When making travel plans, it’s important to consider several details, like the amount of luggage you will bring along and due processes to follow from the airport until you reach your destination. This article is your resource if you need clarification on Air Canada’s baggage policy.
Baggage fees attract a different rate when traveling domestically on Air Canada than when flying internationally. Domestic flights cost around $36 for the first checked bag and roughly $60 for the second, while reviewed baggage fee for international flights costs about $75 for the first checked bag.
This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of Air Canada’s baggage policy, including the carry-on fees, checked baggage rates, overweight policies, size restrictions, and many more important details. Before boarding the flight for your next travel, you should be informed on luggage policies to prevent unnecessary delays and inconvenience. Awareness of this baggage policy brings peace of mind.
Checked Baggage Policy
Air Canada no longer provides fixed checked baggage fees; unpublished airfare is now charged. To determine your exact checked baggage fee, you must use a baggage fee calculator and enter details such as your destination, arrival location, and, if applicable, your loyalty status. The pricing structure considers factors like whether you are taking a domestic flight or an international route and, most importantly, your final destination.
Weight and Size Restrictions for Checked Baggage
- The weight limit per bag is 50 pounds (23 kilograms)
- The linear dimension limit per bag, however, is 62 inches (158 centimeters). You get linear dimension by adding length + width + height of your item.
For additional checked baggage:
- Bags weighing between 50 and 70 pounds (23 and 32 kilograms) are overweight bags
- Bags as long as 63 and 115 inches (160 and 296 centimeters) are overweight bags
Sports equipment has its own set of rules, here’s an example of their golf clubs policy.
Charges for Checked Baggage
Checked baggage fees are charged based on fare types; each has its own independent cost. Although they may vary depending on your destination, these are the standard charges for the basic, flex, and latitude fare.
Domestic Flights, Canada – Mexico, & Canada – US
The first checked bag on an economy airline typically costs $30 to $36, while the second checked bag fee ranges from $50 to $60. The first checked bag is free with Flex fare. However, a second bag will cost you between $50 and $60. In addition, both checked bags are free with the latitude fare; these charges include the minimum to maximum tax associated with the checked baggage fees.
Other International Trips
Fees for other international trips vary based on the route taken and the date the ticket was issued. On average, the first checked bag costs $75, while the second checked bag could cost $100.
Additional Checked Baggage Fees
Extra checked baggage attracts additional fees; you should keep this in mind to avoid being stuck trying to clear your extra luggage. You can see surcharges between $100 and $120 for domestic flights inside Canada and when you travel between Canada and the United States.
The additional checked baggage fees for travel to Mexico and the Caribbean cost $118 to $120. If your bag is overweight, the additional charge would raise your total cost to between $225 and $270. Additional checked baggage fees for other international travel range between $100 and $118, but if you have an oversized bag, your fee will cost between $225 and $270.
Carry-on Baggage Policy
The luggage you take on board is expected to follow some guidelines that you must be conversant with to avoid any mishap. Mandatory carry-on baggage allowances for passengers cover a standard article and a personal item. Some examples of these standard and personal items include small pet carriers, laptop bags, backpacks, handbags, dress bags, musical instruments, and airport purchases.
The standard article and personal item have weight limitations, with the limit for the standard carry-on item as 23 x 40 x 55 centimeters and the size limit for the personal item as 16 x 33 x 43 centimeters. The carry-on baggage policy states that it must be within the required limit, as you must be able to store it in the overhead compartment yourself.
Finally, you can bring one additional standard item for the infant while traveling with a child. You can store your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin or under your seat at no additional cost. More about this is covered in Air Canada’s car seat and stroller policies.
Overweight and Oversize Baggage Fees
If your baggage exceeds the standard weight or size measurements, you will be required to pay an additional cost for your baggage fees. These fees may vary depending on the quantity of bags and the size and weight of each bag. The fees are as follows:
Domestic Flight within Canada
- The baggage charge is $120 for an overweight and large bag.
- The $120 cost is still charged for each additional bag.
Travels between Canada and the United States
- The maximum baggage charge for an overweight or large suitcase is $105
- The baggage fee would be $105 if the bag is overweight and oversized.
- An additional bag is charged $105.
Travels between Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean
- If the bag is both overweight and oversized, the baggage fee would also cost $100
- An additional bag is subject to a $225 fee
Other International Travels
- The baggage fee for either an overweight or oversized bag costs $100
- The second bag is subject to the $100 fee
- For an additional bag, the baggage fee would cost $225
