Traveling solely with carry-on luggage has become a popular strategy among experienced travelers, combining practicality and cost-effectiveness. By avoiding checked baggage, one saves time at the airport, reduces the risk of loss, and avoids additional fees, especially since several airlines have tightened their baggage policies depending on the chosen fare.
However, successfully packing everything into a limited space requires careful organization and wise choices. In this article, we reveal proven tips for optimizing your carry-on suitcase (and your personal item) so you can travel light without sacrificing comfort.
The Problem with Checked Baggage
Checked baggage is more likely to be delayed (or, more rarely, lost). But why?
When an aircraft arrives at its destination, a team must unload incoming baggage and then reload the aircraft with baggage for the next flight. Between tight deadlines, short connections, delays (weather, congestion), and sometimes labor shortages, some suitcases may not be processed on time or in the right place.
Airlines face difficult decisions, for example:
Do we delay the flight to wait for certain bags (and risk creating a domino effect)?
Do we block a gate while waiting for loading to finish, even though another aircraft needs to deplane?
Does the crew risk reaching their duty hour limit, which could lead to a crew change… or a cancellation?
Do we reallocate limited staff to prepare for the next flight, at the expense of baggage that needs to go to the carousel?
Etc.
So? To avoid a cascade of delays, and ultimately cancellations, some checked bags may not board the same flight as their owners, in order to allow the aircraft to depart on time.
Result: it is better to rely on yourself and keep essentials in your carry-on baggage (and personal item) as much as possible.
By traveling only with a carry-on, you often save on fees and gain simplicity, which can allow you to reserve your budget (or travel credits) for other aspects, such as an upgrade or access to a lounge.
$150ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.
Refund of the first-year annual fee (a $150 value) for the primary cardholder. This fee is charged to your new card account, then refunded as a credit on your statement within five months of opening your account, provided it remains open and in good standing.
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.
With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:
5 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
2 points per dollar on recurring bills
2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
1 point per dollar for all other purchases
And since it’s an NBC mycredit Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.
With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:
Airport parking
Baggage fees
Seat selection
Access to airport lounges
Airline ticket upgrades
What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.
Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Legal
® Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. National Bank is an authorized user.
® The À LA CARTE REWARDS logo is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA LOUNGE is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® À LA CARTE REWARDS PLAN is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® Apple Pay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Inc. is not a sponsor of or participant in National Bank Mobile Banking Solutions.
® Google Pay is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Inc. Permissions.
TM À LA CARTE TRAVEL is a trademark of National Bank of Canada. The À la carte Travel agency is owned by Transat Distribution Canada Inc. and holds a Quebec permit (No. 753141).
TM À LA CARTE REWARDS is a trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® THE TOTAL, THE CONNECTED and NATIONAL BANK are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.
* Mastercard® World Elite®
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best Mastercard credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best travel credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
Every year, Milesopedia reviews credit card offers from major financial institutions and establishes its Ranking based on over 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offer, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.
Certain restrictions apply. For more information, see the Rewards Plan section or the Plan Rules applicable to point accumulation.
Grace period: No interest is charged on purchases made during the month if the cardholder pays the full balance of their account within twenty-one (21) days of the statement date. This grace period does not apply to cash advances and balance transfers. Minimum payment: if your account balance is less than $10, you must pay the balance in full. If you reside in the province of Quebec, your minimum payment is 5% of your account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. If you reside outside Quebec, your minimum payment is 2.5% of the credit card account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. Account statement: an account statement is sent monthly.
Table of examples of credit fees calculated over a 30-day period
Annual interest rate
$500
$3,000
22.49%
$9.24
$55.45
20.99%
$8.63
$51.76
13.2%
$5.53
$33.16
9.2%
$3.78
$22.68
*Variable interest rate in effect as of September 1, 2021.
Balance transfers and cash advances are subject to National Bank credit approval. Each amount transferred cannot be less than $250.
