Special Items

Air purifiers and ionizers for personal use:

• Are accepted in carry-on baggage only 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.
• Are accepted in checked baggage provided the batteries are removed and placed in carry-on baggage.

Waivers

A single fixed fee is waived:

• When you purchase a Business Class, Premium Economy or Economy Latitude fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S.
• If you are a member of the military.

Without charge, Aeroplan Elite Status Members can bring one set of antlers or horns for each bag allowed by their Elite Status.

Charges

Antlers and horns are subject to a fee of CA/US$150.00 - $180.00 † for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz.

• The fee applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.
• No other baggage fees apply to antlers and horns.

† Fees are inclusive of the minimum (0%) to maximum (20%) tax which may apply, based on your itinerary.

Packing instructions

The antlers or horns must be clean and carefully wrapped in absorbent material with all points covered, then suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Smaller antlers wrapped in a larger set count as an additional item.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Packing instructions

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

Items that are improperly packaged will not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Rescue backpacks

One avalanche rescue backpack is accepted per passenger as checked baggage only, provided they’re equipped with:

• a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism with no more than 200 mg of explosive substance (Division 1.4S)
• The explosive must be packaged or designed in a way that presents no significant hazard.
• a cylinder of non-flammable, non-toxic compressed gas (Division 2.2)
• The cylinder must remain inside the backpack at all times. It can be either connected or disconnected and does not need to be emptied.

Avalanche rescue backpacks must also be packed in such a way that it can’t be accidentally activated. The airbag within the backpack must be fitted with pressure relief valves.

Exception: JetForce avalanche airbag packs and any spare lithium batteries are accepted as carry-on baggage only, provided the lithium batteries meet acceptance conditions. See "Batteries" in the "Common Items" section above.

Replacement/spare cylinders for rescue backpacks

Replacement/spare cylinders are accepted in checked baggage only, provided they’re empty.

Avalanche transceivers

Avalanche transceivers are accepted in both carry-on and checked baggage provided the batteries are removed from the unit and stored separately. Find out more about travel with batteries.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Watt-hours

Watt-hours (Wh) are calculated by multiplying voltage (V) by ampere-hours (Ah):

• Volts x amps = watt-hours (Wh)

Battery safety

All cells and battery packs must be individually protected to prevent short circuits, e.g.:

• Exposed terminals can be taped over.
• Individual cells or battery packs can be in their original retail packaging or stored in a protective pouch or case, or a separate plastic bag.

Maximum quantities

Each passenger may bring maximum quantities as follows in carry-on baggage only*:

Exception: Only the following devices are allowed in or as checked baggage:

• Electric toothbrushes and/or shavers
• Large medical devices, such as a portable kidney dialysis machine.

Carry-on baggage restrictions

* On smaller aircraft (e.g. Jazz Dash-8 or CRJ) with limited onboard storage space, you’re asked to deposit your carry-on items on a Sky Check cart as you board the plane.

Battery-powered personal electronic devices containing batteries and spare cells or batteries must always be removed from carry-on baggage that is deposited on those carts and must carried into the aircraft cabin.

Battery-powered mobility aids

Spillable, non-spillable and lithium-ion batteries for battery-powered mobility aids (e.g. wheelchairs) are accepted but require special handling.

See our wheelchair and mobility aid page for more information.

Battery-powered medical devices

You can bring batteries used with portable battery-powered medical devices [e.g. Personal Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines] in your carry-on, provided they do not exceed any of the following dimensions:

• Maximum length: 23 cm/ 9 inches
• Maximum width: 40 cm/ 16 inches
• Maximum height: 55 cm/ 22 inches
• Maximum weight: 10 kg/ 22 lb

If the battery is larger than permitted, it will need to be transported as checked baggage.

Find out more about travelling with medical devices and oxygen.

Weight and size

Bicycles must not exceed the following limits:

• Maximum weight: 32 kg/70 lb
• Maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height): 292 cm/115 in

No overweight or oversize charges apply to bicycles, provided they are within maximum weight and size limits shown above.

For larger or heavier bicycles, contact Air Canada Cargo.

Charges

Bicycles are subject to a fee of CA/US$50.00 - $60.00† for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz.

• The fee applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.
• No other baggage fees apply to bicycles.

