- Sports
- Music
- Hunting
Sports
Sports
Sports Equipment
We’re happy to accommodate a wide range of sports equipment on our flights, but some restrictions apply to these items. Here’s what you need to know.
Registering sports equipment in advance of travel
You’re invited to register your sports equipment at least 24 hours before your flight by contacting Air Canada Reservations, Air Canada VacationsOpens in New Window or your travel agent.
Please note that registering sports equipment in advance of travel doesn’t guarantee that we’ll be able to accommodate each item on your flight(s). Please reconfirm with an airport agent at time of check-in.
Packing instructions, waivers and charges
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Pick from the options below to see packing instructions, waivers, charges and additional details as they apply to the transport of specific items of sports equipment.
Archery equipment – bows and arrows
Bows and arrows are accepted as checked baggage.
Charges
If your baggage count (item in this category + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Bows and arrows must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.
If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Avalanche rescue equipment
Please see our Restricted and prohibited items page.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Bat and balls
Bats and balls are accepted only in checked baggage.
Charges
If your baggage count (bag containing bat and balls + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Bicycles
Bicycles are accepted on a space available basis only and should be registered at time of booking by contacting Air Canada Reservations. Each bicycle counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
Weight and Size
Bicycles must not exceed the following limits*:
- Maximum weight: 32kg (70lb)
- Maximum linear dimensions(length + width + height): 292cm (115 in)
No overweight or oversize charges apply to bicycles, provided they are within the maximum weight and size limits indicated above.
Fees
Bicycles are subject to a fee of $50.00 CA/US (plus applicable taxes) for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz.
- The fee applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.
- No other baggage fees apply to bicycles.
Waivers
A single fixed fee is waived:
- When you purchase a Latitude, Premium Economy or Business Class fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S.
- If you are a member of the military.
Aeroplan Elite Status Members may bring, without charge, one bicycle for each bag allowed by their Elite Status.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
- The bicycle must be placed - with handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed - in a rigid and/or hard-shell container** specifically designed for shipping or in a bicycle suitcase (in the case of collapsible bicycles).
- Tires must be partially deflated.
- If packaged differently, the bicycle may be refused for carriage.
* Bicycles exceeding these limits can be shipped via Air Canada Cargo.
** Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Boating/Fishing equipment
When packed separately, each of the following counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type:
- fishing rod in rod case + tackle box
- tackle bag + reels
- landing net
- boots
- life jacket
One self-inflating life jacket per person is accepted in both carry-on and checked baggage provided:
- it’s fitted with a maximum of two small cylinders of carbon dioxide or another suitable gas in Division 2.2, and
- it’s accompanied by no more than two spare cylinders.
Waivers / Charges
Fishing rod in rod case:
NO oversize or additional piece charges apply if carried with tackle box.
All other additional checked baggage rules apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
The fishing rod(s) must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.
If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Boogie boards, skim-, speed- and skateboards
One board or one bag containing boarding equipment counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
- Maximum length: 158 cm (62 in) in total linear dimensions.
- Maximum weight: 23 kg (50 lb)
Air Canada Cargo handles the shipment of boards that exceed the limits listed above.
Charges
Oversize charges apply if the board or board container is over 158 cm (62 in) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height).
Overweight charges apply if the board or board container is over 23 kg (50 lb).
All other additional checked baggage rules apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Items must be suitably packed in rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
* Maximum length is 203 cm (80 in) on Air Canada Express flights operated by these Bombardier aircraft: CRJ100/200, CRJ900, Dash 8-100, Dash 8-300, Q400.
Broomball / curling equipment
One broom + one equipment bag count as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
Waivers / Charges
NO oversize or additional piece charge applies to broomball/curling broom if carried with equipment bag.
All other additional checked baggage rules apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Items must be suitably packed in rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.
If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Climbing gear
Climbing gear is not accepted in carry-on.
Exception: Climbing shoes without spikes are accepted in carry-on.
Charges
If your baggage count (item in this category + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Items must be suitably packed in a protective bag specifically designed for shipping.
If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We are not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Equestrian equipment
When packed together, one saddle and one saddle pad count as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Items must be suitably packed in rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.
If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Fencing equipment
Fencing Equipment are accepted only in checked baggage.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Items must be suitably packed in rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.
If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Firearms used for sporting activities
Firearms used for sporting activities (e.g. hunting rifles, BB guns, biathlon rifles and paintball guns) are accepted as checked baggage only. Please see the firearms section of the "Hunting" tab on this page for important information on travelling with a firearm.
- A maximum of three firearms is allowed per person.
- When packed separately, each item in this category counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
Fees
Firearms are subject to a fee of $50.00 CA/US (plus applicable taxes) for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz.
- The fee applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.
Waivers
- A single fixed fee is waived for customers who purchase a Latitude, Premium Economy or Business Class fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the US.
