Air Canada Baggage Fees
Skip the surprise fees and airport hassle. Here's what Air Canada really charges and how to save.
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Air Canada baggage fees can turn a budget-friendly flight into an expensive ordeal. Whether you're flying domestic within Canada or crossing the border to the U.S., understanding what you'll actually pay is key and there's a smarter alternative that saves you money and stress.
Heads up: Air Canada raised its North American checked bag fees on April 13, 2026. The rates below reflect tickets purchased on or after that date.
Please consult Air Canada's website to verify the exact fee for your route and fare class.
Air Canada baggage fees - Domestic & Canada-U.S. Flights
Below are Air Canada's checked baggage fees for Basic and Standard Economy fares on domestic and transborder (Canada–U.S.) travel, including charges for additional, overweight, and oversized bags. Fees shown are before taxes in the currency of the country where the ticket is issued. With taxes, Air Canada's published ranges go slightly higher (shown in parentheses).
| Baggage category | Fee | Max Weight | Max Size (L+W+H) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LugLess carry-on | From $48 CAD | Calculate your shipping rate | |
| First checked bag | $45 CAD (up to $54 with taxes) | 50lbs / 23kg | 62" |
| Second checked bag | $60 CAD (up to $72 with taxes) | 50lbs / 23kg | 62" |
| Third(+) checked bag | $100 CAD (up to $120 with taxes) | 50lbs / 23kg | 62" |
| LugLess checked bag | From $48 CAD | Calculate your shipping rate | |
| Overweight bag (per bag) | $100 CAD (up to $120 with taxes) | 51–70lbs | 62" |
| Oversized bag (per bag) | $100 CAD (up to $120 with taxes) | 50lbs | 63"–115" |
| LugLess oversized bag | From $48 CAD | Calculate your shipping rate |
While Air Canada's checked bag fees start at $45 CAD for the first bag, the total cost climbs quickly as you add more bags or if your luggage is overweight or oversized.
LugLess vs. Air Canada checked bag fees
Instead of paying $45–$60 CAD per bag (plus taxes) and waiting at the airport for your checked bag, LugLess ships your luggage from $48 CAD with no lines and direct delivery.
Can LugLess really save you money on checked bags? Absolutely! But if you want to check for yourself, check out our fee calculator. For many routes, shipping your bags with LugLess vs. checking them on Air Canada is cheaper — especially once you add a second bag or any overweight/oversized fees. And you can skip long lines for checking bags and the wait at baggage claims. Even bulky sports equipment like golf clubs and ski gear can be shipped for less!
Air Canada carry-on baggage rules
Hoping to fly with just a carry-on or personal item on Air Canada? Then it's important to know all of their baggage rules, or you could risk having to check your bag at the last minute.
For most fare types, Air Canada allows one carry-on bag and one personal item:
- Carry-on bag: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.5" × 15.5" × 9"), must fit in overhead bin
- Personal item: 43 × 33 × 16 cm (17" × 13" × 6"), must fit under seat
Important: If you're on an Economy Basic fare (purchased on or after January 3, 2025) flying within Canada, to/from the U.S., Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean, you only get a personal item — no carry-on bag. If you show up at the gate with an ineligible carry-on, Air Canada will charge a gate-handling fee of CA/US $65–$78 (tax inclusive) per item to check it.
Items that don't count toward your carry-on or personal item allowance include diaper bags, duty-free purchases, jackets, medically necessary devices, and mobility aids.
Air Canada checked baggage policy
If you want to stick to the standard fees on Air Canada, stick to these rules:
- Maximum weight per bag: 23 kg (50 lbs) for Economy; 32 kg (70 lbs) for Premium Economy and Business
- Maximum size: linear dimension (length + width + height) up to 158 cm (62")
There are some items you can fly with for free, and they won't count towards your checked bag allowances:
- Mobility aids or medical devices
- Strollers and car seats, when you're traveling with infants or children
- Collapsible strollers (collapsed diameter ≤25.5 cm, length ≤92 cm)
Special rules apply to sporting equipment and musical instruments. Golf clubs count as one checked bag at the standard fee. Skis fly free on Canada–Europe routes (Air Canada operated) except on Economy Basic fares, but standard fees apply on domestic and Canada–U.S. routes.
Overweight & Oversized baggage on Air Canada
In addition to the fees you pay to check luggage, Air Canada has extra charges if your bag exceeds the standard limits:
| Bag Type | Additional Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Overweight (23–32 kg / 51–70 lbs) | $100 (up to $120 with taxes) |
| Oversized (159–292 cm / 63–115") | $100 (up to $120 with taxes) |
| Both overweight & oversized | Single fee applies ($100 / up to $120 with taxes) |
| Over 32 kg (70 lbs) | Not accepted |
Pro tip: Bags over 32 kg are simply not accepted on Air Canada flights. No option to pay extra. If you're packing heavy, LugLess solves this problem by shipping bags up to 75 lbs door-to-door.
Air Canada Baggage Fee Exceptions and Waivers
Air Canada offers several ways to qualify for free checked bags, though most travelers will pay standard baggage fees unless they meet specific eligibility criteria.