† Fees are inclusive of the minimum (0%) to maximum (20%) tax which may apply, based on your itinerary.

Waivers

A single fixed fee is waived:

• When you purchase a Business Class, Premium Economy or Economy Latitude fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S.
• If you are a member of the military.

Without charge, Aeroplan Elite Status Members can bring one bicycle for each bag allowed by their Elite Status.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only

• The bicycle must be placed - with handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed - in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping or in a bicycle suitcase (in the case of collapsible bicycles).
• Tires must be partially deflated.>
• Improperly packaged bicycles may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Charges

Oversize charges apply if your board or board container is over 158 cm/62 inches in total linear dimensions (length + width + height).

Overweight charges apply if your board or board container is over 23 kg/50 lb.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply, unless indicated otherwise.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Charges

When checked separately bounty and game count as one checked bag toward the maximum allowed by your fare, provided it doesn’t exceed regular checked baggage allowance for your fare. If dimensions, weight or number of bags exceeds these requirements, additional fees would apply.

Packing instructions

Bounty 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 acceptable for transport.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Charges

NO oversize or additional piece charge applies to broomball/curling broom if carried with equipment bag.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply, unless indicated otherwise.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Camp stoves

The following are only accepted as checked baggage:

• A new unused camping stove in its original, unopened package
• A used camping stove that has contained flammable liquid such as kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, propane, butane and isobutene, only if the fuel tank or fuel cell:
• has been removed from the stove
• has been completely drained of all liquid fuel and rinsed with a neutralizing agent such as cooking oil
• is closed with the cap securely fastened, wrapped in absorbent material such as a paper towel, placed in a polyethylene or equivalent bag and the top of the bag is sealed or gathered and closed with an elastic band or twine

Insect repellents

Aerosol and non-aerosol insect repellents must be non-toxic and non-flammable. They are accepted in:

• Carry-on baggage: provided the canister contains no more than 100ml (3.4oz)
• Checked baggage: provided the release valve is protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Scuba tanks

Scuba tanks can be accepted as checked baggage provided that you can show that the cylinder is empty.

Paintball cylinders

Paintball cylinders can be accepted as checked baggage provided you can show that the regulator/valve has been removed from the cylinder.

CO2 cylinders

CO2 cylinders and other pneumatic devices used in the operation of mechanical limbs are accepted in both carry-on and checked baggage.

The following items are not accepted for transport aboard our aircraft:

• camping stove gas cartridges such as butane\propane mix or propane
• propane cylinders
• carbon dioxide or nitrogen cylinders (pressurized)
• fire extinguishers
• portable oxygen cylinders (other than those supplied by us on our aircraft)

Curling irons

Curling irons may be accepted either in carry-on or checked baggage. Please refer to the restrictions below to determine what you can bring on board:

• Carry-on: One (1) curling iron without the gas container
• Checked: One (1) gas-operated curling iron with its hydrocarbon gas container, provided the safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element.

Separate gas refills for curling irons are not allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage.

Lighters

Only one of the following items, intended for individual use, is allowed when it is carried on you person (e.g. in pocket or purse):

• One (1) Bic-type butane lighter, OR
• One (1) USB lighter, OR
• One (1) book of matches

No other type of lighter is accepted in carry-on or checked baggage.

Dry ice

Items packed in dry ice (e.g., fish and seafood) are accepted in carry-on and checked baggage provided they are properly wrapped/packed to protect against leakage, then placed in a box, carton or container that:

• is properly vented to allow for the release of carbon dioxide gas
• is in good condition and free of any damage.

Dry ice must not exceed 2.5 kg/ 5.5 lbs in total weight (for carry-on and checked baggage combined) per passenger.

Checked baggage restrictions:

• If you're travelling with a dry ice container as part of your checked baggage, you must:
• arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before recommended check-in time for your flight to ensure proper handling

Brine

Because brine spillage is corrosive, fish and seafood must be packaged in leakproof containers, then be packed in plastic bags inside waxed cartons.

Gel/ice packs

Gel and ice packs are subject to all liquid and gel restrictions. See the liquids and gels section for more details.

If you need to keep an item cool, you may instead want to use frozen peas as an alternative to a gel/ice pack.