- Aeroplan Status Elite Members may bring, without charge, one firearm for each bag allowed by their Elite Status, up to a maximum of 3 firearms per person.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Please see the firearms section of the "Hunting" tab on this page for important information on travelling with a firearm.
Paintball guns may contain cylinders. See the 'Compressed gas, cylinders' section of the Restricted and prohibited items page for details.
Golf Clubs
If it weighs less than 23 kg (50 lb), one (1) golf bag containing approximately 14 clubs, 12 golf balls and one (1) pair of golf shoes counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
Golf bags may contain more clubs and balls; however, overweight fees will apply if the weight of the bag is over 23 kg (50 lb).
Waivers / Charges
No oversize charge applies to golf bags.
All other additional checked baggage rules apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Items must be suitably packed in rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Hammer (Athletic)
Hammers are accepted only in checked baggage.
Charges
If your baggage count (hammer + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Items must be suitably packed in rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.
If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Hockey/lacrosse/ringette/cricket equipment
One equipment bag + a maximum of 2 sticks taped together count as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
Waivers / Charges
- Hockey/lacrosse/ringette/cricket bag + equipment: No oversize charge.
- Hockey/lacrosse/ringette/cricket stick: No oversize or additional piece charges if carried with equipment bag.
All other additional checked baggage rules apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Stick(s) must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If not packaged in such a container, sticks must be taped together.
Items not in a rigid and/or hard shell container may be refused for carriage. Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Equipment bags must not contain any clothing.
Ice Skates
Non-removable skate blades:
If brought on board as carry-on baggage, skates must remain in the appropriate travel bag at all times.
Did you know? Japan does not permit ice skates with nonremovable blades as carry-on. These are only accepted as checked baggage.
Removable skate blades:
Removable skate blades are not accepted in carry-on baggage. These must be stored in checked baggage.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Inline Skates (Roller Blades)
Inline skates are accepted in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Kayaking equipment
Kayaks are accepted:
- On a space available basis only and should be pre-registered at time of booking.
- On Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge aircraft.
- On Air Canada Express Embraer E175 and E190 aircraft. Contact Air Canada Reservations for more information.
If you’re travelling with kayaking equipment, please be at the airport a full 30 minutes before the normal recommended check-in time for your flight.
Each kayak counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
- Maximum length: 300 cm (116 in)*
- Maximum width: 45 cm (18 in)
- Maximum height: 76 cm (29 in)
Contact Air Canada Reservations for kayaks that exceed the limits listed above.
Waivers/Charges
- Even if they are checked in separately, kayak paddles and one kayak count as one piece of baggage
- Oversize and additional piece charges apply to the kayak, but not to the paddles when they are checked with the kayak.
- When packed separately, all additional pieces of kayaking equipment (e.g. helmet, life vest, dry top, spray skirt) count as one piece of baggage.
- If your baggage count (kayaking equipment + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type additional checked baggage charges will apply. These fees will be collected at the airport.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Kayaks and paddles must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.
If otherwise packaged, kayaking equipment may be refused for carriage. Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Parachutes and parachuting equipment
Parachutes (including those equipped with automatic activation devices) are accepted as both checked and carry-on baggage –if they meet weight and size restrictions— and count as one item toward the maximum number of bags allowed.
Parachutes can’t contain gas cylinders or other prohibited items.
Charges
If your baggage count (parachute + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
All equipment must be securely packed in a parachuting gear bag or other heavy-duty sports or duffel bag.
If improperly packaged, equipment may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Pole Vaults and javelin
One pole vault pole or javelin counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type. The length for the pole vault pole must not exceed 515 cm (202 in) and the length for the javelin must not exceed 270 cm (107 in).
Please contact Air Canada Reservations at time of booking if you plan on travelling with a pole vault, as approval is required. Pole vaults are:
- Accepted on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge aircraft.
- Not accepted on itineraries that include an Air Canada Express flight.
Charges
If your baggage count (item in this category + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply. Oversize charges will also apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
The pole vault must be packed in a hard-plastic shipping tube (e.g. PVC pipe) or a reinforced paper shipping tube (e.g. mail tube).
If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We're not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Racquets (badminton, squash, tennis, table tennis)
One racquet carrier counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
Charges
If your baggage count (racquet carrier + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Racquets must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.
If packaged differently, racquets may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Scuba diving equipment
When packed separately, each of the following counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type: empty scuba tank, air supply regulator, pressure gauge, tank harness, face mask, pair of diving fins, snorkel, knife, spear gun, air pistol and safety vest.
Charges
If your baggage count (item in scuba diving category + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
All equipment must be securely packed in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.
If otherwise packaged, equipment may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Skeleton Sleds
Skeleton sleds are accepted as checked baggage.
