Carry-on baggage

Motorized or riding luggage (e.g. Modobag) is prohibited as either carry-on or checked baggage. If you require mobility assistance at the airport, please contact Air Canada Accessibility Services.

Find out more about restricted and prohibited items.

Smart bags, or bags that have built-in charging, location tracking or other battery-powered technology are allowed as carry-on baggage, provided they meet the carry-on baggage size restrictions. On smaller aircraft where carry-on bags must be placed in the cargo hold, you’ll need to remove the battery and bring it into the cabin with you.

Find out more about travelling with a smart bag.

The following Anker power banks pose a fire hazard and are prohibited on board:

• Anker Power Bank A1647
• Anker Zolo Power Bank A1681
• Anker Zolo Power Bank A1689

For more information on this recall and for safe handling advice, visit the Government of Canada website.

Some electronic devices are allowed on board with restricted use:

• Wireless handheld devices (Smart phones, cellphones, including cellphones with MP3 player or build-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 cancelling devices) 

You may be asked to turn on your electronic device at the security check.

The use of the following electronic devices is strictly prohibited on board:

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

These items must be properly and adequately packed in your checked baggage.

For more on electronics, go to our Restricted and Prohibited Items page, or to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website.

Medication

Always carry your prescription medication with you on board in your carry-on bag. This is especially important if you’re taking medication for heart disease, diabetes, or seizures.

If you have a severe allergy, you should carry one or more epinephrine auto-injectors such as an EpiPen^® (as you would under any other circumstance).

For flights departing from France, passengers with disabilities or medical conditions may be asked by the screening officer at security checkpoints to present a medical certificate or prescriptions to facilitate the screening process.

Insulin

Insulin does not generally require refrigeration, but if you’d like to keep your medication cold, please bring a small cooler, as the cabin crew is not able to look after medication on board. If available, extra ice may be provided as needed.

Medical or mobility devices

The following items are always allowed, in addition to your carry-on allowance:

• Mobility aids (e.g. braces, cane, crutches, walker, communication devices such as an augmentative and alternate communication (AAC) device) or other special need items
• Tools of any size which are required by a passenger with special needs who is travelling with a mobility aid
• Battery-powered medical equipment (such as CPAP and sleep apnea devices) and Personal Oxygen Concentrators
• Medication in its original, labelled 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

Cannabis for recreational use

Although recreational use of cannabis is legal within Canada, it’s illegal to travel across the border and internationally with it.

Medical cannabis

Travel with properly packaged medical cannabis is only permitted within Canada. Flying outside of Canada with medical cannabis is illegal and prohibited by airport authorities.

If you’re travelling with medical cannabis (marijuana), always allow additional time for security screening. Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) officers require that you present medical documentation to verify that you are permitted to travel with medical cannabis and will call local authorities to verify the validity of the documents.

For more information on travelling with medical cannabis and other medical items, visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) or Government of Canada websites.

We understand that travelling with cremated remains is a deeply personal and sensitive experience. Our teams are here to support you every step of the way.

To help ensure a smooth journey, it’s important to be aware that security screening requirements are determined and set by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and must be followed by all travellers. They apply to all airlines operating in Canada.

To avoid delays at the airport, we recommend reviewing the below requirements before travelling.

Container requirements

• Use a container made of plastic, wood, or cardboard.
• Avoid metal or dense materials, as they may not pass security screening.
• You should plan to use a temporary or travel-friendly container when possible.
• The container must be x-ray compatible to be accepted.
• If the container cannot be clearly screened, it will not be permitted through security.

Security screening

• All cremated remains must go through mandatory security screening.
• Screening officers are not permitted to open the container, even if requested.
• Up to 350 mL of cremated remains may be accepted as a carry-on item.
• If the volume exceeds 350 mL, you may need to transport the cremated remains in your checked baggage.

Screening outcomes are determined by CATSA and cannot be guaranteed regardless of baggage type (carry-on or checked.) Final decisions cannot be overruled by Air Canada or airline staff.

Documentation

We strongly recommended that you also travel with your loved one’s:

• Certificate of Cremation
• Death Certificate

Additional documentation may be required depending on where you’re travelling. Please check with the local consulate or appropriate authorities at your destination before travelling.

If you would prefer not to travel with cremated remains in your carry-on or checked baggage, or if you require alternative arrangements, additional support is available through Air Canada Cargo.

Wedding dresses can be carried on board and stored in the overhead bin provided the garment bag does not exceed maximum carry-on limits.

Please note that although this is an important item, we cannot guarantee space in the cabin.