Exclusive to World Elite Mastercard cardholders. Presentation of the physical credit card and boarding pass is required to access the lounge. The National Bank® Lounge is accessible to customers traveling on international flights only (excluding flights to Canada and the United States). You benefit from free and unlimited access with one guest and two children aged 12 and under. Until July 31, 2026 (date subject to change), customers can enter the National Bank Lounge three hours before their flight departure time. From August 1, 2026 (date subject to change), access will be authorized for a maximum duration of 2 hours (3 hours for customers who hold a Private Banking 1859® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card). National Bank customers who are not World Elite ® Mastercard ® cardholders can also access the current lounge based on current rates and benefit from a 25 % discount on these rates : 63,24 $ taxes included for adults (excluding discount) $40.24 taxes included for children aged 2 to 12 (excluding discount) free for children under 2 (excluding discount) The entry fee is subject to change without notice and is the responsibility of the lounge operator.
Subject to providing the required supporting documents in the manner and within the prescribed timeframe. Certain conditions may apply. Only the primary cardholder of a National Bank World Elite Mastercard (Cardholder) whose account is in good standing can request a « Travel Fee Reimbursement ». « Account in good standing » means an account linked to the credit card that does not violate the Credit Card Agreement in any way and on which no restrictions apply. For example, and without limitation, the associated annual fees must have been paid in full. The maximum reimbursement of $150 can be requested from January 1 to December 31 of each year. Eligible expenses are: airport parking baggage fees seat selection airport lounge access worldwide airline ticket upgrades A reimbursement request must be made within 60 days of the purchase date. Travel expenses must be charged to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card account. The maximum reimbursement of $150 is applicable per account. Please allow up to 7 business days for the reimbursement to be processed from the date your request is submitted. National Bank reserves the right to request additional supporting documents for validation purposes (e.g., invoices). You must keep all receipts and supporting documents for a period of 12 months from the date you made your reimbursement request. An unused reimbursement in one year cannot be carried over to the next year. You can make your request online at rewards.nbc.ca or by calling 1-800-341-8083 (toll-free) for an agent to assist you with your travel fee reimbursement request.
Point accumulation on grocery and restaurant spending depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card account, across all categories. Earn 5 points per dollar spent on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. The 5 points per dollar accumulation is valid for the first $2,500 of gross monthly purchases charged to the account. Beyond this amount, eligible grocery and restaurant spending will earn 2 points per dollar. The calculation of the gross monthly purchase amount is based on monthly billing. A grocery purchase means a purchase made at a merchant whose primary business is selling food, such as a grocery store, delicatessen, supermarket, fruit store, or specialty food store. Meal kit subscriptions and meal delivery services are eligible. Therefore, this definition excludes, among others, retail stores and big-box stores whose primary business is selling non-food items. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. A restaurant purchase means a purchase made at a restaurant, including quick-service restaurants, bars, discotheques, nightclubs, and taverns. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
These protections apply if the purchases or rental are paid for in part with the card before departure, except, if applicable, for out-of-province medical-hospital insurance for which it is not necessary to charge the purchase of an à la carte trip and for baggage delay protection where the full cost of transport must have been charged to the card. All these protections apply to the primary cardholder, their spouse and/or their dependent children when they (spouse and dependent children) travel with the cardholder. Extended warranties apply to most new items purchased with the card, in Canada or abroad, provided the manufacturer’s warranty exists and is valid in Canada. Certain conditions, limitations and restrictions apply. For more information and details regarding your insurance coverage, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.
Subject to credit approval by National Bank.
Certain conditions apply. Visit mastercard.ca for more information. See all credit card terms and conditions.
To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your gas or electric charging purchases at a gas station or certain big-box stores. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
Recurring bill payments are defined as payments made monthly or regularly that are automatically charged by the merchant to your National Bank World Elite Mastercard. Not all merchants offer recurring payments, and not all recurring payments are considered recurring bill payments. Therefore, some payments may not qualify for accelerated reward points.