Aeroplan Elite Status
- Aeroplan 25K: 1 additional complimentary checked bag on top of what's included with your fare, up to a max of 2 bags (23 kg / 50 lbs each). Effective February 2026.
- Aeroplan 35K: Up to 3 complimentary checked bags at 32 kg (70 lbs) each
- Aeroplan 50K: Up to 3 complimentary checked bags at 32 kg (70 lbs) each
- Aeroplan 75K / Super Elite: Up to 3 complimentary checked bags at 32 kg (70 lbs) each
Cabin Class Benefits
- Business Class: 2 free checked bags at 32 kg each
- Premium Economy: 2 free checked bags at 32 kg each
- Economy Latitude/Comfort: 2 free checked bags (23 kg each on Comfort; 23 kg on Latitude)
- Economy Flex: 1 free checked bag at 23 kg
Air Canada Credit Card Perks
Aeroplan co-branded credit cardholders (TD, CIBC, and American Express Aeroplan cards) get the first checked bag free for the primary cardholder plus up to 8 companions on the same reservation. Aeroplan premium credit cardholders also retain carry-on privileges on Economy Basic fares.
Star Alliance Gold Status
Star Alliance Gold members from any partner airline may qualify for 1 additional free checked bag on Air Canada flights, on top of the allowance included with their fare.
Additionally, certain items do not count toward your baggage allowance: mobility aids, medically necessary equipment, strollers and car seats (when traveling with children).
How to avoid Air Canada baggage fees
Smart packing can save you serious cash. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:
- Roll clothes or use packing cubes so they take up less space.
- Wear bulkier items and your heaviest shoes on the plane.
- Lean into a capsule wardrobe with mix-and-match items.
- Limit heavy items such as books or bulky accessories.
If you have a travel credit card, check your perks. Many offer free checked bags or reimburse incidental fees.
Another option? Skip baggage fees entirely. LugLess ships your bags to your final destination, and it often costs less than airline bag fees. You'll save money and hassles for a double win at the airport!
Air Canada Baggage FAQs
Still have questions about Air Canada baggage fees? We've got you!
How much does Air Canada charge for checked bags?
For Basic and Standard Economy fares on domestic and Canada-U.S. flights (tickets purchased on or after April 13, 2026), Air Canada's fees are $45 CAD / $45 USD for the first bag, $60 CAD / $60 USD for the second, and $100 CAD / $100 USD for each additional bag. These are before-tax figures; with taxes the fees can rise to $54, $72, and $120 respectively. Overweight and oversized bags incur an additional $100 (up to $120 with taxes). Tickets purchased before April 13, 2026 follow the prior rates of $35/$50.
How can I avoid paying baggage fees on Air Canada?
Ways to avoid baggage fees include traveling with only a carry-on or personal item, having Aeroplan elite status, flying in Premium Economy or Business Class, holding an Aeroplan co-branded credit card that waives the first bag fee, booking an Air Canada Vacations package, or shipping your luggage with LugLess.
Does Air Canada charge for carry-on bags?
For most fares, Air Canada allows one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge. However, Economy Basic fares on flights within Canada, to/from the U.S., Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean only include a personal item — no carry-on. Bringing an ineligible carry-on to the gate on an Economy Basic ticket triggers a gate-handling fee of CA/US $65–$78 (tax inclusive).
What is Air Canada's carry-on bag size limit?
Air Canada's carry-on size limit is 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.5" × 15.5" × 9"). The personal item limit is 43 × 33 × 16 cm (17" × 13" × 6"). These measurements include handles and wheels.
What is Air Canada's checked bag size limit?
The size limit for standard checked bags on Air Canada is a total linear dimension (length + width + height) of 158 cm (62 inches).
What is Air Canada's weight limit for checked bags?
Economy class bags must weigh 23 kg (50 lbs) or less. Premium Economy and Business class allow up to 32 kg (70 lbs). Bags exceeding 32 kg are not accepted at all.
Can I fly with golf clubs or skis on Air Canada?
Yes. Golf clubs count as one checked bag (standard fees apply). Skis fly free on Canada–Europe routes on Air Canada-operated flights (except Economy Basic) but incur standard fees on domestic and transborder routes. All sports equipment must be in a proper hard-shell case.
Is shipping luggage cheaper than checking it?
Often, yes — especially if you have multiple bags or overweight/oversized luggage. LugLess ships within the U.S. and Canada from $48 CAD, and you skip the airport lines and the wait at baggage claim.
More information on Air Canada baggage fees
The actual Air Canada baggage fees may vary depending on your specific fare class, loyalty status, ticket purchase date, and other factors. For additional information on Air Canada checked baggage fees, please visit Air Canada's website or their Baggage Fees and Optional Services page.
Air Canada® is a registered trademark of Air Canada. This page was last updated on April 22, 2026. Neither LugLess, nor its parent, subsidiaries, and/or affiliates, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information contained herein. LugLess.com contains references to products from one or more affiliate advertising programs and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.