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Checked baggage
Checked baggage
What you pack is important. Find out what you can check and how to prepare your belongings before your journey.
You can also use our baggage calculator to see what checked bags are included with your trip and whether any additional baggage fees apply.
Baggage allowance
Standard baggage allowance
Maximum linear dimensions per bag (greatest outside height, width and length – wheels and handles included):
D + W + H: 158 cm/62 in
Maximum weight per bag:
23 kg/50 lb
- If you exceed maximum dimensions or weight, additional fees may apply.
If you’re travelling with an infant or child, you can view their checked bag allowance by using our baggage calculator. If you’re bringing a car seat or stroller, please see our travel with children page.
Active, retired and reserve members of the Canadian and U.S. military are eligible for an enhanced baggage allowance on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express*. For both personal and duty travel, this includes up to three checked bags, each weighing up to 32 kg (70 lb), at no additional charge. Please note that valid military identification is required.
To make use of the enhanced baggage allowance:
- When you check in online or on your Air Canada App, indicate that you’re travelling without a checked bag, even if you are bringing a checked bag with you.
- Once you get to the airport, just present your valid military ID to an Air Canada agent who will tag and check your bags free of charge.
If you’ve already checked in and indicated that you are travelling with a checked bag, please see an agent at the airport - they will waive any applicable baggage fees once you present your military ID.
Please note that this enhanced baggage allowance only applies to eligible military personnel. It does not extend to spouses, family members, travelling companions, RCMP officers, or members of foreign militaries (other than the U.S. military).
*The enhanced baggage allowance only applies to itineraries fully operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express. For itineraries that include flights operated by another airline, including Star Alliance partners, standard baggage fees will apply.
Extra & oversized baggage
If you’re checking additional bags or your belongings exceed the size, or weight included with your fare, additional fees will apply. Please see our baggage calculator for more information on these charges.
Keep in mind:
- If you’re checking extra, overweight, or oversized bags, you’ll need to get to the airport at least 120 minutes before departure.
- You’ll need to reach out to Air Canada Cargo if your bags exceed:
- 32 kg (70 lb)
- 203 cm (80 in) in length
- 292 cm (115 in) in total linear dimensions (greatest outside height, width and length – wheels and handles included)
For shipments to/from the U.S.
Due to U.S. Transport Security Administration regulations, individual passengers can only ship cats and dogs to or from the U.S. with Air Canada Cargo. For any other type of shipment, please contact another provider (such as UPS or FedEx).
Packing tips
When packing for your trip, remember to:
- Remove all old airline tags
- Attach ID tags to the outside of your bags
- Place a baggage ID card inside each bag and include your destination, home address, and contact info
Please do not use bungee cords, ties, or straps on your luggage
The following items should always be packed in your carry‑on:
- Laptops
- Keys (car/house)
- Medications
- Cash
- High‑value items (cameras, jewelry, electronics, etc.)
- Dangerous goods i.e. batteries, laptops etc.
Locked bags
Please keep in mind that all checked bags will be screened and may need to be opened. If you’re locking your bag, you’ll need to use a security‑approved lock (e.g., Travel Sentry or Safe Skies) to avoid damage or delays. Non‑approved locks may be cut for inspection.
Smart bags
If your checked bag includes a built-in charger, location tracking or other battery-powered technology, you'll need to remove the battery and bring it with you into the cabin. Smart bags with non-removable batteries are not permitted as checked baggage. Find out more about travelling with a smart bag.
Flights with other airlines
Trips starting or ending in Canada or the U.S.
The airline operating your first flight segment determines which baggage rules apply to your entire trip.
| Flight segment | Route | Flight number | Operating airline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kelowna to Vancouver | AC8283 | Air Canada |
| 2 | Vancouver to Chicago | UA620 | United Airlines |
| 3 | Chicago to Vancouver | UA621 | United Airlines |
| 4 | Vancouver to Kelowna | UA622 | United Airlines |
Baggage rules:
The first segment flight number starts with “AC”, which means it’s operated by Air Canada.
Therefore, Air Canada’s baggage rules would apply to the entire itinerary.
All other trips
Trips starting or ending in all other countries
The airline operating the first flight between travel zones determines the baggage rules for your entire trip.
Zone 1
North, Central and South Americas
Zone 2
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Zone 3
Asia and Southwest Pacific
| Flight segment | Route | Flight number | Operating airline | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vienna to Frankfurt | OS103 | Austrian Airlines | Zone 2 |
| 2 | Frankfurt to Montréal | LH6794 | Lufthansa | Zone 2 to Zone 1 |
| 3 | Montréal to Toronto | AC415 | Air Canada | Zone 1 |
| 4 | Toronto to Barbados | AC1840 | Air Canada | Zone 1 |
Baggage rules:
The first flight travelling between zones number starts with “LH”, which means it’s operated by Lufthansa. Lufthansa’s baggage rules would apply to the entire itinerary because:
- Lufthansa is operating the first flight between zones - from Frankfurt (Zone 2) to Montreal (Zone 1)
- This trip doesn’t start or end in Canada or the U.S.
How to pay baggage fees
You can pay any applicable baggage fees when you check in for your flight:
- Online
- On your mobile device
- At the airport using one of our self-service check-in kiosks
- At an Air Canada check-in counter
At Air Canada airport counters around the world, most cards are accepted including major debit and credit cards, Visa Debit, prepaid credit cards and Air Canada Gift Cards. See the complete list of our payment options.
For transactions conducted outside Canada, baggage fees will be charged in the local currency where the transaction occurs.
Shipping luggage ahead
Make your journey a little easier by having your bags and gear shipped to and from your destination, worldwide with Luggage Forward.
Door‑to‑door pick‑up and delivery
2 or 7 business-day delivery within Canada
The flexibility to pack and bring back as much as you want
A full money‑back plus $500 on‑time guarantee* 
Air Canada customers save 15% by:
- Booking using the link above**
- Mentioning Air Canada when booking over the phone
*Subject to Luggage Forward’s Terms of Service. **Link directs to Luggage Forward’s website. Air Canada is not responsible for their products, services, or site.
Frequently asked questions
To determine the baggage allowance for your trip, please use our baggage calculator. If you would like to bring any additional bags, the calculator will show you which additional baggage fees will apply.
Your airport arrival time depends on your flight and baggage needs. See our check-in and boarding times page for a guide on baggage drop deadlines and when you should plan to arrive.
When you’re travelling on an Economy Basic fare, you can bring one (1) personal item with you on board.
We always do our best to make sure your belongings arrive at your destination with you. If this doesn’t happen, our team is here to help make things right. Visit our baggage support page for next steps.
Additional links
Contact Air Canada Reservations or Air Canada Cargo
Find essential information on the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website