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Air Canada Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

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Erin Miller
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Erin Miller

Content Contributor

187 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26U.S. States Visited: 28

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 publicat...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Countries Visited: 50U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...

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Key Takeaways

  • Air Canada’s baggage policies vary by fare type and route. Most economy fares include 1 free carry-on and 1 personal item, while checked baggage incurs additional fees.
  • Flights within the U.S. or to Europe typically include a piece of checked luggage; otherwise, fees for the first checked bag usually start at CA$30, with higher charges for overweight or oversized luggage.
  • Aeroplan and Star Alliance Gold members receive complimentary checked baggage allowances.

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:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Route

First Bag

Second Bag

3+ Bags

U.S. to/from Canada

$30 Canadian dollars (FREE for Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fare)

CA$50 (FREE for Latitude fare)

CA$100 each

U.S. to/from Mexico

CA$30 ($22 USD) (FREE for Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fares and Air Canada vacation package holders)

CA$50 (FREE for Latitude fare)

CA$225 each

U.S. to/from Europe

Included (excluding Economy Basic fares and Aeroplan Standard Reward: CA$75)

CA$100 (FREE for Latitude fare)

CA$225 each

Canada to/from Europe

Included (excluding Economy Basic fares and  Aeroplan Standard Reward: CA$75)

CA$100 (FREE for Latitude fare)

CA$225 each

Domestic U.S.

Included (excluding Economy Basic fares and  Aeroplan Standard Reward: CA$75)

CA$100 (FREE for Latitude fare)

CA$225 each

Domestic Canada

CA$36 (FREE for Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fare)

CA$60 (FREE for Latitude fare)

CA$120 each

Excess Baggage Fees

SCROLL FOR MORE

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

CA$100 to CA$120

CA$100 to CA$120

CA$100 to CA$120

U.S. to/from Mexico/Costa Rica/Caribbean/Bermuda

CA$225

CA$100

CA$100

Canada to/from other international destinations

CA$225

CA$100

CA$100

Domestic Canada

CA$100 to CA$120

CA$100 to CA$120

CA$100 to CA$120

No overweight or oversized charges apply when the additional bag fee is paid. If a bag is both overweight and oversized, 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

  • Elite 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 100K: 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:

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 (up to 50 pounds/23 kilograms) for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.

Aeroplan® Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status.
Earn 70,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
70,000 Bonus Points
$1,050
95
21.74% - 28.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Flyers based in the U.S. may think they wouldn’t have a need for a card like the Aeroplan® Credit Card, it might be much better suited for you than you think.

Not only does Air Canada offer fantastic award redemptions, but adding the card to your wallet makes the program even more rewarding by offering elite status, more points, travel coverage, and more. Let’s take a closer look and see why the Aeroplan card might make a lot of sense for you.

Pros
  • 3x points per $1 on Air Canada purchases, at grocery stores, and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
  • 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month (up to a maximum of 1,500 bonus points)
  • Receive Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the calendar year, plus the following calendar year, and continue to extend it beyond that by spending $15,000 on the card per calendar year
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
  • Earn 70,000 bonus points
  • Earn 70,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • $95 Annual Fee
  • Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  • Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  • Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month - up to 1,500 points per month.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 21.74% - 28.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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):

TOP PICK
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)
The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-840)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros
  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

LIMITED TIME OFFER
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)
Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.
$250 Capital One Travel Credit + 75,000 miles
$1,600
$95
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros
  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Cons
  • Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)
The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles
$360
$0
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros
Cons
  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the baggage allowance for Air Canada?

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 and Aeroplan Standard Reward). 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 CA$30 for the first piece and up to CA$100 for the second piece.

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 and Aeroplan Standard Reward. 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 CA$30 for the first bag and CA$50 to CA$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.

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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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