Air Canada Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Air Canada is Canada's full-service flag carrier with a fare-based baggage system. Following an April 13, 2026 increase, the first checked bag costs CA/US $45 and the second CA/US $60 on domestic and transborder (Canada–U.S.) routes for Economy Basic and Standard fares (taxes can push these to about $54 and $72). A carry-on plus personal item is included on most fares, but Economy Basic tickets on North American routes only include a personal item — no full-size carry-on. Higher fare brands (Flex, Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy, Business) bundle one or two free checked bags.
The bottom line on Air Canada baggage
Air Canada is a full-service carrier that unbundles by fare brand, so the person who pays is whoever books cheap. Economy Basic and Standard check nothing (first bag CA/US $45, second $60 on North American routes), and the sharpest trap is Economy Basic on North American routes including only a personal item — no full-size carry-on at all.
The reliable way to come out ahead is to lean on an Aeroplan co-branded card, which typically waives the first checked bag for you and companions, or Aeroplan Elite and Star Alliance Gold status. If you need one bag, compare an Economy Flex fare (first bag free) against Standard plus the $45 fee — Flex is sometimes cheaper overall.
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Hidden pitfalls most travelers miss
- Economy Basic on North American routes includes only a personal item — no full-size carry-on — so even your cabin bag costs extra unless you upgrade the fare.
- The advertised $45 / $60 bag fees can reach about $54 / $72 once taxes are added.
- Overweight (23–32 kg) and oversize (158–292 cm) surcharges from CA/US $100 stack on top of the per-bag checked fee.
Air Canadabaggage allowance & fees at a glance
| 🎒 Personal item | One free personal item (small backpack, briefcase, or purse) on all fares, max 43 x 33 x 16 cm (16 x 13 x 6 in). It must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| 🧳 Carry-on allowance | One free standard carry-on (max 55 x 40 x 23 cm / 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in) on most fares, in addition to the personal item. Note: Economy Basic fares booked for travel within Canada and to/from the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean include only the personal item — no full-size carry-on. |
| 🧳 First checked bag | CA/US $45 |
| 🧳 Second checked bag | CA/US $60 |
Air Canada checked bag fees
| 1st checked bag (Economy Basic/Standard, domestic & transborder) | CA/US $45 |
| 2nd checked bag (Economy Basic/Standard) | CA/US $60 |
| Economy Flex | 1st bag free, 2nd bag CA/US $60 |
| Comfort / Latitude / Premium Economy / Business | 2 bags free |
| Max weight per bag (standard) | 23 kg (50 lb) |
| Overweight (23–32 kg / 51–70 lbs) | From CA/US $100 per bag |
| Oversize (158–292 cm / 63–115 in total) | From CA/US $100 per bag |
Excess baggage cost calculator
Estimate what Air Canada will actually charge for your bags — one way, typical domestic/regional route.
- Checked bag #1$45
Estimates only. Fees vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm before booking.
Air Canada vs United Airlines vs WestJet: baggage compared
Head-to-head on the fees that actually decide the cheaper airline for bags.
| Air Canada | United Airlines | WestJet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on included | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| 1st checked bag | $45 | $45 | $49 |
| 2nd checked bag | $60 | $55 | $65 |
| Overweight surcharge | $100 | $100 | $163 |
| Weight limit | 23 kg | 23 kg | 23 kg |
Flying Air Canada abroad?
Air Canada is a full-service carrier based in Canada — if this is an international trip, a travel eSIM means you land with data already working, with no roaming bill.
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🔁 Change & cancellation
Change/cancellation rules depend on the fare brand: Economy Basic is the most restrictive (typically non-changeable/non-refundable), while Flex, Comfort, and Latitude allow more flexibility. All tickets can be canceled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking when booked at least 24 hours before departure. International baggage allowances and fees differ — Air Canada updated international economy bag rules for tickets purchased on or after May 14, 2026.
Air Canada flight delayed or cancelled?
Compensation rules follow the route, not the airline — a Canada-departing Air Canada flight delayed 3+ hours can be worth up to €600. Checking costs nothing.
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Other common fees
| 3rd checked bag (each) | From CA/US $100 |
| Overweight or oversize bag | From CA/US $100 per bag (per condition) |
| Stroller / car seat | Checked free, in addition to your baggage allowance |
| Preferred / extra-legroom seat selection | Varies by route |
| Pet in cabin | CA/US $50–$59 (domestic/transborder) |
What stops you paying these fees on Air Canada
- An overweight bag costs +$100 here over 23 kg, each way. A scale costs about $10 — the maths on that →
How to avoid extra fees
- Check your fare brand before flying — Economy Basic on North American routes gives you only a personal item, so a full-size carry-on or any checked bag will cost extra.
- An Air Canada / Aeroplan co-branded credit card (e.g., the Aeroplan Visa) typically gives the first checked bag free for you and companions, offsetting the annual fee quickly.
- Aeroplan Elite Status and Star Alliance Gold members receive free checked bags based on their tier.
- If you only need one checked bag, compare an Economy Flex fare (1st bag free) against an Economy Standard fare plus the $45 bag fee — Flex is sometimes cheaper overall.
- Keep each bag under 23kg and 158cm total — going over triggers a separate overweight or oversize fee from CA/US $100, stacked on any per-bag charge.
Air Canada baggage — FAQ
＋ − How much is a checked bag on Air Canada?
As of April 13, 2026, on Economy Basic/Standard fares for domestic and Canada–U.S. routes the first checked bag is CA/US $45 and the second is CA/US $60 (taxes can raise these to roughly $54 and $72).
＋ − Does Air Canada Economy Basic include a carry-on bag?
On flights within Canada and to/from the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, Economy Basic includes only a personal item — not a full-size carry-on. Other fare brands include both.
＋ − Which Air Canada fares include free checked bags?
Economy Flex includes the first bag free (second is CA/US $60), and Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy, and Business each include two free checked bags. Economy Basic and Standard include none.
＋ − What are Air Canada's overweight and oversize bag fees?
A bag between 23–32 kg (51–70 lb) or oversize (158–292 cm total) is charged from CA/US $100 per bag, in addition to any standard checked-bag fee. Bags over 32kg or 292cm are generally not accepted.
Sources & official policy links
Independent guide — not affiliated with Air Canada. Figures here reflect Air Canada's published Canada fares as of 2026-07-12.