Like all carriers, Air Canada doesn't have any issue with your personal item referred to as ‘personal article’. But to be eligible for a standard article also, you will have to buy a ticket with Economy Standard or above. Economy Basic passengers will be allowed to travel with a personal item. Examples of standard or personal articles are carry-on bags, sports racquets, musical instruments, pet carriers, camera bags and garment bags. The dimensions of these articles shouldn’t exceed over what is specified by Air Canada.
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A standard carry-on bag - Dimensions should be a maximum 55x23x40 cm.
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A personal item - Maximum dimensions should be 33x16x43 cm.
Air Canada baggage policy is rather strict on the carry-on bag rules. If any of your carry-on is oversized, the airline will require you to check them. That may mean paying charges. In this HolidayGlobes blog, we will give a general overview of how the baggage policy works.
Can I bring a Carry-on and a Backpack to Air Canada?
Air Canada made a few changes to the baggage policy in January 2025. According to this, only 1 personal item is allowed for Economy Basic ticket holders travelling within Canada, US and Mexico. The personal item may be a carry-on or a backpack. But the dimensions should be only up to the limits permitted. Passengers in Economy Standard or above may travel with a carry-on and a backpack on Air Canada provided the articles are of the same size as the airline wants. Here are a few tips that will keep you on the right track.
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No weight limit specified - A standard article needs to be stowed in the overhead bin. So, it must be light-weight.
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Personal article must fit beneath the seat - large backpacks that do not fit snugly may not be considered a personal article.
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Use the touchless machines for sizing of the carry-on - In order to make sure the carry-on and backpack are not oversized you can use touchless machines at airports in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.
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Air Canada will attach a white tag to the personal item. For details or assistance, you can visit or contact HolidayGlobes.
How much Luggage is allowed on Air Canada?
A few pounds or kilograms extra may be a reason to worry. Because only the amount mentioned on the ticket is allowed. This is the most accurate picture of how much baggage will be allowed. The baggage calculator will give you a rough idea of the Air Canada baggage allowance.
The baggage allowance is just indicative. It is just based on the date of ticketing, the direction of travel, the country edition on which the ticket is purchased, and other factors. You may end up paying excess baggage charges for exceeding the baggage allowance. Here are a few tips to remember on baggage allowance.
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2 checked bags are included - For Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy and Business Class ticket holders.
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Free checked bags - Members of Aeroplan Elite Status, Star Alliance Gold and Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholder will get free checked bags in addition to the baggage allowance of the ticket purchased.
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Checked bags in Economy Class - Only Economy Flex ticketholders will get 1 checked bag in their baggage allowance.
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Oversized luggage - Bags weighing above 32kg or measuring over 292cm will have to be booked with Air Canada cargo.
Special baggage - Musical instruments or sports equipment may be brought on board if they are within the prescribed size limit. If your special baggage is not registered, you may not be able to check them.
How much Baggage is allowed in an International Flight to Air Canada?
All passengers are entitled to two carry-ons, including a personal article and a standard article on international flights. You can replace the carry-on with a musical instrument, a sports racquet, duty-free goods or a wedding garment. But they must not exceed the size limit as outlined under Air Canada baggage policy for international flights.
If the size limit is exceeded, you will have to check the carry-on and even pay the baggage charges. Charges you pay may vary depending on the route your flight is booked. Here are a few updates on baggage allowance.
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You may be allowed 2 carry-on bags - If you are a Star Alliance Gold member travelling with another member.
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Comfort ticketholders have an allowance of 2 checked bags now - Earlier, they had an allowance of 1 checked bag.
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Free checked bags - You may get up to 3 free checked bags if you are an Aeroplan Elite member or an Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholder.
You can see the final Air Canada baggage allowance on the trip review page. It will also be displayed before purchase. The itinerary receipt you get after you complete booking will also show the baggage allowance. For assistance or details, you can visit or contact HolidayGlobes.