Gel/ice packs that are used to refrigerate medication are exempt from these restrictions, provided the medication bears a label or is accompanied by a doctor's/pharmacist's note stating that refrigeration is required.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Prohibited firearms

Firearms that are prohibited for travel include:

• Full automatics or converted automatics, handguns with a barrel of 105mm or less
• Handguns that discharge 25/32 caliber ammunition and some long guns prohibited by criminal code regulations
• A handgun with a barrel length of 105 mm/4.1 inches or less
• A handgun designed or adapted to discharge 25/32 calibre ammunition
• A rifle or shotgun that has been altered to make it less than 660 mm/ 26 inches in overall length
• A rifle or shotgun that has been altered to make the barrel length less than 457 mm/18 inches where the overall firearm length is 660 mm/26 inches or more
• An automatic firearm and a converted automatic firearm
• Any firearm prescribed as prohibited

Restrictions

Only shells and cartridges are accepted and must be carried in checked baggage. Gunpowder and gunpowder pellets are strictly prohibited.

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.

Visit the Canadian Firearms Program and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) websites for essential information on government documentation required for transporting restricted firearms (e.g. handguns).

Firearms and guns

All accepted firearms must be:

• unloaded
• rendered inoperable by means of a secure locking device mechanism (i.e. a trigger lock), but only after the check-in process has been completed
• packed and locked in a specially designed, non-transparent case that can’t be easily broken into during transport
• water cylinders for pistols and rifles cannot exceed 50 ml/28 g net

Each of the following is considered an individual item when packed separately:

• one rifle case containing no more than two rifles (with or without scope) plus 5 kg/11 lb ammunition (packaged separately), one shooting mat, noise suppressors and small rifle tools
• two shotguns and two shotgun cases
• one pistol case containing no more than 3 pistols

Paintball guns may contain cylinders. Compressed air cylinders must be removed and emptied (with a gauge showing ‘0’ if applicable). Please see the compressed gas, cylinders section for more details.

Ammunition

Firearms and ammunition must not be packed in the same container.

• Only shells and cartridges are accepted and must be carried in checked baggage. Gunpowder and gunpowder pellets are strictly prohibited.
• Ammunition must be packed in a separate, secure and strong container made of plastic, wood or metal. The original fibreboard carton can also be used but it is recommended that the carton be placed in a secondary package such as a re-sealable plastic container.
• To avoid shock movement, the properly packed ammunition must then be placed inside a suitcase and cushioned with clothing.

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.

Baggage locks

As baggage containing firearms, guns or ammunition may need to be opened during security screening, it is highly recommended that you use an accepted travel lock which can be easily opened by security officers.

Charges/Waivers

Firearms are subject to a fee of CA/US$50.00 - $60.00† for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz.

The fee applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.

A single fixed fee is waived:

• When you purchase a Business Class, Premium Economy or Economy Latitude fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S.
• If you are a member of the military.

Without charge, Aeroplan Elite Status Members can bring one firearm for each bag allowed by their Elite Status, up to a maximum of 3 firearms per person.

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

The Canadian government also charges additional fees for bringing firearms into Canada. For more information, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website.

† Fees are inclusive of the minimum (0%) to maximum (20%) tax which may apply, based on your itinerary.

Restrictions

One self-inflating life jacket per person is accepted in both carry-on and checked baggage provided:

• it is fitted with a maximum of two small cylinders of carbon dioxide or another suitable gas in Division 2.2, and
• it is accompanied by no more than two spare cylinders.

Charges

Fishing rod in rod case:

NO oversize or additional piece charges apply if carried with tackle box.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply, unless indicated otherwise.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Charges

No oversize charge applies to golf bags.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply, unless indicated otherwise.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Charges/Waivers

Hockey/lacrosse/ringette/cricket bag + equipment: No oversize charge.

Hockey/lacrosse/ringette/cricket stick: No oversize or additional piece charges if carried with equipment bag.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.

Sticks must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. If not packaged in such a container, sticks must be taped together.

Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Restrictions

Non-removable skate blades:

• If brought on board as carry-on baggage, skates must remain in the appropriate travel bag at all times.

Removable skate blades:

• Removable skate blades are not accepted in carry-on baggage. These must be stored in checked baggage.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Restrictions

One pole vault pole or javelin counts as one piece of checked baggage toward the maximum allowed by your fare.

