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Since April 13, 2026, Air Canada has increased its checked baggage fees on the majority of its routes in North America. If you have a ticket purchased before this date, the old rates still apply. For any ticket purchased from April 13, 2026 onward, here is what you need to know.
When traveling light is not possible, you must check your luggage before the flight. For all Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express flights and destinations (flights operated by Jazz), it must have the following limits:
Fees for checked baggage vary depending on your fare class, destination and ticket purchase date.
Here are Air Canada’s baggage fees before taxes, for a one-way trip, for tickets purchased from April 13, 2026:
For tickets purchased before April 13, 2026, the old rates ($35 for the first and $50 for the second on domestic and sun routes) continue to apply.
To calculate your fees exactly according to your flight, use Air Canada’s official calculator.
For example, for a traveler departing from Quebec to Orlando, one-way, in Basic Economy or Standard fare, the first checked bag costs $45 before taxes, or approximately $47.25 including taxes.
For a family of four traveling with suitcases, the bill adds up quickly. On a one-way trip, the first bag costs approximately $47.25 including taxes, or $189 for a family of 4 passengers, and nearly $380 round-trip.
To calculate the baggage fee for a flight, please consult this handy Air Canada baggage fee tool.
Your allowance depends directly on the fare you booked. Here is a summary for passengers without Aeroplan Elite status or co-branded credit card:
Each passenger can bring one standard item (carry-on suitcase or large backpack) and one personal item (small backpack, briefcase, purse). An important restriction has applied since January 3, 2025 for basic fares. However, certain passengers are exempt:
The first checked bag is free per person when you purchase a package with Air Canada Vacations to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, Canada, Europe and the United States.
The 1st checked bag is free per person, when you purchase a package with Air Canada Vacations for:
Baggage fees are payable when you check in for your flight: online, on your mobile device, at self-service kiosks at the airport or at an Air Canada check-in counter.
Our favorite tip to avoid paying baggage fees is to hold an Aeroplan credit card! It’s the simplest and most cost-effective strategy. All co-branded Aeroplan credit cards offer the same baggage benefit: the primary cardholder checks their first bag free and up to 8 companions maximum, on the same reservation, get their first checked bag free.
Using our earlier example of a Quebec City-Orlando flight for a family of 2 adults and 2 children each with one bag, the savings are approximately $189 on the one-way trip, and nearly $380 on a round-trip! (4 bags × $47.25 = $189 on the outbound). This benefit pays back the card’s annual fee in a single round-trip.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is one of our favorite Aeroplan cards. It regularly offers:
Its big sister, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is more expensive, but it adds privileges that transform your airport experience:
Also at $139 annual fee (waived the first year†), this card offers the same baggage benefit: first checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions on Air Canada flights. It earns 1.5 points per dollar at grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations, and 1 point everywhere else. A good option for CIBC customers who want to maximize their Aeroplan points on everyday spending.
At $120 annual fee, this is the Aeroplan card with no minimum income requirement. It earns 2 points per dollar with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 1.5 points at restaurants and food delivery services, and 1 point everywhere else. It offers the first checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions on Air Canada flights, plus basic travel insurance and access to Amex Experiences.
This is TD’s premium card for frequent Air Canada travelers.
In addition to the first free bag for you and up to 8 companions†, it offers unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges (+ 1 guest), 6 annual visits to international lounges via Visa Airport Companion, priority check-in and boarding, a NEXUS credit up to $100 and an annual companion pass from $99.
CIBC’s premium equivalent for frequent Air Canada travelers.
It offers the first checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions, unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges, 6 annual visits to international lounges via Visa Airport Companion, priority check-in and boarding, and a NEXUS credit up to $100.
American Express’s most generous Aeroplan card, with no minimum income requirement. It offers the highest Air Canada earn rate on the market: 3 points per dollar with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 2 points at restaurants, and 1.25 points everywhere else.
It includes the first checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions, access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés in North America, priority check-in and boarding, a NEXUS credit up to $100 every 4 years, an annual companion pass (after $25,000 in spending), and exclusive benefits at Toronto Pearson Airport. Conditions Apply.
To benefit from your first free bag thanks to your Aeroplan card, here are the steps to follow:
It is not mandatory to pay for your plane ticket with your Aeroplan card.
In addition, there is no maximum number of eligible flights per year. This “first bag free” privilege is unlimited.
Sometimes paying a higher fare costs less than adding baggage fees. Example on a Toronto-Vancouver flight:
The difference is $113, but the flexible fare also includes 100% of Aeroplan points on the flight (approximately 2,085 points, or ~$44 in value), change without fees and cancellation for a flight credit. For travelers who need flexibility, the difference is easily justified.
Aeroplan Elite status offers progressive baggage benefits. Since February 1, 2026:
These benefits also apply to your travel companions on the same reservation, in addition to those offered by your Aeroplan credit card.
Sports equipment and musical instruments have their own rules. A few pleasant surprises:
Skis and snowboards: free on flights between Canada and Europe, the Middle East or Africa (except Basic Economy fare), including a boot bag
Golf bags: one bag with clubs, balls and shoes counts as a single bag with no oversized fees, as long as it weighs less than 23 kg
For hockey, bicycles, musical instruments, surfboards and hunting equipment, consult the special items page on the Air Canada website before heading to the airport.
Air Canada’s baggage fees increased in April 2026, but effective strategies can help you avoid them entirely. Whether through an Aeroplan credit card, an Air Canada Vacations package, or your Aeroplan Elite Status, there are practical ways to travel without paying for your suitcase.
The best protection remains having the right card in your pocket before booking. Over time, the savings on baggage largely cover the card’s annual fee, especially for families.
Have a good trip and good savings!
Savings this way:
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