2020 Overview of Air Canada Baggage Policy

Air Canada recently added extra bag fees for Basic Economy on flights operating on Atlantic routes. Are you aware of the revised baggage policy for Air Canada?

The founding member of the Star Alliance, Air Canada is the nation’s largest air carrier. Therefore, the company makes amendments in its policies from time to time. This ensures smooth function and seamless passenger experience.

When you operate flights to 64 domestic and 158 international destinations, crisp baggage policy becomes inevitable. Therefore, update yourself with the latest Air Canada Baggage Policy for 2020.

Air Canada Cabin Baggage Overview

Let’s begin with the cabin or carry-on baggage guidelines. Air Canada baggage allowance permits 1 standard article along with 1 personal item per passenger on board. This is applicable to all Air Canada flight routes.

Also, if you are traveling with an infant, you may bring 1 additional article. This may include a child restraint system or other child belonging.

Read on for cabin baggage dimensions.

• Carry-on Baggage Dimension

Make sure that you adhere to carry-on baggage dimensions. Otherwise, you may have to check-in your bag and settle the fee wherever applicable.

The height must not exceed 55 cm or 21.5 inches. The maximum width of the bag must be 40 cm or 15.5 inches. Finally, the depth of the bag must not be more than 23 cm or 9 inches.

As for the weight, it must be light enough so that you can store it in the overhead bin without the help of anyone.

• Personal Item Dimensions

A personal item may include a backpack, a laptop, and so on. This is especially beneficial for business travelers. Also, store your personal item under the seat in front of you.

 The maximum height of the personal item according to the latest baggage policy is 33 cm or 13 inches. The width must not exceed 43 cm or 17 inches. The depth must be equal to or below 16 cm or 6 inches.

Also, apart from the carry-on allowance, you may also bring a few special items with you onboard. These are:

1. Coat or another such outer garment
2. A Purse with dimensions not exceeding 25 cm x 30 cm x 14 cm or 10 inches x 12 inches x 5.5 inches.
3. Snacks or food to eat. However, you must secure them in a container or wrap it properly. Also, note that you cannot consume your own alcohol inside the flight cabin.
4. Smoking accessories such as 1 book of matches per person.

Air Canada Checked-In Baggage Policy Overview

There may be variations in checked baggage allowance according to your travel itinerary. However, mentioned-below are the Air Canada baggage requirement and standard baggage allowance.

1 checked-in bag is permitted. However, if you have booked the Air Canada economy class the checked baggage fee is $60 plus taxes per direction.

• Dimensions

The maximum linear dimension of the bag must be 158 cm or 62 inches. This means the sum of height width and depth must be equal to or less than 158 cm or 62 inches.

• Weight

The bag must not weigh more than 50 lbs or 23 kg.

Please note that the checked baggage allowance is calculated based on the Air Canada fare classes, destination, frequent flyer program status, and a few other factors.

For instance, Air Canada Business Class baggage allowance differs from Air Canada Premium Economy. Therefore, do visit the official airline website to ascertain your baggage allowance.

Further, let’s break down the standard baggage allowance into:

• Domestic Routes, Travel between US and Canada, and Travel between Caribbean and Canada

The first bag can be checked in for US$30. The fee for the second bag is US$50.

• Other International Routes

All the remaining international flights the first bag is free. The second bag on some routes is free of cost. Whereas, mostly the second bag carries a fee of US$50-100.

Now, let’s see what Air Canada charges in case of bags that exceed weight and size limits:

• Overweight Baggage Fee

For bags that weigh greater than 50 lbs or 24 kg but less than 70 lbs or 32 kg, a minimum fee of US$100 is applicable per bag. On the other hand, baggage that weighs over 70 lbs or 32 kg is not accepted by the airlines.

• Oversized Baggage Fee

Bags with linear dimensions over 63 inches or 160 cm but under 115 inches or 292 cm are subject to a minimum charge of US$100.

Any bag with linear dimensions of more than 115 inches or 292 cm is not acceptable.

Paying Air Canada Baggage Fee

So, you must be aware of the method to settle the baggage fee. There are mainly 4 ways to do the same. These are:

1. Online payment
2. Payment via mobile phone
3. Through self-service check-in kiosks
4. Payment at the airport counter

All transactions that take place outside of Canada, the payment must be made in the local currency. Also, some of the airports do not accept cash payment for the baggage fee.

