you are traveling through Flex and Comfort fares, the 1st bag is free. If you’re traveling through Latitude fare, you can take two bags for free.
- US, Mexico, and the Caribbean – Domestic rates apply to these destinations as well.
- Baggage Fees for Air Canada International – The cost of the 1st baggage is typically included in the fare. The 2nd baggage can reach up to $118. Baggage is included in call fares except for Economy Basic between Canada and European destinations. As for March 2022, the fees for travelers to India are included for the 1st baggage and $100 for the second bag. These are applicable for the Flex and Economy Standard fares.
- Exceptional Baggage Cost – Travelers are allowed to check-in their exceptional items like sports equipment after giving prior notice to the carrier. Some items like a bicycle may incur additional handling charges, which typically range from $50 to $177 per item. The airline should be contacted at least 24 hours in advance.
- Air Canada Oversized Luggage – Oversized or overweight luggage can cost up to $100 more per piece. If you’re carrying two oversized bags, you may need to pay $200 more.
- Pets in the Hold – Travelers are allowed to take their pets with them on Air Canada flights as long as the pets and their crate don’t exceed 45kgs in weight and 292cms in total dimensions. The fees for pets can start at $105.
The Air Canada luggage policies can change without warning so it is a good idea to check their website for the latest information before traveling.
Air Canada Excess Baggage Tips
If you have excess baggage and are going to board an Air Canada flight, it is a good idea to follow some of the tips mentioned below:
- Arrive at the airport at least 120 minutes before boarding time so you can check in your additional or oversized bags without experiencing delays.
- If the baggage exceeds the required limits, you may need to contact Air Canada Cargo.
- Make sure all of your bags are labeled correctly and have a baggage ID card inside.
- Remove all old airline tags from your baggage to ensure there’s no confusion.
- Bags may be opened by security during the screening process. If you want to lock them, use a lock that security services can bypass. If you use standard locks, they or your bag may be damaged when the security services bypass them.
Hopefully, this tells you all you need to know about the Air Canada baggage allowance. Be sure to check the airline’s website before leaving your home.
FAQS
Q. How to pay the Air Canada extra baggage fee?
A. You can pay all of the applicable extra baggage fees while you check-in for your flight. The carrier provides a convenient online solution to travelers. People can pay online or through a mobile app to avoid any delays. They can also use a self-service check-in kiosk or pay at the Air Canada check-in counter. Please keep in mind that some airports don’t accept cash payments.
Q. How many bags are allowed in Air Canada?
A. You’re allowed one carry-on luggage and one personal bag on the flight. There are some exceptions to this rule, like baby items and diaper bags, medicines, and items needed for the traveler’s health like sweets for a diabetic traveler. You’re allowed one free luggage on Economy class and additional luggage or oversized baggage carry a fee.
Q. What is allowed in a Carry-On Bag?
A. You can carry clothes, stationery, laptop, phone, headphones, and other such personal items in your carry-on bag. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be packed in 100ml or 3.4oz containers and placed inside a transparent resealable bag. You can look at the list of permitted and banned items on the Air Canada website to know more.
Q. Can we carry a laptop on an international Air Canada flight?
A. Yes, you can carry a laptop and a laptop bag on your international flight. It is considered a personal bag that you can take along with your carry-on. It is generally not advisable to pack a laptop in your checked luggage.
Q. How many kilos can I carry on an international Air Canada flight?
A. Air Canada has posted no actual weight limitations on how heavy your carry-on luggage should be. The industry standard is 10 kgs so it is safe to carry that much, especially if you have a connecting flight with another carrier. However, the bag shouldn’t exceed 55 x 23 x 40 cm or 21.5 x 9 x 15.5 inches, and your personal item shouldn’t exceed 33 x 16 x 43 cm or 13 x 6 x 17 inches. It should be light enough for you to be able to lift it and place it in the overhead storage without requiring additional assistance.
Well, that’ all!
Now that you know the Air Canada baggage policy, boarding a flight won’t be a hassle. And if you’ve been looking for affordable air tickets to India, we at MyTicketsToIndia offer the best flight deals on India to Canada flights and back.. As an IATA-certified travel agency, we offer effective flight search and booking services that you can trust. Our travel executives are available 24*7 and make the booking process super easy.
Happy booking!
About Heena View All Posts
A writer by both passion and profession, Heena Ganotra is "half agony, half hope" but all heart. And oh, she has been a book lover from the start! Her love for books is what convinced her to make a career in the wonderful world of words. She loves what she does and is out-and-out a satisfied soul with a wish to spread happiness like herpes. Insight- Some say she is living the best life anyone could because she reads, writes, travels, and makes merry. They’re right because what else does one really need! 🙂
