air canada baggage allowance policy

Air Canada Baggage Allowance: Find Out Your Limits

There are always some ups as well as some downs of flying. On the one hand, you save a serious amount of time, while on the other, you are restricted to carrying only a handful of your belongings. This is the case with almost every airline, but Air Canada has some different plans for you. We know traveling is an exciting experience, but no one dares to talk about its downsides. And the major problem here is managing your luggage. So, via this article, we will offer you a detailed overview of the Air Canada baggage allowance policy, where you will find the solution to the baggage problem.

Checked Baggage Policy

If you are unaware of the Air Canada baggage policy, you need to go through these policies that outline all the details. Before you pack your stuff, make sure to go through these policies:

  • Passengers can only carry certain amounts of checked bags free of charge, and beyond that each and every bag costs you a hefty amount. The baggage you can carry for free depends on the fare type, destination, and loyalty program status.
  • Each checked bag must adhere to maximum size and weight limits. Typically, a bag must not exceed the Air Canada checked baggage size of 158 cm (62 inches) in total dimension and 23 kg (50 pounds) in Air Canada baggage weight.
  • If your baggage is delayed, damaged, or lost, you will be refunded the fees you paid to check it in.
  • Things such as sports equipment and musical instruments may be accepted as checked baggage, but they might be subject to specific rules and fees.
  • If your baggage exceeds a certain size limit, you will have to contact Air Canada Cargo to carry your baggage. And the limits are-
    • More than 32 kg (70 lb) in weight,
    • Exceeding 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions and/or
    • Exceeding 203 cm (80 in) in length.
    • 61-99 pound
  • If you are willing to have Air Canada check-in baggage, such as additional bags or overweight or oversized pieces, you will have to arrive at the airport at least 120 minutes before departure.

Carry-on Baggage Policy

Air Canada allows passengers to bring carry-on baggage onboard, subject to the following Air Canada Baggage Policy:

  • One standard piece of carry-on baggage, such as a suitcase or roller bag, with Air Canada carry-on baggage size of 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm or 21.5 in x 15.5 in x 9 in, including wheels and handles.
  • In addition to the standard article, one personal item like a briefcase, laptop bag, or purse is allowed.
  • Carry-on baggage does not have any weight limit, but passengers must be able to store their luggage in the overhead bin unassisted.
  • Passengers can bring one additional standard article for the child’s belongings if they are traveling with an infant on their lap.

Fees and Charges for Baggage

Air Canada’s baggage fees vary based on several factors, including the route, fare type, and loyalty program status:

  • Checked Baggage Fees: For domestic flights within Canada and flights between Canada and the U.S., the first checked bag typically costs around $30 CAD/USD, and the second bag around $50 CAD/USD. International flights may have different fees.
  • Excess Baggage Fees: Fees for excess baggage depend on the number of additional bags and their size and weight.
  • Special Items: Fees for special items like sports equipment and musical instruments vary based on the item and its handling requirements.

How To Pay Baggage Fees?

Air Canada checked baggage fees can be paid via various methods. Here are the methods you can use to pay your baggage fees:

  • Online,
  • On your mobile device,
  • At the airport, via one of the self-service check-in kiosks.
  • At an Air Canada check-in counter.

If you are willing to pay for Air Canada baggage allowance charges, then these airports won’t accept payment in cash:

  • Air Canada airport counters that are located in the United States.
  • Air Canada counters are located at the following Canadian airports:
    • Calgary (YYC)
    • Edmonton (YEG)
    • Fort McMurray (YMM)
    • Halifax (YHZ)
    • Montréal (YUL)
    • Ottawa (YOW)
    • Quebec City (YQB)
    • Saskatoon (YXE)
    • St. John’s (YYT)
    • Toronto Island (YTZ)
    • Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
    • Vancouver (YVR)
    • Victoria (YYJ)
    • Winnipeg (YWG)

Air Canada Baggage Claim and Lost Baggage Policy

Air Canada does everything to minimize the rate of lost baggage and baggage claims. The airline requests passengers to inform the baggage claim agent if their baggage does not arrive on the same flight. The agent will create a WorldTracer incident report using the passenger’s contact information, a detailed description of the baggage and its contents, and the baggage claim stubs. Passengers can then access the status of their delayed baggage through the WorldTracer website or contact Air Canada’s Central Baggage Office. Even if you have lost your baggage, according to the Montreal Convention’s liability limits, Air Canada is liable to offer compensations of up to a certain amount to cover the loss.

Tips for Traveling with Air Canada

If you wish to pack efficiently and avoid extra baggage fees, you must be aware of some tips that will surely help you out:

  • Select only the items that are essential for you and use packing cubes to organize your items, which can help you avoid checking in additional bags.
  • Familiarize yourself with Air Canada’s baggage size and weight restrictions to prevent unexpected fees.
  • Enroll in loyalty programs that may offer baggage fee waivers or discounts.
  • Use credit cards affiliated with airlines that offer free checked bags as a perk.
  • Never wrap bungee cords, straps, or ties around your bags.
  • Always place the following items in your carry-on bag in order to avoid damaging them and regularly inspect them:
    • Laptop computer,
    • Car and house keys
    • Medication
    • Cash
    • Items that are valuable, such as cameras, jewelry, and electronic devices.

To minimize the risk of losing baggage, consider using these tips:

  • Make sure that your luggage stands out among the crowd so you can spot it from a distance easily.
  • Make sure it has durable luggage tags attached, with your contact information both inside and outside your bags.
  • Make sure your baggage have tracking devices attached like Apple AirTags so that you can easily trace your baggage via your phone.
  • Try to hop on a direct flight so that you don’t stand a chance of bags being misplaced during transfers.

Summary:

Air Canada has various lenient policies that govern the operations of various airline sectors. So, the Air Canada baggage policy is one of them, and it states the allowances and limitations of the baggage that passengers are allowed to carry. You can go through all of the important points mentioned above. If you still have any questions about the baggage policy, you can contact us directly at the number mentioned below.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) Is there a weight limit for carry-on baggage?

For the carry-on items you carry on board, Air Canada does not specify any size or weight limit. However, you must be able to lift the bag and place it in the overhead bin without any assistance.

2) How can I pay for my baggage fees with Air Canada?

Baggage fees can be paid online during check-in, on your mobile device, or at the airport using self-service kiosks or at an Air Canada check-in counter.

3) What items are restricted or prohibited in Air Canada baggage?

Certain items like explosives, flammable items, and hazardous materials are prohibited. Also, you are not allowed to carry certain types of batteries and liquids.

4) Does Air Canada allow sports equipment to be checked as baggage?

Yes, sports equipment can be checked in, but they may be subject to specific rules and additional fees.

5) What are the baggage policies for Air Canada codeshare flights?

Baggage policies of the codeshare partner or the operating airline may apply. It’s best to check with the specific carrier for their rules.

About the author

Picture of Anna Wilson

Anna Wilson

Wandering the world for over a decade, Anna Wilson has been to over 250 countries and traveled via most of the airlines in the world. We bring in here the experience she carries and creativity she reflects through these posts. These posts can easily help travellers access the information they need regarding all the airlines.