Pole vaults are:

• Accepted on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge aircraft.
• Not accepted on itineraries that include an Air Canada Express flight.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

The pole vault must be packed in a hard-plastic shipping tube (e.g. PVC pipe) or a reinforced paper shipping tube (e.g. mail tube).

Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Restrictions

If you’re travelling with kayaking equipment, please be at the airport a full 30 minutes before the normal recommended check-in time for your flight.

Each kayak counts as one checked bag toward the maximum allowed by your fare.

• Maximum length: 300 cm/116 in*
• Maximum width: 76 cm/29 in
• Maximum height: 45 cm/18 in

For larger kayaks, contact Air Canada Cargo.

Charges/Waivers

Even if they are checked in separately, kayak paddles and one kayak count as one piece of baggage.

• Oversize and additional piece charges apply to the kayak, but not to the paddles when they are checked with the kayak.
• When packed separately, all additional pieces of kayaking equipment (e.g. helmet, life vest, dry top, spray skirt) count as one piece of baggage.

If the total number of items (kayaking equipment plus checked bags) exceeds what your fare allows, additional checked baggage fees will apply and will be collected at the airport.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Restrictions

Accepted items include alcoholic beverages, perfume, cologne, aerosols and medicines containing alcohol.

Carry-on baggage

• Containers must not exceed 100 ml/100 g (3.4 oz.), or they will be confiscated at the security checkpoint.
• Place containers in a clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag no larger than 1 litre (1 quart).
• One re-sealable plastic bag per passenger is allowed.

Checked baggage

• Liquids, gels and aerosols (e.g. hairspray, medicines containing alcohol, perfume, and cologne) are accepted in checked baggage provided their total capacity doesn’t exceed 2 L/ 2 kg (75 fl. oz.) per passenger.

Alcoholic beverages in checked baggage must not exceed:

• Alcohol content of no more than 70% (140 proof)
• A quantity of 5 L per person*

* There are no volume restrictions on alcoholic beverages of less than 24% alcohol (e.g. wine). Standard checked baggage restrictions apply.

Musical instruments as carry-on baggage

You can bring your musical instrument on board as part of your carry-on baggage provided it meets carry-on size restrictions and:

• the instrument fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, or
• you purchase a seat to accommodate it. Please see the section below for more details.

Carry-on baggage allowance

A musical instrument you take on board will count as part of your carry-on baggage allowance, either as a personal or standard article, depending on the size and dimensions of the instrument.

Purchasing a seat for your musical instrument

If you'd like to purchase a seat for your musical instrument, you will receive a 50% discount on any published fare (including the lowest available fare) to accommodate it in the same cabin you are travelling in.

Exception: If you’re seated in Air Canada Signature Class which offers Executive or Classic pods, your musical instrument will, for safety reasons, be placed in Premium Economy or Economy Class.

• For safety reasons, extra seats can be purchased for musical instruments which do not exceed
  • Height/length: 162.5 cm/64 in, and/or
  • Weight: 36 kg/80 lb
• The number of musical instruments that can be accommodated on each flight is limited.

To purchase a seat to transport your musical instrument in the cabin, or for more information, please contact us as soon as you’ve booked your trip and at least 48 hours before your flight.

Musical instruments in the cabin

At the airport, customers bringing a musical instrument in the cabin are invited to board the plane in advance of general boarding, between zones 2 and 3 (if you qualify for priority boarding, you may board with zones 1 or 2).

Please identify yourself to the gate agents immediately when pre-boarding is called after zone 2. This helps in:

• finding space on board the aircraft to store your musical instrument
• securing your musical instrument into its seat if you’ve purchased one for it

If you arrive after pre-boarding, we will do our best to find space in the cabin for your instrument, but unfortunately cannot always guarantee it.

Accommodating your musical instrument in the cabin

Because of passenger loads, aircraft limitations and/or storage space available, we cannot guarantee that a musical instrument can be accommodated on board.

It may need to be checked at the gate and transported as checked baggage if the airport agent or cabin crew determines that it cannot be safely stowed in the cabin. For this reason, musical instruments should always be properly packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping such items.

Musical instruments checked at the gate must also be retrieved at the gate upon arrival at your destination.

