Air Canada carry-on baggage: dimensions, weight, and regulations 2026

Air Canada allows one carry-on bag of 23 x 40 x 55 cm and one personal item of 16 x 33 x 43 cm on all its fares except Basic Economy as of January 2025. The table below summarizes Air Canada carry-on baggage rules, oversized fees, Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge exceptions, as well as new liquid rules for 2026.

Exact dimensions of Air Canada carry-on baggage (23 x 40 x 55 cm)

Air Canada carry-on baggage is strictly limited to 23 cm deep, 40 cm wide, and 55 cm high, including wheels and handles. This rule applies to all flights operated by the company as well as Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge partner flights. The sizing templates at boarding gates are calibrated to these exact dimensions: any deviation, even of 2 cm, triggers a paid checked baggage transfer. To anticipate, measure your carry-on suitcase with a tape measure, including protruding elements. Our carry-on baggage size guide details the differences between European and North American airlines.

What are the maximum carry-on dimensions with Air Canada?

The maximum dimensions for carry-on baggage with Air Canada are 23 x 40 x 55 cm, or 9 x 15.5 x 21.5 inches. This size, identical in Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and Signature classes, places Air Canada in the global average, slightly more generous than European low-cost airlines like Wizz Air or Ryanair. For a cross-comparison, see our Air France carry-on baggage guide.

This size is not unique to Air Canada. Air Transat applies the same 55 x 40 x 23 cm on its transatlantic flights, with a different format for personal items: a suitcase validated with one will therefore pass with the other.

Personal item allowed in addition to carry-on suitcase

In addition to the carry-on suitcase, each passenger may bring one personal item measuring a maximum of 16 x 33 x 43 cm: handbag, backpack, laptop, camera bag, briefcase, or small item. This bag must be able to be stowed under the seat in front. Air Canada also accepts, free of charge and not counted in the quota, a coat, an umbrella, prescription medication, CPAP breathing apparatus, as well as a diaper bag or car seat per child.

How to store baggage on board in the cabin

Carry-on luggage must be stored in the overhead compartment, with wheels facing the interior of the aircraft to facilitate boarding. The personal item slides under the seat in front of the passenger. On Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz Aviation, some regional aircraft have reduced overhead compartments: an agent may then request to check the carry-on suitcase at the boarding gate, free of charge via the SkyCheck service.

Air Canada carry-on weight limit: the "lift alone" rule

Air Canada does not impose any strict weight limit on carry-on baggage, unlike most European airlines which cap it between 8 and 12 kg. The company applies a pragmatic rule: each passenger must be able to lift their carry-on bag alone into the overhead compartment, without assistance from cabin crew. This policy, inherited from North American airlines, aims to streamline boarding and prevent injuries to staff.

Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags on Air Canada?

No, Air Canada does not set a specific weight limit for carry-on baggage, but passengers must be able to lift their carry-on suitcase into the overhead compartment unaided. In practice, aiming for a carry-on bag between 8 and 10 kg remains prudent to maintain autonomy and avoid a request for checked baggage transfer by an agent at the counter.

Why prefer a lightweight carry-on suitcase for Air Canada

A rigid ABS suitcase weighing less than 2.5 kg empty leaves a comfortable useful margin for clothes, laptops, and personal effects. Maxlite polycarbonate models even weigh less than 2 kg. For an international Air Canada flight from Montreal Toronto to Paris, planning for a lightweight carry-on bag avoids getting stuck at inspection or boarding. Our selection of KLM compatible carry-on suitcases also covers Air Canada's size requirements.

Practical tips to stay within limits

• Choose a rigid or soft suitcase under 2.5 kg empty
• Store shoes and heavy items at the bottom, near the wheels
• Slip laptop, tablets, and charger into the backpack accompanying the suitcase
• Check the weight on a home scale before departure
• Keep a 1 kg margin for duty-free purchases

Air Canada Basic Economy Fare: new carry-on baggage rule 2025

As of January 3, 2025, carry-on baggage is no longer included in the Basic Economy fare on flights within Canada, to the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Only the personal item remains free of charge. This update, aligned with Air Canada Cargo practices and American carriers, may surprise customers booking through a comparator without reading the fare conditions. To confirm official details, consult Air Canada's carry-on baggage page. If you combine an Air Canada flight to the Antilles with a French carrier, also compare the Air Caraïbes carry-on baggage rules which serves the same destinations from Paris Orly.

Is carry-on baggage still included in the Air Canada ticket price?

No, as of January 2025, carry-on baggage is no longer included in Air Canada's Basic Economy fare on North American domestic and Caribbean flights. Comfort, Flex, Latitude, Premium Economy, Business Class, and Signature Class fares continue to include one carry-on suitcase plus a personal item at no extra charge.

Carry-on bag fees if added to Basic Economy fare

Adding a carry-on suitcase to a Basic Economy fare costs between 35 and 50 CAD (approximately 24 to 34 euros) if done online at the time of booking, and up to 65 CAD at the boarding gate. Booking a Comfort fare is often cheaper than combining Basic and carry-on baggage, while also unlocking seat selection. Aeroplan Elite, Aeroplan Prestige, and Star Alliance Gold holders retain their free carry-on allowance regardless of the purchased fare.

How to check carry-on baggage inclusion on your reservation

On the Air Canada website or mobile app, open the "My Trips" tab, select the reservation, then consult the "Baggage" section. The details precisely list the carry-on allowance, checked baggage, and any potential fees per segment. If in doubt before check-in, Air Canada's baggage calculator displays the rules according to the fare, Aeroplan status, and destination.