To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your eligible purchases through the À la carte TravelTM agency section of our À la carte RewardsTM site.
For example, if you spend $400 monthly on groceries, $200 on gas, $100 on recurring bills and $150 on other purchases, the $850 spent will generate 2,750 points, broken down as follows: 2,000 points for grocery spending (since the total gross monthly amount is $850, which is less than $2,500), 400 points for gas spending, 200 points for recurring bills and 150 points for other purchases.
Insurance up to $1,000 in case of breakage, loss or theft of mobile devices for a maximum period of 2 years following the date of purchase. Subject to purchasing the device with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard or a phone service subscription paid by recurring payments from your National Bank Platinum Mastercard starting September 1, 2022. For all conditions, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.
Annual fee
Primary card$150
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$80,000
Household$150,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
2xTravel
2xBills & recurring payments
2xGas & EV
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$778
2nd Year Value$923
Card benefits
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Travel AccidentIncluded
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
Changes to carry-on baggage policies in 2026
For some time now, several Canadian airlines have changed their carry-on baggage policies, particularly for Basic Economy fares. These changes may affect how you pack for light travel.
Air Canada: With a Basic Economy fare, you are entitled to one personal item only on several routes (including within Canada, to/from the United States, and certain sun destinations). Any additional baggage must be checked at the airport and is subject to fees. Exception: if you are connecting to an international destination on the same fare, you may bring one standard carry-on bag in addition to your personal item.
Air Transat: With the Eco Budget (or Promo) fare, standard carry-on baggage is not permitted on certain routes (notably to/from Florida, to/from the South, and on domestic flights within Canada): only the personal item is allowed in the cabin. In these cases, any other baggage must be checked (fees may apply). Additionally, if baggage exceeds the permitted limits, surplus fees are added: $100 CAD if it is overweight (over 23 kg, up to 32 kg) and $100 CAD if it is oversized (over 158 cm in linear dimensions, up to 292 cm), and both fees may apply if the baggage is both overweight and oversized.
Porter Airlines: The baggage allowance depends on the fare. All passengers are entitled to one personal item in the cabin, but with the Basic fare, standard carry-on baggage is not included: you must check all other items (fees may apply depending on the fare and when you add the baggage). Standard, Flexible, Freedom, Nav, and Ultimate fares generally include a personal item and a standard carry-on bag.
Sunwing: Customers who have booked a Sunwing Vacations package travel aboard WestJet and therefore follow the associated baggage rules. In 2026, eligible packages include one personal item, one carry-on bag, and one checked bag for free. For additional checked baggage, prices vary depending on the time of purchase: starting at $40 + taxes if purchased online in advance (up to 24 hours before), starting at $50 + taxes during online check-in (within 24 hours before departure), and starting at $60 + taxes at the airport; higher fees apply for 3rd/4th bags as well as for oversized or overweight baggage (starting at $160 + taxes).
WestJet: The cabin baggage allowance depends on the fare. Generally, WestJet allows one personal item (41 × 15 × 33 cm) and one carry-on bag (56 × 23 × 36 cm). Items that exceed the sizer or the permitted cabin limits are treated as checked baggage and are subject to applicable fees. Fees vary by fare, destination, and especially the time of purchase: as an indication, checking a bag can cost from $35–$42 if prepaid, and from $55–$65 if paid at the airport (fees increase for additional bags).
It is therefore essential to compare fare options before booking: a base fare may seem economical at first glance, but quickly become less advantageous once additional fees are taken into account.
How to Choose the Right Carry-on Bag?
First, you must respect the dimensions (and, if applicable, the weight) authorized for carry-on baggage by the carrier. These criteria vary from one airline to another, and just because all your flights are on the same ticket does not mean the rules will be identical, especially if a segment is operated by a partner.
For example, with Air Canada, the usual allowance is one standard carry-on bag as well as one personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag, small backpack). In other words: one carry-on plus one personal item, and not two carry-ons.