Exception: String instruments (e.g. guitars, violins, violas) can be carried on board even if their dimensions slightly exceed Air Canada’s carry-on size requirements - as long as they fit in the overhead bin and there is space available in the cabin at time of boarding, or you have purchased a seat to accommodate them.

Musical instruments as checked baggage

When checked in separately, a musical instrument counts as one checked bag toward the maximum allowed by your fare.

If the total number of pieces (musical instruments and checked bags combined) exceeds what your fare allows, additional checked baggage fees will apply and will be collected at the airport.

Musical instruments should always be properly packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping such items. Find out more below.

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 specially designed for shipping such items.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Restrictions

Parachutes (including those equipped with automatic activation devices) are accepted as both checked and carry-on baggage if they meet weight and size restrictions. They count as one item toward the maximum number of bags allowed by your fare.

Parachutes can’t contain gas cylinders or other prohibited items.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Restrictions

Carry-on baggage:

• Powders and granular materials in quantities not exceeding 350 mL/ 12 oz (the size of a soda can) are allowed in carry-on baggage.
• Powders and granular materials in carry-on baggage may require secondary screening, and those that cannot be clearly identified by security officials are not allowed in the cabin.

Checked baggage:

• Powder substances and granular materials over 350 mL/12 oz must be in checked baggage.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (sports equipment and checked bags combined) exceeds what your fare allows, additional checked baggage fees will apply and will be collected at the airport.

• Oversize charges apply if the sled is over 158 cm/62 inches in total linear dimensions (length + width + height).
• Overweight charges apply if the sled is over 23 kg/50 lb.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply, unless indicated otherwise.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Ski/snowboard boot bag

One boot bag is permitted per passenger and will not count as a piece of checked baggage provided:

• it is carried along with skis or snowboard and
• it contains only ski/snowboard equipment such as boots, helmet and goggles

Your boot bag will count as a separate piece of checked baggage if:

• it contains - or is designed to contain - other items, or
• it's not carried along with a snowboard or set of skis.

If brought on board as carry-on baggage, ski and snowboard boots must be carried and remain in the boot bag at all times.

Skis (including poles)

• One or more sets of skis (snow or water) carried together in the same container count as one piece of checked baggage.
• Skis and poles must be packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell case specially designed for shipping.
• If carried separately, a set of ski poles will count as one piece of checked baggage.
• No oversize charge applies to skis, but any overweight charges will apply.
• Please see ski boot information above.

Snowboards

• One snowboard bag (with one or more snowboards) counts as one piece of checked baggage. See exception at top of Ski and Snowboard section.
• Snowboards must be packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell case specially designed for shipping.
• If carried separately, a set of ski poles will count as one piece of checked baggage.
• No oversize charge applies to snowboards.
• Please see snowboard boot information above.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Charges

If the total number of pieces (items in this category plus your checked bags) exceeds the baggage allowance for your fare, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Restrictions and exclusions

Items in this category are not accepted on any Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express flights during additional checked baggage embargo periods. Contact us to find out more.

Weight and size

Boards and wave skis must not exceed the following limits:

• Maximum length: 292 cm/115 in†
• Maximum width: 60 cm/24 in
• Maximum weight: 32 kg/70 lb

Motorized boards are not accepted as they are powered by gasoline.

† Maximum length is 203 cm/80 in on Air Canada Express CRJ900 or Dash 8-400 aircraft.

Waivers

• No oversize or additional piece fees apply to paddles when they are checked with the board.
• No oversize charge applies to boards or wave skis, provided they do not exceed the maximum length and width stated above.
• A single fixed fee is waived:
• When you purchase a Business Class, Premium Economy or Economy Latitude fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S.
• If you are a member of the military.

Without charge, Aeroplan Elite Status Members can bring one board or wave ski for each bag allowed by their Elite Status.

Charges

Boards and wave skis are subject to a fee of CA/US$100.00 - $120.00†† for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz.

• The fee applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.
• Two fees apply for two (2) boards packed in the same container.
• No other baggage fees apply to surfboards, paddleboards, kiteboards, wakeboards and wave skis.

Packing instructions

Sports equipment bags and cases cannot contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used to carry sports equipment only.

Your sports equipment must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specially designed for shipping and fins must be removed from the board. Items that are improperly packaged may not be accepted.

Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.