Air Canada employees are required to enforce carry-on baggage size and weight restrictions, as per Transport Canada regulations. Following these restrictions ensures the comfort and safety of passengers and crew while preventing flight delays. Failure to comply with the published carry-on baggage regulations will result in the passenger being referred back to Air Canada check-in and the bag being checked.
If your itinerary includes a flight operated by another airline, please refer to the code share flights page as carry-on baggage allowance may vary with other carriers.
Each passenger is allowed to carry on one standard article and one personal article.
In addition, the following items can be carried on and do not count towards your baggage allowance:
Outer garments (e.g. coats, hats)
Purses up to 25cm x 30cm x 20cm (10" x 12" x 8")
Assistive devices (e.g. canes, crutches, walkers)
Containers carrying life sustaining items
Urns containing human remains
Note: Please remember that airport and duty-free purchases count towards your carry-on allowance.
Security Enhancements
To view Transport Canada's detailed list of items prohibited from carry-on baggage, including liquids and gels, please refer to the CATSA website.
For specifications regarding permitted types and quantities of liquids and gels, as well as accepted packaging, please consult the Reminder to Traveller (pdf file, 267 KB).
Passengers with connecting flights are advised not to purchase liquids or gels in containers over 100ml/100g (3.4oz) on board the aircraft (or at duty-free), if they do not have
access to checked luggage between connecting flights; or
room in their checked luggage to pack their duty-free purchases before re-checking their bags for their next flight.
Duty free liquids in containers over 100ml/100g (3.4oz) will be confiscated at the security checkpoint, and additional charges may apply to check the items in.
International Travel
Canada's policy on prohibited items may vary from that of other countries.
For restrictions when departing from the United Kingdom, please visit the British Airports Authority website.
Customers are advised that this list is not comprehensive and are urged to check with their local airport operators before travelling.
Stowage on board
Heavy items are stowed under the seat in front of you and lighter ones in the overhead bin.
Items prohibited in carry-on baggage
NOT PERMITTED
Sharp objects are not permitted as carry-on items. Place these and any cutting or piercing items in your Checked Baggage. Prohibited items include:
Straight razors and razor blades
Box cutters
Hatchets, hunting knives, jackknives (Swiss army knives), meat cleavers
Tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, saws, drills, crowbars and heavy tools
Exception: Syringes or needles for personal medical use (e.g. Epipens) are allowed in carry-on baggage providing needle guards are in place, and that they are properly labelled or accompanied by properly labelled prescription medication (a proper label contains name of medication, patient's name and issuing medical office or pharmacy).
Other prohibited items include:
Ammunition and firearms (including toy guns). View the Hunting equipment page for information on transporting such items.
Fuel, lighters (except Bic-type lighters) and other items defined as Dangerous goods.
Sports items such as scuba tanks, golf clubs, baseball bats, skates, bowling balls, billiard cues, cross-bows and arrows. View the Sports equipment page for more information on transporting sports items.
Blackjacks and billy clubs
Remote-control equipment or toys (must be packed in checked baggage).
Electronic cigarettes (or 'e-cigarettes')
Items accepted in carry-on baggage
PERMITTED
Accepted items include:
Syringes or needles for personal medical use (e.g. Epipens). Needle guards must be in place. Must be properly labeled or accompanied by properly labeled prescription medication (a proper label contains name of medication and issuing medical office or pharmacy).
Medication in its original, labeled container.
Electronic devices. Passengers may be asked to turn on their electronic device at the security check. Please note that Air Canada assumes no liability for electronic devices when they are packed in checked baggage.
One book of matches per passenger
Bic-type lighters. Please note that for departures from the United-States, Bic-type lighters are the only lighters accepted past US pre-clearance checkpoints
Plastic knitting needles with rounded tips (except for travel in the UK).
Bringing special items on board
Car seats and strollers
For detailed information on transporting these and other related items, please view the Travelling with an infant/child page.
Musical instruments
We will try to accommodate smaller musical instruments (such as violins) as part of your carry-on allowance if the instruments can be stowed in the overhead bin or underneath your seat. Please view the Musical instruments page for more information.
Wedding dresses
You can store your wedding dress in the overhead bin provided it is within our carry-on baggage size restrictions (23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm - 9" x 15.5" x 21.5"). The dress should be stored in a garment bag and should be folded in half to reduce wrinkling. Please note that carry-on items can shift during the flight, possibly causing delicate items to be wrinkled, crushed or torn, and that items placed in overhead bins may have other items placed on top of them by other passengers.