Wheels and handles are generally included in the calculation of carry-on baggage dimensions. Depending on the airline (and sometimes the type of aircraft), controls can be more or less strict: some regularly check the size, and in some cases, the weight, while others do so mainly when the flight is full or cabin space is limited. Dimensions and weight limits are therefore not « standard »: they vary from one carrier to another (for example, Air Canada allows 55 × 40 × 23 cm, while WestJet lists 56 × 23 × 36 cm for carry-on baggage).
Next, you need to choose a carry-on bag that you can easily take with you.
For example, when carriers apply stricter limits (or cabin space is restricted), a soft duffel bag can be very practical: it is often lighter and more compressible than a hard-shell suitcase, which helps in meeting permitted dimensions while maximizing space for your personal belongings.
However, I much prefer pulling a 10 kg wheeled suitcase or a backpack than having it on my shoulder for the entire journey to the hotel!
Maximizing Your Carry-on Space
Is it really possible to travel only with carry-on baggage? Even with a baby? Yes! Here are my tips for always traveling with a carry-on.
Using a Packing Cube System
In my experience, I can fit all my clothes into three packing cubes and my spouse can do it with two cubes. Since our child arrived, they take one cube.
The clothing allowance is the same whether traveling for 1 week, 2 weeks, or 3 months. If a piece does not fit in a cube, it is simply left behind.
Next, we play Tetris to fit all the cubes into our two carry-ons. Each of us has our own cube color so we don’t waste time finding them in the carry-on baggage.
Roll or fold? Although many advocate rolling to increase available space, we have never had a problem folding our clothes. However, rolling them avoids wrinkles! Try it yourself with what you have chosen to bring!
Choosing the Right Clothes for Travel
Some pieces of clothing are very beautiful, but they are not necessarily practical for travel. To travel only with carry-on baggage, you should favor clothes:
that do not wrinkle easily
that wash and dry quickly
that are not too thick so as not to take up too much space
that can be worn alone or in layers depending on the temperature
For example, I have dresses made of different materials; some dresses will take up more space than others.
Space in a carry-on is limited, so choices must be made accordingly. Regarding shoes and sandals, you should also try to bring those that are the most versatile.
Long before the Instagram era, I always liked to dress well and have several looks on vacation. The trick to having many looks with only carry-on baggage is to choose pieces that ALL go together. I usually choose a palette of 2 to 4 colors that work well for mix & match.
Before leaving on a trip, I check the maximum number of looks I can create with the pieces I have selected. In the event that I have more looks than days, I remove items from my carry-on!
Laundromats are very common and in some countries, a load costs only a few dollars. Otherwise, the bathroom sink is always available; I generally bring a portion of powdered soap for a two-week trip, per person.
Wear the Heaviest or Bulkiest Items
When you need to bring more specific items like hiking boots for a trip to Patagonia or a coat to go to Everest Base Camp, these can take up a huge amount of space in carry-on baggage.
Wear these items! Additionally, these items are often heavier, which can cause problems on some carriers.
As a general rule, I always wear my jeans on the plane because they take up 3 times more space than my shorts. Similarly, I always have my jacket on; if it gets too hot on board, it’s easy to store a sweater between suitcases in the overhead compartment.
Keep Your Toiletry Kit Simple
In the cabin, you are subject to security control rules regarding liquids (including gels, creams, and aerosols). Generally, you can carry containers of maximum 100 mL (or 100 g), grouped in a bag with a total capacity of approximately 1 L.
Choices must therefore be made, both to respect these restrictions… and to save space in your carry-on.
I particularly recommend Lush solid shampoos; this lightens my carry-on baggage significantly because I also use it as soap when it is not provided by the hotel or when we stay in youth hostels.
I know it’s hard to restrict yourself with beauty products, but they are often what take up the most space in carry-on baggage. A simple color palette, mascara, and foundation can be enough to survive… versus facing baggage delays. It’s up to you to decide.
