How can I select my seat in advance?

You can usually select your seat during booking or by managing your booking online. Some airlines may charge a fee for selecting a seat.

Who do I contact for lost or delayed baggage?

Report lost or delayed baggage at the airline’s baggage counter as soon as you land. They will provide a tracking ID and updates on the status of your baggage.

How Much does Air Canada Charge for Baggage?

By flightshelpcenter

Published on September 1, 2025

Why Baggage Fees Matter for Air Canada Travelers

Do you know, Air Canada checked baggage fees are one of the most important cost factors after the ticket price. Being the largest airline, Air Canada operates domestic, U.S., and international flights, each with its own baggage rules and charges.

Whether you are booking Economy, Premium Economy, or Business Class then understanding Air Canada’s baggage fees, allowances, and extra charges can save your $30 to hundreds of dollars per trip.

This 2025 guide breaks down:

Standard Air Canada checked bag fees (domestic & international)
Carry-on rules and size limits
Who qualifies for free checked bags
Extra charges for oversize/overweight luggage
Pro tips to avoid or reduce baggage costs

Let’s dive into the latest Air Canada baggage policy and what it means for your next trip.

Quick Snapshot: Air Canada Checked Bag Fees

Here’s a summary table of the most common Air Canada baggage charges (one-way, per person):

Route / Destination	First Checked Bag	Second Checked Bag	Notes
Domestic (Within Canada)	$30–$35 CAD	$50–$55 CAD	Applies to most Economy fares
Canada ↔ U.S.	$30–$35 CAD	$50–$55 CAD	Basic Economy pays more
Transatlantic (Europe, Middle East, Africa)	Free (most fares)	$100+ CAD	Premium cabins may include 2 bags
South America	Free	$100–$120 CAD	Many fares include 1–2 bags
Asia & Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia)	Free	$100–$150 CAD	Depends on route & class

Tip: Always check your booking confirmation — exact fees depend on route, cabin, and booking class.

Air Canada Carry-On Rules (Size & Allowance)

One of the best perks of flying Air Canada is that carry-ons remain free for all passengers.

Allowance: 1 standard carry-on + 1 personal item
Carry-On Size Limit: 22 x 14 x 9 in (55 x 40 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles
Personal Item: Must fit under the seat (backpack, laptop bag, or purse)

Even Economy Basic passengers are allowed carry-ons, but on crowded flights, bags may be gate-checked if bins fill up.

Air Canada Baggage Policy: Standard Limits

Before we go deeper into fees, here’s what qualifies as a standard checked bag:

Weight Limit (Economy): 50 lbs (23 kg)
Weight Limit (Business & Premium Economy): 70 lbs (32 kg)
Size Limit: 62 linear inches (158 cm total L + W + H)

Exceeding these limits triggers Air Canada baggage charges for overweight or oversized luggage.

Standard Checked Bag Fees by Route

Domestic Flights (Within Canada)

First bag: $30–$35 CAD
Second bag: $50–$55 CAD
Additional bags: $100 CAD each

Canada ↔ U.S.

First bag: $30–$35 CAD
Second bag: $50–$55 CAD
Additional bags: $100 CAD each

Europe / Middle East / Africa (Transatlantic)

First bag: Free (most fares)
Second bag: $100+ CAD
Additional bags: $225 CAD each

South America

First bag: Free
Second bag: $100–$120 CAD
Additional bags: $225 CAD each

Asia & Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia)

First bag: Free
Second bag: $100–$150 CAD
Additional bags: $225 CAD each

Who Gets Free Checked Bags on Air Canada?

Not every passenger pays baggage fees. You may qualify for free bags if:

Premium Cabin Travelers – Premium Economy and Business Class usually include 2 free bags.
Aeroplan Elite Members – Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Super Elite enjoy extra baggage benefits.
Star Alliance Gold Members – At least 1 free bag on most flights.
Credit Card Holders – Select Aeroplan credit cards provide the first checked bag free.
Military Personnel – May receive additional baggage allowance (check at booking).

