Do air canada flights include luggage

Short recommendation: Travel with just a cabin bag and a personal item when you want to avoid extra fees; purchase checked pieces at booking or add them through your booking portal if your fare is the lowest tier, or use status/partner card benefits to have checked pieces granted at no charge.

Cabin allowance details: Most reservations permit one carry-on (maximum 23 x 40 x 55 cm / 9 x 15.5 x 21.5 in, measured including wheels and handles) plus one personal item that must fit under the seat (approximately 16 x 33 x 43 cm / 6 x 13 x 17 in). Gate-checked bags that exceed cabin size limits will be sent to the hold and assessed a handling fee if not prepaid.

Checked piece specifications: Standard checked-piece limits are 23 kg (50 lb) and 158 cm (62 in) linear (length + width + height). Premium fare families or higher-tier status commonly allow up to 32 kg (70 lb). Lowest-priced fares do not grant a free checked piece; add the first and subsequent checked items when booking to secure the lowest published surcharge.

Practical tips: Weigh and measure bags at home to avoid surprises at the airport. Pre-purchase checked pieces online (savings versus counter rates), consolidate items to stay under weight limits, and attach a bright external tag plus a photo of contents for quick claims. If you hold travel status or a co-branded card, check your benefits page to see how many checked pieces are granted on your specific route.

Checked and carry-on allowances: clear actions

Pre-pay checked-bag allowance online – it typically costs 30–60% less than at the airport; verify your fare code and route-specific policy during booking or at online check-in.

Standard cabin policy: one cabin bag that must fit in the overhead bin plus one personal item stowed under the seat. Typical cabin-bag maximum external dimensions: 55 x 23 x 40 cm (22 x 9 x 16 in); personal-item typical limit: 33 x 16 x 43 cm (13 x 6 x 17 in). Checked-piece common limits: 23 kg (50 lb) and 158 cm (62 in) linear dimension (L+W+H) for economy; 32 kg (70 lb) allowance often applies for premium classes.

Fees and rules vary by fare family and route. Buying checked-piece allowance during initial booking or within 24–72 hours before departure reduces cost. Overweight (23–32 kg) and oversize (158–203 cm) surcharges apply; pieces >32 kg usually must be shipped as cargo. Special-item handling (sports gear, musical instruments, strollers) may require specific pre-purchase or advance notice.

Carry fragile electronics and photographic equipment in the cabin when possible; larger camera cases may qualify as your personal item if dimensions match the limit – see are dslr cameras allowed on airplanes for device-specific guidance and packing tips.

Carry-on allowance: permitted size, weight and number per passenger

One clear rule: each passenger is entitled to one standard carry-on bag (max 55 x 40 x 23 cm / 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in) plus one personal item (max 33 x 43 x 16 cm / 13 x 17 x 6 in); both must be stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat.

• Size measurements must account for wheels, handles and external pockets; use a tape measure before travel.
• No published overall weight limit applies on most routes for the standard or personal item, but items must be liftable into the overhead compartment by the passenger–gate staff may require gate-checking if not.
• Allowed quantity per ticketed passenger: one standard bag + one personal item. Additional permitted items: coat/blanket, umbrella, small camera, infant feeding supplies, and duty-free purchases.
• Smaller aircraft or regional services may restrict space; on some rotations only a single personal item will be accepted–verify specific service type on your itinerary.
• Certain fare classes or promotional fares can limit carry-on rights to the personal item only; check your fare rules on the carrier website or booking confirmation.
• Oversized items (musical instruments, large sports equipment) may require a separate seat reservation or be checked at the gate; confirm handling and fees before departure.

Practical recommendations:

• Weigh and measure bags at home; if close to limits, switch items to the personal item to avoid gate fees or forced check.
• Use soft-sided bags to maximise usable space and fit into tight bins.
• Keep valuables, medications and travel documents in the personal item that fits under the seat.
• If your itinerary includes code-share segments or partner operators, verify their carry-on policy for the specific sector.

Checked baggage inclusion by fare class (Basic, Standard, Flex, Latitude, Business)

Choose Standard or higher if you want at least one complimentary checked bag; Basic fares normally do not provide a free checked piece.

Basic – 0 free checked pieces on most routes; first checked piece fees typically range from USD/CAD 30–60 for domestic/transborder sectors and USD/CAD 60–100 for long-haul sectors when purchased at the airport (online prepay is usually cheaper). Maximum weight per checked piece: 23 kg / 50 lb; maximum linear dimensions: 158 cm / 62 in. Overweight (23–32 kg / 50–70 lb) and oversize surcharges apply and increase sharply.

Standard – generally permits 1 complimentary checked piece (23 kg / 50 lb) on a wide set of markets; second piece charged at standard checked-bag rates. Standard fares are a cost-effective choice for a single bag under the weight limit.

