Special Items

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.}

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 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.

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 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 (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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 (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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

You may bring your musical instrument on board as part of your carry-on baggage provided it meets the current Air Canada carry-on size requirements and:

• the instrument fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, or
• you purchase a seat to accommodate it.

Purchasing a Seat for your Musical Instrument

If you wish to purchase a seat for your musical instrument, you will receive a 50% discount on any published fare (including the lowest available fare) to accommodate the instrument in the same cabin you are travelling in.

Exception: If you are seated in Air Canada Signature Class offering Executive or Classic pods, your musical instrument will, for safety reasons, be placed in Premium Economy or Economy Class.
Also a few reminders:

• For safety reasons, extra seats may be purchased for musical instruments not exceeding 162.5 cm (64 in.) in height/length or 36 kg (80 lb.) in weight.
• The number of musical instruments that can be accommodated on each flight is limited.

To purchase a seat, or for more information, contact Air Canada Reservations as soon as you’ve booked your flight, or at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Baggage Allowance

A musical instrument you take on board will count as part of your carry-on baggage allowance, as either a personal or standard article (depending on the size and dimensions of the instrument).

Advance Boarding

At the airport, customers travelling with a musical instrument are invited to board the plane in advance of general boarding, between zones 2 and 3 (if you qualify for priority boarding, you may board with zones 1 or 2).

Please identify yourself to the gate agents immediately when pre-boarding is called after zone 2; this will help in:

• Finding space on board the aircraft to store your musical instrument
• Securing your musical instrument into its seat if you purchased one for it.

If you arrive after pre-boarding, we will do our best to find space in the cabin for your instrument, but unfortunately cannot always guarantee it.

Accommodating your Musical Instrument On Board

Because of passenger loads, aircraft limitations and/or storage space available, we cannot guarantee that a musical instrument can be accommodated on board.

It may need to be checked at the gate and transported as checked baggage if the airport agent or cabin crew determines that it cannot be safely stowed in the cabin. For this reason, musical instruments should always be properly packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specifically designed for shipping such items. Musical instruments checked at the gate must also be retrieved at the gate upon arrival at your destination.

Exception: String instruments (e.g. guitars, violins and violas) can be carried on board - even if their dimensions slightly exceed Air Canada’s carry-on size requirements - as long as they fit in the overhead bin and there is space available in the cabin at time of boarding, or you have purchased a seat to accommodate them.

• If checked in separately, a musical instrument counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
• If your baggage count (musical instrument + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
• Musical instruments should always be properly packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specifically designed for shipping such items.

Passengers travelling with a firearm, ammunition or cartridges must declare the items during the check-in process and fill out a declaration form.

Only shells and cartridges are accepted and must be carried in checked baggage. Gunpowder and gunpowder pellets are strictly prohibited.

Ammunition allowance is limited to 5 kg (11 lb) per passenger. Allowances for more than one passenger cannot be combined into one or more packages.

See related information in the ‘Firearms' section below.

Packing instructions

The firearm and the ammunition must not be packed in the same container.

Ammunition must be packed in a separate, secure and strong container made of plastic, wood or metal. The original fibreboard carton can also be used but it’s recommended that the carton be placed in a secondary package such as a re-sealable plastic container.

To avoid shock movement, the properly packaged ammunition must then be placed inside a suitcase and cushioned with clothing.

Antlers and horns are accepted as checked baggage only.

Weight and Size

If checked separately, antlers and horns count as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type, provided they do not exceed:

• 32 kg (70 lb.) in weight, and/or
• 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (height + width + length)

Fees

Antlers and horns are subject to a fee of $150.00 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 antlers and horns.

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 item in this category for each bag allowed by their Elite Status.

Packing Instructions

The antlers or horns must be clean and carefully wrapped in absorbent material with all points covered, then suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specifically designed for shipping. Smaller antlers wrapped in a larger set count as an additional item.

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

Bows and arrows must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

Bounty is accepted as checked baggage.

Hunters require a permit to transport meat from Canada to the United States. Please visit the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)Opens in New Window website for more information.

Charges

If checked separately, bounty counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type provided it doesn’t exceed:

• 23 kg (50 lb) in weight, and
• 158 cm (62 in) in linear dimensions (height + width + length)

Additional checked baggage charges apply if:

• bounty exceeds above size and weight limits, and/or
• if your baggage count (item in this category + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type.

Packing instructions

Meat and game must be transported in a leak-proof container or wrapped in absorbent material and then placed in plastic bags inside waxed cartons. Plastic bags alone are not good enough for transport.

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

Waivers / Charges

Fishing rod in rod case:

No oversize or additional piece charges apply to a fishing rod in its case if it’s carried with a tackle box.

Please be advised fishing rods without a tackle box can be accepted as carry-on if dimensions are met, if not then fishing rods will be accepted as checked baggage only.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply.

Packing instructions

Your fishing rod(s) must be packed in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.