Air Canada Extra Baggage Fees (Oversize & Overweight)

If your luggage exceeds the standard size or weight, expect extra costs:

Overweight Bags (51–70 lbs / 23–32 kg): +$100 CAD each
Oversized Bags (63–115 in / 158–292 cm): +$100 CAD each
Overweight + Oversize: Fees may stack, reaching $200+ per bag

Bags over 100 lbs (45 kg) or 292 cm total dimensions are not accepted as checked luggage.

Edge Cases Travelers Should Know

Codeshare Flights: If your Air Canada ticket is operated by a partner (e.g., Lufthansa, United), baggage rules may differ.
Old Tickets: If booked before a policy update, original baggage terms apply — unless the ticket changes.
Refunds on Prepaid Bags: If you later qualify for free bags (via upgrade/status), refunds must be requested.
Gate-Check Surprises: If your carry-on doesn’t meet size rules, you may need to pay checked fees at the gate.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Air Canada Baggage Fees

According to Air Canada baggage allowance and fees schedule, the majority of Canadian and American passengers will pay $30 to $35 CAD for their first bag and $50 to $55 CAD for their second. More generous international flights frequently include at least one complimentary bag.

If you want to save money then always prepay online, put in an Aeroplan credit card, consider upgrading cabins, or maximize your free carry-on allowance.

Knowing the rules for Air Canada checked baggage fees ensures you’ll never be caught off guard — and helps keep your trip stress-free.

FAQs About Air Canada Baggage Fees

How much are Air Canada checked baggage fees?

Most domestic/U.S. flights charge $30–$35 CAD for the first bag and $50–$55 CAD for the second.

Is checked baggage free on international Air Canada flights?

Yes, most transatlantic and long-haul flights include at least 1 free bag.

What’s the weight limit for Air Canada checked bags?

50 lbs (23 kg) in Economy, 70 lbs (32 kg) in Premium Economy/Business.

What’s the fee for overweight bags?

Overweight bags cost +$100 CAD per piece.

Who qualifies for free checked bags?

Premium fares, Aeroplan Elites, Star Alliance Gold, select credit card holders, and military personnel.

Do Air Canada baggage fees apply on codeshare flights?

Not always — the operating airline’s baggage rules may apply.

How to Avoid or Reduce Air Canada Baggage Fees

With baggage costs climbing, every traveler wants to save a little extra. The good news? There are several smart ways to reduce or even eliminate Air Canada baggage charges if you plan ahead:

Prepay for Bags Online Paying for your checked luggage online — either during booking or through Air Canada’s “Manage My Booking” feature — is often cheaper than paying at the airport. It also speeds up check-in since your fee is already settled.
Use an Aeroplan Credit Card Many Aeroplan credit cards include the first checked bag free for the cardholder and sometimes up to 8 companions on the same booking. Frequent travelers can easily offset the annual card fee with waived baggage charges.
Earn Aeroplan Elite Status Elite members receive 1–3 free checked bags depending on their tier. For frequent flyers, this benefit can add up to hundreds of dollars in annual savings.
Upgrade to Premium Cabins Premium Economy and Business Class fares typically include two free checked bags. If you know you’ll need extra luggage, the upgrade may be cheaper than paying baggage fees separately — plus you enjoy added comfort.
Pack Smarter & Stay Under 50 lbs Air Canada enforces strict limits: 50 lbs (23 kg) in Economy. Overweight bags incur extra fees, so using a digital luggage scale at home helps avoid surprises at the counter.
Maximize Free Carry-Ons Every passenger gets one carry-on and one personal item free, even on Basic Economy. A compact roller bag plus a roomy backpack or tote can often eliminate the need for checked baggage.
Use Packing Tools to Save Space Compression bags and packing cubes reduce bulk and help you fit more into smaller luggage. With the right tools, you can stick to carry-on only and skip checked bag fees altogether.