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
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.