Such airports include all Air Canada counters in the USA. Also, Air Canada Counters at Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saskatoon, St. John’s, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg do not accept cash payments.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Certain articles are subject to transport restrictions, while others are strictly prohibited. You must be mindful of such items, as carrying them may get you in trouble.

They may also violate the safety of other passengers.

Here’s a list of restricted and prohibited items:

1.  Personal Electronic Devices (PED)

Air Canada allows a maximum of 15 devices per passenger as a carry-on. Also, PED that contains lithium metal cells or battery packs with a maximum of 2 grams of metal content is only permitted in the carry-on baggage.

2.  Spare Cells/Battery Packs

Maximum 20 pieces per passenger. However, you can only carry 2 lithium-ion batteries. Also, they must not exceed 160 Wh. Further, only 2 sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries that do not exceed 12 volts are allowed.

3.  Battery-Powered Mobility Aids

Air Canada accepts non-spillable, spillable and lithium-ion batteries for electric mobility aids such as wheelchairs. However, you must inform the airline at least 48 hours before. Also, you must check-in at least 60 minutes in advance.

4.  Battery-Powered Medical Devices

Batteries that power medical devices such as Personal Oxygen Concentrator, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure are allowed onboard. However, the use of such devices needs prior approval of the Air Canada Medical Assistance Desk.

5. Small Lithium-powered Vehicles

You cannot carry such devices onboard. They are also not allowed as checked-in baggage due to safety concerns. Prohibited items include hoverboards, electric skateboards, balance wheels, AirBoards, mini-segways, electric scooters, and battery-assisted bikes.

6.  Drones

Drones are also subject to restrictions. You can carry them on board if you do not switch them on and safely stow them at all times.

7.  Camping Equipment

Air Canada accepts new, unused camping stoves in an original and unopened package. Also, you may carry used camping stoves but only if the fuel tank has been removed. Also, the tank must not contain any liquid fuel.

It must also be rinsed with cooking oil or another neutralizing agent. Further, the fuel tank must be closed.

Note that you cannot carry fuel tablets and camping stove gas cartridges. Next, insect repellents are accepted only if they are non-toxic and non-flammable.

8.  Curling Irons

You can carry only one curling iron that operates on gas as checked-in baggage. Only if the safety covers secures the heating element. Further, one curling iron without the gas container is allowed as cabin baggage.

However, Air Canada prohibits the carriage of separate gas refills.

9.  Lighters

You can only carry one Bic-type butane lighter or one USB lighter or one book of matches. Apart from this, Air Canada does not allow any other lighter in your baggage.

10.  Dry Ice

if you properly pack the dry ice so that is doesn’t leak, you can carry it as a checked-in pr cabin baggage. Also, you should place it in a box that allows ventilation for the release of carbon dioxide.

The box must be in condition. Also, dry ice must not exceed 5 lbs or 2.5 kg. Also, arrive at the airport at least an hour before for check-in.

You also have to sign a declaration for. Further, if you are to board a connecting flight you cannot carry dry ice in your checked baggage.

11.  Brine

Since brine spillage from seafood and fish is corrosive, they must be packed in leak-proof containers and then packed in plastic bags inside waxed cartons.

12.  Liquids and Gels

Prohibited items include canned oxygen or recreational or flavored oxygen. Also, Air Canada doesn’t allow alcoholic beverages containing alcohol that exceeds 70%. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be packed in checked-in baggage only. The maximum quantity allowed is 2 L or 2 kg.

13.  MRE (Meals, Ready-to-Eat)

Air Canada prohibits MRE and self-heating meals or beverages.

14.  Oxygen for Medical Purpose

Only a few models of Personal Oxygen Concentrators are allowed. Also, you cannot travel with Personal oxygen cylinders and oxygen generators.

Air Canada prohibits devices that use liquid oxygen.

15.  Powders

Powders including baby powders, powder detergent, baking powder or soda, foot or body powder, and dry shampoo over 350 ml or 12 oz must be packed in checked-in baggage.

Further, powders in carry-on luggage may require secondary screening.

So, be mindful of the above-mentioned information before booking a flight with Air Canada. Stay up to date with the latest baggage policy to avoid any inconvenience.

Also, take the help of the baggage allowance calculator on Air Canada’s official website. In case of any query, get in touch with the Air Canada customer support.