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

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

An Air Canada 55x40x23 carry-on suitcase matches this limit exactly, regardless of the fare.

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

Air Canada carry-on baggage is strictly limited to 23 cm depth, 40 cm width, and 55 cm height, including wheels and handles. This rule applies to all flights operated by the airline as well as partner flights on Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge. The sizing device at boarding gates is calibrated to these exact dimensions: any excess, even by 2 cm, will trigger a paid checked baggage transfer. To prepare, measure your carry-on suitcase with a tape measure, including protruding parts. Our carry-on size guide details the differences between European and North American airlines.

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

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

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

Personal item permitted in addition to the carry-on suitcase

In addition to the carry-on suitcase, each passenger can bring one personal item of maximum 16 x 33 x 43 cm: handbag, backpack, laptop, device bag, briefcase, or small item. This bag must fit under the seat in front. Air Canada also accepts for free, without counting toward the quota, a coat, umbrella, prescription medication, CPAP breathing devices, as well as a diaper bag or one car seat per child.

How to stow baggage on board in the cabin

The carry-on suitcase must be stowed in the overhead bin, wheels first into the aircraft to facilitate boarding. The personal item must slide under the seat located in front of the passenger. On Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz Aviation, some regional aircraft have reduced overhead bins: an agent may then request that the carry-on suitcase be checked at the gate, free of charge via the SkyCheck service.

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

Air Canada imposes no strict weight limit on carry-on baggage, unlike most European airlines that cap it between 8 and 12 kg. The airline applies a practical rule: each passenger must be able to lift their carry-on bag themselves into the overhead bin without assistance from cabin crew. This policy, inherited from North American airlines, aims to streamline boarding and prevent crew injuries.

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

No, Air Canada sets no numerical weight limit for carry-on baggage, but the passenger must be able to lift their carry-on suitcase into the overhead bin by themselves. In practice, aiming for a carry-on bag between 8 and 10 kg remains prudent to remain autonomous and avoid being asked to check the bag at the counter by an agent.

Why choose 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 clothing, a laptop, and personal effects. Maxlite polycarbonate models go even below 2 kg. For an Air Canada international flight from Montreal/Toronto to Paris, planning a lightweight carry-on avoids getting stuck at security or boarding. Our selection of KLM-compatible carry-on suitcases also covers the Air Canada size.

Concrete tips to stay under the limits

• Choose a rigid or soft suitcase under 2.5 kg empty
• Pack shoes and heavy items at the bottom, near the wheels
• Put your laptop, tablet, and charger in the backpack accompanying the suitcase
• Check the weight on a home scale before leaving
• Keep a 1 kg margin for duty-free purchases

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

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

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

No, since 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, and Signature Class fares continue to include a carry-on suitcase plus a personal item at no extra cost.

Carry-on fees if added to the 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 during booking, and up to 65 CAD at the boarding gate. Booking the Comfort fare is often cheaper than combining Basic and carry-on, while also unlocking seat selection. Aeroplan Elite, Aeroplan Prestige, and Star Alliance Gold members retain their free carry-on allowance regardless of the fare purchased.

How to check for carry-on inclusion on your booking

On the Air Canada website or mobile app, open the "My Trips" tab, select the booking, and then consult the "Baggage" section. The details list precisely the carry-on allowance, checked baggage, and any fees per segment. If in doubt before check-in, the Air Canada baggage calculator displays the rules according to 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 respect the 16 x 33 x 43 cm format. It fits under the seat in front to free up the overhead bin. This dual allowance, more generous than that of many European low-cost carriers, simplifies traveling with a laptop, camera, or professional camcorders.

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

Yes, Air Canada passengers can bring one 23 x 40 x 55 cm carry-on suitcase 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 without fees or counting: coat, umbrella, infant carrier, diaper bag, child car seat, foldable stroller, prescription medication with a label, CPAP breathing device, small musical instrument that can be stowed in the overhead bin. Passengers traveling with a pet in the cabin benefit from a soft-sided carrier that counts as a personal item.

Special cases: Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge

On regional flights Air Canada Express operated by Jazz Aviation, as well as on certain high-density configured Air Canada Rouge aircraft, the overhead bin may be insufficient for all carry-on suitcases. The free SkyCheck service then allows you to drop the suitcase at the boarding gate in exchange for a baggage tag: it will be retrieved at the arrival counter, free of charge. For connections, keep in mind that this service slows down your exit from the airport slightly.

Liquids and prohibited items in Air Canada carry-on

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 drinks must fit into individual containers of 100 ml maximum, which themselves must be grouped in a clear, resealable 1-liter maximum plastic bag. This bag must be 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, drinks, liquid cosmetics, and certain foods like yogurt or sauces. Prescription medication, infant formula, and baby food benefit from exemptions upon presentation at the checkpoint.

Prohibited items in the cabin on Air Canada flights

Several categories of items are strictly prohibited in carry-on baggage: fuel-based 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 exceeding 100 Wh, electronic cigarettes and vaporizers in the carry-on suitcase (allowed only on the person), knives and blades longer than 6 cm, hair gels exceeding 100 ml, beverage bottles purchased outside duty-free areas, wet ice for refrigeration.

Medication, baby food, and exceptions

Liquid prescription medication, infant formula, baby food, and medical solutions needed during the flight are authorized in reasonable quantities beyond 100 ml. Present these products separately at inspection, ideally accompanied by the medical prescription in French or English. The containers must be clearly labeled. Canadian Air Transport Security Authority agents may ask to taste or test certain products.

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

Carry-on baggage 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 rate climbs 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. The Transport Canada security rules require airlines to strictly apply these limits for cabin safety.

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

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

Anticipate oversized fees before departure

Measuring your carry-on suitcase at home, including wheels and handles, 48 hours before the flight avoids unpleasant surprises at the check-in counter. Self-service kiosks at Montreal-Trudeau and Toronto Pearson are equipped with physical sizing devices calibrated to 23 x 40 x 55 cm. If in doubt, paying for checked baggage online before arriving at the airport remains 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 bin is full, the SkyCheck service transfers the carry-on suitcase to the hold for free from the boarding gate, 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 giving the suitcase to the agent.

Air Canada carry-on baggage FAQ

Conclusion

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