Similarly, for the majority of people traveling for (at most) two weeks, is it really necessary to bring an electric razor? Shave before you leave and bring a simple blade or a disposable razor for touch-ups.
Most establishments provide a hair dryer, whether in the room or in the Airbnb.
Minimize the First Aid Kit
I advocate for prevention regarding travel health and I always carry a well-stocked first aid kit in my carry-on baggage, but it is not necessary to bring the whole bottle of Tylenol.
Indeed, the primary purpose of the emergency kit is to help out; if you are missing medication, it is possible to find it almost anywhere.
These small pillboxes are great for organizing the medications in your kit; I indicate the name of the medication under each compartment and keep the instructions (dosage) on my phone.
Buy Certain Products Abroad
We mentioned earlier that there is a limit for liquids in carry-on baggage; for a family, it is often impossible to stay below 100 mL for sunscreens, for example.
Nothing stops you from buying them at your destination! Pharmacies, grocery stores, or the front desk of an all-inclusive are generally good places for these types of products. Indeed, most pharmacy products are available worldwide:
sunscreen
shampoo
soap
moisturizing cream
sanitary napkins
baby diapers
etc.
Maximize the Personal Item
On most major carriers, you are entitled to bring a « personal item » in addition to a carry-on bag. This bag should be smaller and easily stored under the seat in front of you; if it feels uncomfortable, it’s because it’s too wide according to the rules.
In this bag, I usually put all my electronic devices as well as toys and snacks for my baby; so, everything that is fragile or everything I need during the flight.
Traveling Light with a Baby
Most of the time, when a stroller is checked at the gate, it is returned to the parents at the aircraft exit. However, it sometimes happens that it is sent to the carousel with the other baggage.
Therefore, it is advisable to have a stroller that folds into a carry-on baggage size. This way, you can bring it on board with you; my spouse usually takes care of the stroller and the baby boards the plane with me in the baby carrier.
As for the car seat, you can also bring it on board and install it if your child has their own seat. Otherwise, public transportation is an excellent way to save money while traveling and allow us to travel with only carry-on baggage!
And what about sleeping? When traveling with a baby, it is easy to find accommodations with playpens or cribs; you just have to search accordingly.
How to Avoid Gate-Checking Your Carry-on Baggage?
Some aircraft do not have enough storage to accommodate everyone’s carry-on baggage, especially when the flight is full.
This is particularly common on certain regional aircraft (for example « CRJs » or some « Embraers »), where overhead bins are smaller and cannot always accommodate « standard size » carry-on suitcases. Even on larger aircraft, space may run out if many passengers are traveling with a carry-on, which sometimes leads to gate-checking some bags.
Admittedly, you are probably following the dimensions (and, if applicable, weight) indicated by the airline to the letter, but these rules remain general and there may be exceptions depending on the type of aircraft, cabin configuration, and available space.
Before getting upset, remember that not all planes are the same: on the same route, you might end up on a more spacious aircraft… or on a regional plane with more limited compartments.
Therefore, airlines cannot allocate different carry-on baggage sizes from one flight to another, especially since they are subject to change at any time. On a large aircraft, there will be more room, so you can choose your aircraft accordingly.
So, at the boarding gate, the agent may ask if there are volunteers to check their carry-on baggage for free, especially when space is limited. Depending on the procedure used, the baggage will either be sent to the final destination (to be picked up at the carousel) or returned at the gate upon arrival.
With the baggage delays and losses observed in recent years, it is normal to be reluctant to check a « carry-on. »
First, if you know in advance that your aircraft will be small (like the CRJ), it may be wise to opt for a soft duffel bag that is moldable compared to a hard-shell suitcase.
In addition, these cards offer generous welcome bonuses that can help you save on your next trip!
Then, you can politely refuse to check your carry-on baggage. However, if there are not enough volunteers and spaces, you will not have a choice between checking your carry-on (or not boarding the flight if you insist on not leaving your suitcase).