Air Canada personal items: carry-on suitcase plus backpack allowed

Yes, Air Canada allows one carry-on suitcase plus one backpack on board for each passenger, provided the fare includes it. The backpack counts as a personal item and must adhere to the 16 x 33 x 43 cm format. It is stored under the seat in front to free up the overhead compartment. This double allowance, more generous than that of many European low-cost carriers, simplifies travel with laptops, cameras, or professional camcorders.

Can I bring a carry-on suitcase and a backpack on board?

Yes, Air Canada passengers may bring a carry-on suitcase of 23 x 40 x 55 cm plus a backpack or handbag of 16 x 33 x 43 cm. The backpack counts as a personal item and slides under the seat. This rule applies to all Air Canada fares except Basic Economy, which only allows the personal item.

Additional free items on board

In addition to the carry-on suitcase and backpack, Air Canada accepts several items free of charge and without counting towards the allowance: coat, umbrella, baby carrier bag, diaper bag, car seat for child, foldable stroller, prescription medication with label, CPAP breathing apparatus, small musical instrument that can be stored in the overhead compartment. Passengers traveling with a pet in the cabin benefit from a soft carrier bag counting as a personal item.

Special cases for Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge

On Air Canada Express regional flights operated by Jazz Aviation, as well as on some high-density configured Air Canada Rouge aircraft, the overhead compartment may be insufficient for all carry-on suitcases. The free SkyCheck service then allows you to check your carry-on suitcase at the boarding gate with a baggage tag: it is retrieved at the arrival counter, free of charge. For connecting flights, anticipate that this service slightly slows down airport exit.

Liquids and prohibited items in Air Canada cabin baggage

Air Canada carry-on baggage applies the 100 ml rule defined by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and the Canada Border Services Agency. All liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and beverages must be in individual containers of 100 ml maximum, themselves grouped in a resealable transparent plastic bag of 1 liter maximum. This bag is presented separately at the security checkpoint.

What are the rules regarding liquids in the cabin?

Liquids in Air Canada cabins are limited to containers of 100 ml maximum, grouped in a 1-liter clear plastic bag per passenger. This rule includes toiletries, gels, perfumes, beverages, liquid cosmetics, and certain foods such as yogurts or sauces. Prescription medications, infant formula, and baby food are exempt upon presentation at security.

Items prohibited in the cabin on Air Canada flights

Several categories of items are strictly prohibited in carry-on baggage: gasoline lighters such as Bic Zippo (a simple gas lighter is tolerated on the person), non-safety matches, external lithium batteries such as Anker Zolo A1689 over 100 Wh, electronic cigarettes and vaporizers in carry-on baggage (only allowed on the person), knives and blades over 6 cm, hair gels over 100 ml, beverage bottles purchased outside duty-free zones, wet ice for refrigeration.

Medication, baby food and exceptions

Liquid prescription medications, infant formula, baby food, and necessary medical solutions during the flight are allowed in reasonable quantities beyond 100 ml. Present these products separately for inspection, ideally accompanied by a medical prescription in French or English. Containers must be clearly labeled. Canadian Air Transport Security Authority officers may request to taste or test certain products.

Air Canada carry-on baggage fees for non-compliant or oversized bags

A carry-on bag that does not comply with the 23 x 40 x 55 cm dimensions or is added to a Basic Economy fare incurs immediate fees at the airport. At the boarding gate, the fee increases to 100 CAD (approximately 68 euros) for a forced checked baggage transfer, compared to 35 to 50 CAD if the addition is made online before check-in. Transport Canada security rules require carriers to strictly enforce these limits for cabin safety.

What are the fees if my carry-on bag exceeds the allowed limits?

An oversized Air Canada carry-on bag is transferred to checked baggage for a fee ranging from 35 to 100 CAD depending on the route, fare, and time of payment. Domestic Canadian flights are the cheapest, international flights the most expensive. Booking and paying online before check-in remains systematically more advantageous than payment at the boarding gate.

Anticipating oversized baggage fees before departure

Measuring your carry-on suitcase at home with wheels and handles 48 hours before the flight avoids unpleasant surprises at the check-in counter. Self-service kiosks at Montréal-Trudeau and Toronto Pearson are equipped with physical templates calibrated to 23 x 40 x 55 cm. In case of doubt, paying for checked baggage online before arriving at the airport is more economical than the inspection procedure at the boarding gate.

SkyCheck Service for Air Canada Express and Rouge flights

On regional flights where the overhead compartment is full, the SkyCheck service transfers carry-on baggage to checked baggage from the boarding gate free of charge, with retrieval at the arrival counter. This service clearly distinguishes Air Canada from carriers that systematically charge for forced transfers. Keep your medication, laptop, documents, and boarding pass in your backpack before handing over your suitcase to the agent.

Air Canada Carry-On Baggage FAQ

Conclusion

Air Canada's carry-on baggage policy remains one of the most generous in North America, with its 23 x 40 x 55 cm allowance and no strict weight limit, complemented by a 16 x 33 x 43 cm backpack. The trap to avoid in 2026 remains the Basic Economy fare, which now excludes carry-on suitcases and charges up to 100 CAD at the boarding gate. To travel worry-free from Montreal to Vancouver, Toronto, or Paris, investing in a lightweight, rigid suitcase that complies with the exact dimensions and is equipped with a TSA lock remains the most cost-effective option. To compare with other airlines, consult our Brussels Airlines carry-on baggage guide or our Iberia carry-on baggage guide.