Air Canada Baggage Policy 2026: Carry-On Size, Personal Item Rules, and Weight Limits

Last Updated: Nov 26, 2025

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Travelling with Air Canada becomes much easier when you understand their baggage rules. Whether you are packing a carry-on, a personal item, or both, Air Canada has clear guidelines to help you prepare without stress. This guide explains their carry-on size, personal item limits, weight rules, and important reminders.

Air Canada Carry-On Baggage Size

Air Canada allows one standard carry-on bag on board for free. Your carry on must follow the maximum size limits provided by the airline.

Approved Carry-On Dimensions:

  • Height: 55 cm (21.5 in)
  • Depth: 23 cm (9 in)
  • Width: 40 cm (15.5 in)

These measurements include wheels and handles, so make sure your bag fits within the limit even when fully packed.

Carry-On Weight Rule:

Air Canada does not apply a weight limit for carry on bags. However, you must be able to lift and place the bag into the overhead bin unassisted. If the bag is too heavy to handle alone, the airline may require you to check it.

Air Canada Personal Item Size

Along with your carry on, you can bring one personal item. This item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

Approved Personal Item Dimensions:

  • Height: 33 cm (13 in)
  • Depth: 16 cm (6 in)
  • Width: 43 cm (17 in)

Air Canada often places a white tag on the personal item. This tag indicates that the item should always be placed under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead bin.

Examples of Personal Items:

  • Small backpack
  • Laptop bag
  • Purse or handbag
  • Briefcase
  • Compact camera bag

Air Canada International Baggage Policy 

Travelling internationally with Air Canada comes with its own set of baggage rules. These guidelines depend on your route, travel class and fare type. This simple breakdown helps you understand what to expect and how to prepare for your trip.

Also Read: Air Canada Carry On Size

Carry-On Rules for International Flights

The carry-on rules for international flights are the same as domestic travel:

  • Carry-on bag must fit within the allowed size
  • Personal item must fit under the seat in front of you
  • There is no weight limit, but you must lift the bag yourself
  • Wheels and handles count in the overall size

Air Canada checks bags more carefully on full international flights, so make sure your bag meets the dimensions before leaving home.

Checked Baggage Rules for International Travel

For international flights, most passengers receive at least one free checked bag depending on destination and fare class. The following applies:

  • Checked bags must follow Air Canada’s standard size limit
  • Weight allowance depends on your ticket type
  • Premium cabins receive higher baggage allowance
  • Oversized or overweight bags may result in extra fees

Business Class and Premium Economy often include more free checked bags, while Basic Economy has stricter limits.

Important Rules to Remember

  • Your carry on must fit in the overhead bin: Even if your bag meets the size requirements, it must fit comfortably inside the bin without forcing it.
  • Your personal item must go under the seat: Air Canada strictly reminds passengers to keep personal items under the seat for safety and cabin space.
  • Maximum dimensions always include wheels and handles: Many travellers forget this rule and bring bags that appear within limits but exceed size because of the wheels.
  • Be prepared for checks at the gate: On full flights, Air Canada may check carry on sizes more carefully. Soft-sided bags and lightly packed items are easier to manage.

What If Your Bag Is Oversized?

If your carry on is too large or too heavy:

  • The airline may ask you to check the bag
  • Standard checked baggage fees may apply
  • At busy airports, gate agents may tag large bags for free check-in if bins are full

Avoid last-minute issues by checking your bag size at home.

Conclusion:

Air Canada keeps its baggage rules clear and easy to follow. Your carry-on bag must meet the size limits, and your personal item should always fit under the seat in front of you. There is no weight limit for either item, but you must be able to lift your carry-on into the overhead bin on your own. Following these simple guidelines helps you avoid last-minute checks, extra fees and unnecessary stress at the airport.

If you want a smoother trip, measure your bags before travelling and pack only what you need. A little planning makes your flight comfortable and worry-free.

Need help choosing the perfect under-seat personal item or compact carry-on bag? Ask for help on the customer service number at Travelpodium. Get Good discounts as well.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

The carry-on bag must not exceed 55 cm in height, 23 cm in depth and 40 cm in width, including wheels and handles.

No. There is no weight limit, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help.

Your personal item must not exceed 33 cm in height, 16 cm in depth and 43 cm in width.



Air Canada requires you to place your personal item under the seat in front of you.



Yes, they often attach a small white tag to identify bags that must be stored under the seat.



A small backpack, purse, laptop bag, briefcase or compact camera bag qualifies as a personal item.

No. Air Canada does not enforce a weight limit for personal items, as long as it fits under the seat.

Yes, passengers may bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item for free.



It may need to be checked in, and checked baggage fees will apply unless the airline checks it for free due to full overhead bins.

Yes. Air Canada measures the total size, including wheels and handles, so do not forget to include them when checking your bag.

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Annu

Annu is a content writer who loves turning ideas into clear, engaging words. She explores new writing styles, tools, and technologies, and enjoys experimenting with cooking and other creative hobbies in her free time.

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