Finally, while waiting for your flight to board, stay away from the gate and the counter agent. The latter will circulate around the flight gate to find and tag carry-on baggage that must go in the hold. If the agent is satisfied with the number of carry-on bags checked, you stand a chance of not being intercepted during boarding.
Traveling only with carry-on baggage has many advantages. Mastering the art of cabin travel means adopting a thoughtful and strategic approach when preparing your belongings. By selecting versatile clothing, using effective storage accessories, and respecting airline rules, you will make your travels simpler and more enjoyable. These tips will help you travel more freely, with peace of mind, and fully enjoy your adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How to travel only with a carry-on or cabin baggage?
It’s just a matter of organizing and making choices about what you really need and what you can buy at your destination.
Is there a maximum weight for carry-on baggage?
On carriers like Air Canada and Air Transat, you must be able to lift your carry-on baggage yourself to store it in the overhead compartment. At Air Canada, no weight restriction is indicated for carry-on baggage, but it must remain light enough to be stored without assistance.
How many carry-on bags can we bring on the plane?
Usually, you can bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item, for example a handbag or a laptop bag.
Can we bring food in carry-on baggage?
Yes, no problem, but remember that spreadable foods (peanut butter, jams, Nutella, etc.) and liquid/semi-liquid foods like compotes count toward liquid restrictions.
Can we bring liquids in the carry-on or cabin baggage?
Yes, but you must respect the permitted limit of 100 mL per container and a total of 1 L.
Are children entitled to carry-on baggage too?
It depends on the airlines; you can usually bring a diaper bag for babies and each child over 2 years old is entitled to a bag. However, you should check with your carrier.
Can we bring milk and baby food in carry-on baggage?
Yes, it is possible to bring a reasonable amount of liquid and food when traveling with a baby under 2 years old.
How to board first to have room for carry-on baggage?
$2,000ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$2,000Total$2,000Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$2,000Total$2,000Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Limited Time Offer! Apply by December 1, 2019 to earn up to 60,000 Aeroplan Miles (equivalent to 2 business class short-haul roundtrip flight rewards)¹ as follows:
Welcome Bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan Miles when you make your first Purchase with your card¹.
+ Earn 2x miles on your purchases⁴,5 made using your Card for a total of up to 30,000 Aeroplan Miles, for first 3 months¹.
+ Earn 5,000 Aeroplan Miles when you add an Authorized User to your Account by December 1, 2019. Annual Fees for Authorized Users continue to apply¹.
Earn Aeroplan Miles with every purchase made on your Card and arrive at your dream destination sooner
Enjoy Air Canada®³ and Visa Infinite Privilege benefits⁴
Priority Check-in on Air Canada®³ flights
Priority Boarding on Air Canada®³ flights
First checked bag free on Air Canada®³ flights
Four annual One-Time Guest Passes to the Maple Leaf Lounge (when travelling on flight rewards)
50% discount on companion tickets for eligible Executive Class or Executive First fare (booking classes J & C) on tickets entirely operated by Air Canada®³ & Air Canada Express
Global Airport Lounge Access⁴
Visa Infinite Privilege* Airport Benefits⁴ at Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal-Trudeau International airports
An extensive suite of travel insurance
Earn 1.5 miles⁵ for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, gas, drugstore and Air Canada Purchases (excluding Air Canada Vacation packages) made with the Card (capped annually on the first $100,000 across these categories)
Earn 1.25 miles⁶ for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with the Card
Earn miles twice⁷ when you pay with your Card and present your Aeroplan Membership Number at participating partner brands and online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore
Your Aeroplan Miles don’t expire as long as you’re a TD Aeroplan Credit Cardholder
Sponsored advertising. The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on this TD credit card, please click the Apply Now button.
