Carry-on Baggage

Overview

Overview

Carry-on Baggage
Important : There will be adjustments to our Economy Basic fare in January 2025. On certain itineraries, the fare will no longer include a standard carry-on bag. Learn more.

Not sure what you can bring on board with you? Read through our carry-on guidelines, so you can pack with confidence.

You can bring one (1) standard article + one (1) personal article.

Exception for Economy Basic tickets purchased on/after January 3, 2025

Economy Basic fares allow for only 1 personal item on board when travelling:

  • within Canada
  • to and from the U.S. (including Hawaii and Puerto Rico)
  • to and from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean

Any additional baggage (such as a carry-on bag or suitcase) will need to be checked in for a fee at the airport.

Standard Article

Image of a carry-on bag with maximum dimensions: 55 centimeters or 21.5 inches high. 40 centimeters or 15.5 inches wide. 23 centimeters or 9 inches deep

Personal Article

Image of a small bag as personal item with maximum dimensions: 33 centimeters or 13 inches high. 43 centimeters or 17 inches wide. 16 centimeters or 6 inches deep

  • A standard carry-on bag measures 55 cm (21.5 in) in height, 23 cm (9 in) in depth, and 40 cm (15.5 in) in width, while a personal item adheres to the following dimensions: 33 cm (13 in) in height, 16 cm (6 in) in depth, and 43 cm (17 in) in width.
  • Maximum dimensions include wheels and handles.
  • Although no weight limit applies to carry-on baggage, your bag must be light enough that you can store it in the overhead bin unassisted.
  • Please place the personal item we have identified with a white tag under the seat in front of you

* If you’re travelling with an infant on your lap, you can bring 1 additional standard article for your child’s belongings.
Important: All carry-on baggage rules are strictly enforced. All bags that do not respect maximum sizes will need to be checked, and additional checked baggage charges may apply.

Examples of standard or personal articles (as determined by their size)

Carry-on bag, roller bag, backpack, briefcase, laptop

Sport racquet (e.g. tennis, squash, badminton), musical instrument

Cat or small dog in its carrier

Camera bag, diplomatic or consular bag

Airport shopping and duty-free purchases

Garment bag (size and weight restrictions apply)

Restricted and prohibited items

While specific restrictions apply to the transport of some items, other items cannot be brought onto the plane at all. We’ve provided a partial list on our Restricted and Prohibited Items page.

For a complete list, always refer to the Canadian Air Transport Security AuthorityExternal site which may not meet accessibility guidelines and/or language preferences. (CATSA) website.

Star Alliance or other airline partners

If you’re travelling with another airline partner, you may be subject to the baggage policy and other rules of the airline operating the first flight in your itinerary.

Star Alliance Gold members travelling across two or more-member carriers are entitled to two carry-on baggage items. Please refer to illustrations indicated above for dimensions on Air Canada flights.

Automated carry-on baggage sizers

To ensure that your carry-on baggage will fit onboard, we have introduced automated carry-on baggage sizers pre-security in the Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR) airports. These new, touchless machines are easier and faster to use than the metal sizers. Please make sure that your carry-on bag complies with the sizing outlined above to avoid having to check your carry-on bag at the airport. Note that any non-compliant baggage will be assessed and is subject to applicable baggage fees.