Flex – typically offers the same checked allowance as Standard (1 piece at 23 kg / 50 lb) but with reduced change/cancellation penalties; on some international routes Flex may carry more favorable second-bag pricing or promotional waivers, so compare the fare rules for your specific itinerary.

Latitude – usually grants 2 complimentary checked pieces at 23 kg / 50 lb each on many international and transborder itineraries; complimentary second piece makes Latitude a sensible pick for two-bag travellers or families travelling with more gear.

Business – standard allowance is 2 complimentary checked pieces at up to 32 kg / 70 lb each and larger combined dimensions accepted; priority handling and higher excess-weight thresholds reduce the chance of unexpected fees for heavier items. Business fares are the best option when transporting sporting equipment, musical instruments, or multiple heavy bags.

Practical tips: prepay checked pieces online to save up to 50% versus airport rates; weigh and measure bags before departure; if your itinerary mixes fare families or carriers, verify the checked-bag rules that apply to the entire ticket (the most restrictive segment or marketing carrier rules may govern). For travel gear recommendations with integrated charging, see best luggage with phone charger.

How to pre-purchase checked bags online, during booking and at the terminal

Purchase checked bags at the time of booking or via the carrier’s website using your reservation code and surname – online purchase typically costs less than buying at the terminal.

During booking

Select the add‑bag option on the extras or baggage screen before payment; choose number of pieces, confirm piece weight (usually 23 kg/50 lb for standard economy, 32 kg/70 lb for premium cabins) and dimensions (sum of length+width+height up to 158 cm/62 in). Complete payment with card; the confirmation email will show baggage charges and a receipt for each piece purchased.

After booking (Manage booking / mobile app / online check‑in)

Log in to Manage Booking or the mobile app with your reservation code and last name to add bags any time before online check‑in opens. Online check‑in generally opens 24 hours before departure – you can add and pay for pieces during check‑in or earlier via Manage Booking. Keep the paid baggage receipt on your phone; if you added during check‑in, the paid status will appear on the boarding pass or reservation summary.

At the terminal, use a self‑service kiosk, dedicated bag‑drop lane (if available) or the check‑in counter to buy pieces, but expect higher fees and possible longer queues. Overweight (above 23/32 kg thresholds) and oversized (greater than 158 cm/62 in) surcharges are applied at the counter and must be paid then; maximum allowed weight per piece is often 32 kg/70 lb due to handling rules.

What to have ready when buying: reservation code + surname, estimated bag weight and dimensions, card for payment, and the confirmation or receipt after purchase. If you plan to bring sport equipment or special items, add them online well before arrival to secure correct pricing and handling instructions.

Fees for overweight, oversized and excess baggage – how charges are calculated

Calculate fees before departure: identify your route, cabin/fare entitlements and permitted number of checked pieces, then add applicable excess-piece fee + any overweight band fee + any oversize fee + local taxes and surcharges per travel segment.

How the math works: 1) excess-piece fee applies once for each additional bag beyond your allowance; 2) overweight fee applies per bag when weight exceeds the permitted per-piece limit and is charged by weight band; 3) oversize fee applies per bag when linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed the standard limit. All fees are assessed per direction (outbound and return counted separately).

Common thresholds used by major carriers (use these to test your bag): 23 kg / 50 lb (standard checked-bag max), 32 kg / 70 lb (first overweight band), and 158 cm / 62 in linear (standard maximum dimensions). Bags over ~45 kg / 100 lb are often refused for check-in and must be shipped as cargo.

Typical fee structure (sample calculation method – actual sums vary by route/currency):

Step A – identify base excess-piece charge: e.g., $X per extra bag. Step B – add overweight band charge if bag weighs 23–32 kg: $Y; if 32–45 kg: $Z. Step C – add oversize fee if linear dims 158–203 cm: $W; special-sizing beyond that may incur higher special-handling fees. Final charge = X + (Y or Z if applicable) + (W if applicable) + taxes.

Example (illustrative only): extra-piece $120 + overweight (25 kg) $100 + oversize (165 cm) $150 = total $370 + taxes, charged at check-in or prepayment point.

Other calculation details: fees are usually charged in the currency of departure or displayed per sector; online prepayment often yields a lower rate than at-the-counter charges; fees are non-refundable and applied per piece even when multiple violations occur on the same bag (weight and size fees stack). Special items (sports equipment, musical instruments, pets) may have separate fixed rates or be assessed as excess/oversize depending on dimensions and packaging.

Practical actions to reduce costs: weigh and measure packed bags at home with a luggage scale and tape measure; move heavy items into a second bag if paying an extra piece is cheaper than a steep overweight band; pack collapsible soft-sided items to minimize linear dimensions; compare courier rates for very heavy or bulky goods; contact the carrier’s support for declared special-item procedures and tariff for sporting gear.

