Air Canada baggage allowance, by fare
Updated September 2026
Air Canada's cheapest fare doesn't just skip the checked bag — on Canada-U.S. routes, it can restrict you to a personal item only, no full-size carry-on at all. Worth knowing before you pack.
Carry-on and personal item
Standard carry-on allowance is 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in), plus a personal item up to 43 x 33 x 16 cm (17 x 13 x 6 in) that fits under the seat. Neither has a published weight limit — the bag just has to be liftable into the overhead bin unassisted. On Economy Basic fares between Canada and the U.S., though, only the personal item is included; the carry-on itself is not. Check your specific bag against this and 52 other airlines with our carry-on checker.
Checked bags by fare class
| Fare | Free checked bags | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Basic | 0 | Carry-on restricted to personal item only on Canada-U.S. routes |
| Economy Standard | 0 | Full carry-on included free |
| Economy Flex | 1 | First bag at 23 kg included |
| Economy Comfort | 2 | Both bags at 23 kg each |
| Latitude / Premium Economy / Business | 2 | Both bags at 32 kg each |
Checked bag fees (effective April 2026)
On fares without an included bag: first bag around $45, second around $60, and $100 for each bag after that. Overweight (23–32 kg) and oversize (158–292 cm linear) fees each run roughly $100–$115 — but unlike several competitors, Air Canada doesn't stack these fees. If a bag is both overweight and oversize, you pay one fee, not two.
Bottom line
If you're booking Economy Basic on a Canada-U.S. route, budget for a carry-on fee too, not just a checked bag — it's not included at that fare tier. See our checked luggage guide for what to look for once you know your weight budget.
Sources
- Deep Arrival — Air Canada Baggage Fees 2026
- Official baggage policy — check current rules directly onaircanada.combefore flying, since fares and allowances change. Last verified: 9 September 2026.
Where to start looking on Amazon
A budget hardside pick with 4 spinner wheels — check its listed dimensions and weight against the limits above before buying.
One of the lighter carry-ons available — worth a look on the airlines above with a low cabin weight limit, since the bag's own empty weight eats into it.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. These links go straight to the specific product on Amazon.
LuggageSearch is reader-supported. This page may contain affiliate links — see our disclosure. Airline policies change: always confirm on the airline's own site before flying.
