Air Canada carry-on size, weight & fees
🇨🇦 Canada
Since Jan 3, 2025 (tickets purchased on/after), Basic fares on North America and sun routes — within Canada, to/from the US incl. Hawaii & Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean — include ONLY a personal item; a cabin bag must be checked ($35 first / $50 second; $65 if brought to the gate). Star Alliance Gold members and premium Aeroplan cardholders keep the free carry-on; Standard and above include a 21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in (55 × 40 × 23 cm) bag. Maximum dimensions include wheels and handles; there is no weight limit, but you must be able to stow the bag in the overhead bin unaided. Air Canada enforces with automated carry-on sizers at pre-security and/or pre-boarding. Exception: Economy Basic itineraries connecting onward to an international destination keep one standard carry-on plus one personal item.
- Carry-on size
- 21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in55 × 40 × 23 cm
- Wheels and handles included
- Weight limit
- No weight limit — you must lift it into the bin unaided
- Personal item
- 17 × 13 × 6 in (43 × 33 × 16 cm)
- Carry-on fee
- Depends on fare — check your ticket type
⚠️ What security allows ≠ what your fare allows
TSA and CATSA do not care how big or heavy your bag is — that is Air Canada’s call. Measure your bag before you leave: gate-check fees are always more expensive than prepaying. Not sure an item can fly at all? Check the item rules.
Air Canada baggage FAQs
What is the Air Canada carry-on size limit?
Air Canada allows a cabin bag up to 21.5 × 15.5 × 9 inches (55 × 40 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles.
How many bags can I bring on Air Canada?
It depends on the fare — basic tiers on Air Canada include only the personal item; standard fares add the full carry-on.
Does Air Canada charge for a carry-on bag?
It depends on the fare — on Air Canada, some basic fares include only a personal item. Check your ticket type.
Does Air Canada have a carry-on weight limit?
No weight limit — you must lift it into the bin unaided
Last verified:
Verified against official sources. Rules change — for high-stakes items, confirm with your airline and the screening authority. Our verification method →
What to double-check on Air Canada
Security rules are identical on every CA flight — but these items behave differently depending on Air Canada's bag size, weight, or item-count policy: