Do you get a free checked bag with Air Canada?

Flights within the U.S. and from the U.S. and Canada to Europe get a piece of free checked luggage, excluding Economy Basic fares. This bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kg) in economy and 70 pounds (32 kg) for business class and must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) (maximum linear dimensions). For all other routes checked baggage needs to be added on separately to the booking.

How much does Air Canada charge for baggage?

For all routes excluding flights within the U.S. or from U.S./Canada to Europe, Air Canada charges $30 for the first bag and $50 to $100 for the second bag. See our table in this article for full details.

How much can your carry-on bag weigh on Air Canada?

Air Canada does not specify a weight allowance for carry-on baggage. It states that the piece of baggage must be light enough to store in the overhead compartments without assistance. It does have maximum size limits of 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches for your standard piece and 13 x 17 x 6 inches for your personal item.

Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on Air Canada?

As the maximum dimensions for your personal item is 13 x 17 x 6 inches it is unlikely that a backpack will adhere to this allowance (unless it is a mini backpack). A backpack that adheres to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches would be fine if you want to use your standard carry-on allowance for this plus a smaller personal item.

Air Canada Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

Erin MillerUpdated: July 28, 2023, 9:57pm CDT

Edited by: Keri Stooksbury

Air Canada Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

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Air Canada’s baggage fees are fairly straightforward when it comes to the first couple of standard bags. However, you’re guaranteed to fork over some cash in the overweight/oversized area. Make sure you’re packing within the maximum limits to avoid hefty fees!

While this isn’t the complete Air Canada Baggage policy, we think you’ll find some helpful notes here.

Air Canada Carry-on Allowance

1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: FREE

Size Restrictions

Personal: 17 x 13 x 6 inches (43 x 33 x 16 cm)
Standard: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm)

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy

If you’re traveling with an infant on your lap, you can bring 1 additional standard article for your child’s belongings.

Stroller Check Policy

Smaller strollers can be checked at the baggage counter or boarding gate. The size of the stroller should not exceed a collapsed diameter of 10 inches (25.5 cm) and a length not exceeding 36 inches (92 cm). Small strollers that are checked at the baggage counter will be available for pick up at the destination’s baggage hall, while strollers that are checked at the boarding are available at the aircraft door upon arrival to your destination.
Large strollers must be checked at the baggage counter.

Hot Tip: Would you prefer to sit in the front of the plane? Check out our guide to upgrading to business and first class on Air Canada.

Air Canada Checked Baggage Allowance

Listed below is the average pricing for most routes under these categories. However, these may differ slightly according to your specific route. To calculate your official baggage costs, we suggest using Air Canada’s baggage calculator tool.

All checked bags must adhere to a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) in economy or 70 pounds (32 kg) for business class, with maximum linear dimensions of 62 linear inches (158 cm).

Premium economy, Premium Rogue, and business class each have 2 bags included.

Economy:

Route	First Bag	Second Bag	3+ Bags
U.S. to/from Canada	$30 (FREE for Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fare)	$50 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$100 each
U.S. to/from Mexico	$30	$50 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$225 each
U.S. to/from Europe	Included (excluding Economy Basic fares: $75)	$100 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$225 each
Canada to/from Europe	Included (excluding Economy Basic fares: $75)	$100 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$225 each
Domestic U.S.	Included (excluding Economy Basic fares: $75)	$100 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$225 each
Domestic Canada	$36 (FREE for Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fare)	$60 (FREE for Latitude fare)	$120 each

Excess Baggage Fees

Route	By Piece	Overweight 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg)	Oversized 63 to 115 inches (160 to 292 cm)
U.S. to/from Canada	$100	$100	$100
U.S. to/from Mexico/Costa Rica/Caribbean/Bermuda	$225	$100	$100
Canada to/from other international destinations	$225	$100	$100
Domestic Canada	$105 to $115	$105 to $115	$105 to $115

No overweight or oversize charges apply when the additional bag fee is paid. If a bag is both overweight and oversize, the fee is charged only once. Some fees may exclude taxes.

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to Air Canada’s special items policy.

Exclusions and Waivers

Aeroplan Privileges

Prestige 25K: 2 checked bags free (up to 50 pounds/23 kg)
Elite 35K: 3 checked bags free (up to 70 pounds/32 kg)
Elite 50K: 3 checked bags free (up to 70 pounds/32 kg)
Elite 75K: 3 checked bags free (up to 70 pounds/32 kg)
Super Elite 100Kk: 3 checked bags free (up to 70 pounds/32 kg)

Star Alliance Gold

Star Alliance Gold members can enjoy 1 free checked bag on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge, regardless of the fare purchased.

Military

Canadian and U.S. eligible active and retired military are permitted to bring 3 pieces of checked luggage weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kg) each.

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

Air Canada allows passengers to prepay for baggage online or via the mobile app from 24 hours before the flight departure.

Here are the ways you can prepay:

Air Canada’s website when you check-in; simply log in to your booking and add your extras
Air Canada’s mobile app when you check-in; simply download the app and log in to your booking to add your extras

You can prepay for baggage up to 45 minutes before departure for flights within Canada and up to 60 minutes for all other flights.

Based near the airport? You can also add baggage from 12 hours before departure using one of Air Canada’s self-serve kiosks.

Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

The co-branded Aeroplan^® Credit Card offers a free checked bag for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.

Otherwise, the Capital One cards below can help offset some of your checked bag fees with Air Canada. Each card allows you to redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for previous travel purchases (within 90 days):

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Air Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Air Canada includes 1 piece of checked baggage for flights within the U.S. and flights from the U.S./Canada to Europe (excluding Economy Basic fares). Checked baggage can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kg) for economy and up to 70 pounds (32 kg) for business class and must not exceed maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm). For other routes, checked baggage can be purchased starting at $30 for the first piece and up to $100 for the second piece.

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About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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