One skeleton sled counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
- Maximum length: 203 cm (80 in)
- Maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height): 292 cm (115 in)
- Maximum weight: 32 kg (70 lb)
Air Canada Cargo handles the shipment of sleds that exceed the limits listed above.
Charges
If your baggage count (skeleton sled + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
Oversize charges apply if the sled is over 158 cm (62 in) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height).
Overweight charges apply if the sled is over 23 kg (50 lb).
All other additional checked baggage rules apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
The skeleton sled must be securely packed in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.
If otherwise packaged, the sled may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Skis and snowboards
Travelling between Canada and Europe, the Middle East or Africa?
On those trips and at no extra charge*, you can bring your skis or snowboard, plus one boot bag containing ski/snowboard equipment such as boots, helmet and goggles (even if you're not travelling with skis)!
This applies to:
- All Air Canada fares except Economy Basic
- Flights operated by Air Canada, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa or Swiss International Air Lines.
For all other destinations or if you’re travelling on an Economy Basic fare, charges may apply. Please refer to the general ski and snowboard allowance below for details.
*In addition to your regular checked baggage allowance.
General allowance
Any sports item (including helmet, skates, slalom) that is checked in separately will count as one piece of checked baggage. Ski boots are the only exception (see details below).
If your baggage count (item of sports equipment + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
All other additional checked baggage rules apply, unless otherwise indicated below.
Ski or snowboard boot bag:
One boot bag is permitted per passenger and will not count as a piece of checked baggage provided:
- It is carried along with skis or snowboard and
- it contains only ski/snowboard equipment such as boots, helmet and goggles
Your boot bag will count as a separate piece of checked baggage if:
- it contains - or is designed to contain - other items, or
- it's not carried along with a snowboard or set of skis.
If brought on board as carry-on baggage, ski and snowboard boots must be carried and remain in the boot bag at all times.
Skis (including poles):
- One or more sets of skis (snow or water) carried together in the same container count as one piece of checked baggage. See exception at top of Ski and Snowboard section.
- Skis and poles must be packed in a rigid and/or hard shell case specifically designed for shipping.
- If carried separately, a set of ski poles will count as one piece of checked baggage.
- No oversize charge applies to skis. But, any overweight charges will apply
- See ski boot bag information above.
Snowboards:
- One snowboard bag (with one or more snowboards) counts as one piece of checked baggage. See exception at top of Ski and Snowboard section.
- Snowboards must be packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell case specifically designed for shipping.
- No oversize charge applies to snowboards.
- See snowboard boot bag information above.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
Sports balls (inflatable) and bowling balls
Inflatable sport balls such as basketballs, soccer balls and volleyballs are accepted as checked or carry-on baggage.
Charges
If your baggage count (item in this category + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
The pressure in inflatable sport balls should be reduced by 50% to avoid damage to the ball during the flight.
Sport balls that are not equipped with a deflation valve may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inability to deflate the ball.
Surfboards, paddleboards, kiteboards, wakeboards and wave skis
Surfboards, paddleboards, kiteboards, wakeboards and wave skis are accepted on a space available basis only and should be registered at time of booking by contacting Air Canada Reservations. One board and one set of paddles combined count as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
Items in this category are not accepted on any Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express flights during additional checked baggage embargo periods.
Weight and Size
Boards and wave skis must not exceed the following limits:
- Maximum length: 292 cm (115 in)*
- Maximum width: 60 cm (24 in)
Exception: Motorized boards are not accepted, in either checked or carry-on baggage, as they are powered by gasoline.
Fees
Boards and wave skis are subject to a fee of $100.00 CA/US (plus applicable taxes) for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz.
- The fee applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flight.
- Two fees apply for two (2) boards packed in the same container.
- No other baggage fees apply to surfboards, paddleboards, kiteboards, wakeboards and wave skis.
Waivers
- No oversize or additional piece fees apply to paddles when they are checked with the board.
- No oversize charge applies to boards or wave skis, provided they do not exceed the maximum length and width stated above.
- A single fixed fee is waived:
- When you purchase a Latitude, Premium Economy or Business Class fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S.
- If you are a member of the military.
Aeroplan Elite Status Members may bring, without charge, one board or wave ski for each bag allowed by their Elite Status.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
- The following will be accepted:
- Boards packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specifically designed for shipping.
- Boards packed in a soft-sided container. **
- Boards not packed in a container: Air Canada will provide a plastic transport bag. **
- Fins must be removed from the board.
* Maximum length is 203 cm (80 in) on Air Canada Express flights operated by these Bombardier aircraft: CRJ100/200, CRJ900, Dash 8-100, Dash 8-300, Q400.
** Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
Items not accepted as checked baggage
The following items are not accepted as checked baggage because of their overall dimensions:
- Bobsleighs
- Canoes
- Hang gliders
- Luges
- Windsurfing equipment