Rules for special baggage: sporting equipment, instruments and fragile items

Reserve special-item handling and prepay oversize/overweight charges at least 48 hours before departure; failure to reserve can result in refusal or higher fees at the check-in counter.

Sporting equipment (bikes, skis, surfboards, golf clubs)

Box or hard-case items that exceed typical checked-piece dimensions; for most operators an item with linear dimensions up to 158 cm (62 in) is treated as a standard checked piece, 158–203 cm requires an oversize fee, and >203 cm normally requires cargo booking. Weight tiers are commonly: up to 23 kg (50 lb) counts as standard, 23–32 kg (50–70 lb) incurs overweight surcharges, and >32 kg is refused or must move as cargo. Prepare bicycles by removing pedals, turning or removing handlebars and slightly deflating tires; skis and poles should be in a single ski/snowboard bag; surfboards require a padded board bag and fins secured or removed.

Batteries and motorised equipment: e-bikes, hoverboards and battery-powered scooters with integrated high-capacity lithium batteries are frequently prohibited from both checked and cabin transport and may only move via approved cargo channels or not at all. Spare lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin item with terminals taped or in original packaging; typical limits: up to 100 Wh allowed without approval, 100–160 Wh allowed with prior approval, >160 Wh prohibited. Declare any installed battery when booking.

Prepay sport-item fees online when possible (savings vs. counter rates). If dimensions or weight exceed the operator’s shown thresholds, request a cargo booking; bring the boxed item to the check-in counter for inspection and tagging.

Musical instruments and fragile articles

Small instruments that fit in an approved cabin space may travel as a cabin item if they can be stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat; larger instruments should be booked as a checked piece or transported in a purchased extra seat. To transport an instrument on a separate seat, reserve the seat in advance, pay the full seat fare, and advise the operator at least 48 hours before departure.

For fragile items always use a rigid case, internal foam or custom cradles, and external “FRAGILE” tags. Remove loose accessories and secure moving parts. For electronics and delicate gear remove batteries or secure per battery rules described above. Photograph items and keep original receipts and serial numbers for value verification.

If damage is suspected, report it at the check-in or baggage services counter and complete an irregularity report before leaving the terminal area; most carriers require damage claims to be filed within 7 calendar days for checked items and within 24 hours for missing parts. Liability for fragile items is limited by contract or international conventions; purchase separate fine-arts or equipment insurance for high-value pieces and consider declared-value coverage when offered.

Practical checklist: book special handling 48+ hours ahead, supply exact dimensions and weight, pack in a hard case, tape/protect batteries and declare battery type, prepay fees online where possible, obtain and keep all receipts and serial numbers, and file any damage report at the counter immediately.

How Aeroplan status and credit cards affect complimentary baggage allowance

Add your Aeroplan membership number and the qualifying co‑branded card to the booking and verify the waived checked‑bag benefit in Manage My Booking before check‑in; doing this is the fastest way to avoid unexpected fees at the counter.

Who gets what: Aeroplan Elite tiers and Aeroplan‑branded premium cards both can grant one or more complimentary checked pieces. Tiered membership normally increases the number of complimentary pieces and may raise weight limits; premium cardholders typically receive at least the first checked piece waived for the primary cardholder and, for higher‑end cards, for travel companions on the same reservation. Exact entitlements vary by tier/card and by operating carrier on partner itineraries.

How benefits interact: Membership and card benefits usually stack in the manner most favorable to the traveller: the carrier will apply the higher allowance between the two, then apply any companion benefit tied to the card. Do not assume automatic stacking of multiple card benefits; one card benefit plus one membership benefit is the typical maximum.

Steps to ensure the benefit is applied

1) Attach your Aeroplan number to every reservation at booking or via Manage My Booking. 2) Add the qualifying card number to the booking or present the card at check‑in/bag drop. 3) Confirm the waived fee is displayed in the reservation summary or at online check‑in – if not, escalate to an agent before dropping bags. 4) For companions, ensure they are listed on the same PNR so companion waivers tied to the card will apply.

When a charge still appears

If you are charged despite qualifying, keep the receipt and take a photo of the boarding pass/checked‑bag tag. Submit for reimbursement per your cardholder terms (claim windows are issuer‑specific; common windows range from 60–90 days). Also open a service request with Aeroplan support or the carrier’s customer service and reference your membership number and card benefit; save confirmation numbers for disputes.

Note: Overweight/oversize fees, restricted items and certain fare categories or partner carriers may limit or alter complimentary checked‑piece entitlements; verify the allowance and size/weight limits shown on the booking before packing.

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