Fees / Rates / Eligibility
Type
Details
Personal annual income
-
Household annual income
$200,000
Purchase APR
19.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Interest Grace Period
21 days on all new purchases
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Foreign Transaction Rate
Annual Fee
$399
Authorized User Cards
$99
Balance Transfer Fee
Promotional Balance Transfer/ Cheque Fee: 3% of the amount of each Balance Transfer or TD Visa Cheque that we may offer to you at a promotional interest rate which is an interest rate that is lower than the regular annual interest rate that applies to Cash Advances on your Account. The Bank may waive or lower this 3% fee at the time the promotional interest rate offer is made to you. You will be advised of the exact fee that applies at the time the offer is made.
Cash Advance Fee
1% of the amount of the transaction (minimum fee of $3.50 up to a maximum fee of $10.00) (in Canada) or $5.00 (outside Canada), plus $3.00 at a PLUS* network ATM. (Fee does not apply to a Balance Transfer or TD Visa Cheque)
Foreign Currency Conversion Fee
2.50%
Over Credit Limit Fee
N/A
Disclaimer
Annual interest rates, fees and features are current as of June 19, 2017 unless otherwise indicated and subject to change.The Aeroplan Program is a coalition loyalty marketing program owned and operated by Aeroplan Inc. Visit aeroplan.com for complete terms and conditions of the Aeroplan Program. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates are not responsible for the Aeroplan Program.1 Must apply by December 1, 2019. Welcome Bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan Miles will be awarded to the Aeroplan Member account associated with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege* Card Account (“Account”) only after the first Purchase is made on the Account. Welcome Earn Bonus of 2x in Aeroplan Miles ("Welcome Earn Bonus") applies to new Account in the first 3 months of Account opening ("First 3 Months") to a maximum total collective miles of 30,000 ("Welcome Earn Bonus Cap") on all purchases charged to your ("Account"). During the Welcome Earn Bonus promotional period, 3 Aeroplan Miles are earned for each $1.00 in Purchases of eligible gas, groceries, drugstore, and aircanada.com products and services (excluding Air Canada Vacations packages, car rentals, hotel bookings, and other third party partner products and services that can be purchased through aircanada.com) charged to your Account and 2.5 Aeroplan Miles are earned for each $1.00 for all other Purchases charged to your Account. Any returned items, refunds, rebates or other similar credits on any Purchases made during the First 3 Months will reduce or cancel the Aeroplan Miles earned at the Welcome Earn Bonus on the original Purchase, as applicable. Welcome Earn Bonus Cap: Once the Welcome Earn Bonus Cap is reached, any further Purchases made in the First 3 Months will earn Aeroplan Miles at the regular 1.5 Bonus Aeroplan Miles that applies to each $1.00 in Purchases of eligible gas, groceries, drugstore, and aircanada.com products and services (excluding Air Canada Vacations packages, car rentals, hotel bookings, and other third party partner products and services that can be purchased through aircanada.com) and 1.25 Aeroplan Mile to each $1.00 to all other eligible Purchases. To receive the additional 5,000 Aeroplan Miles for adding an Authorized User to your Account ("Authorized User Bonus"), you must: (a) apply for an Account and add an Authorized User between September 4, 2019, and December 1, 2019; and (b) Authorized User must call and activate their Card by January 31, 2020. You can have a maximum of three (3) Authorized Users on your Account but you will only receive 1 (one) 5,000 Authorized User Bonus Aeroplan Miles offer. Annual Fee for each Authorized User Card added to the Account will apply. The Primary Cardholder is responsible for all charges to the Account, including those made by any Authorized User. Other conditions apply. Offers may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise specified. Welcome Bonus and 2x miles earned through Welcome Earn Bonus are not eligible for Aeroplan status. Your Account must be in good standing at the time bonus miles are awarded. Please allow 8 weeks after the conditions for each offer are fulfilled for the miles to be credited to your Aeroplan Member account.The number of Aeroplan Miles required for the destination is accurate as of September 4, 2019 and is subject to change at any time by Aeroplan Inc. According to Aeroplan's current reward chart, destinations reflect two short-haul Fixed Mileage Flight Reward® in Business Class departing from within Canada or the continental US (plus applicable fees and taxes). Fixed Mileage Flight Reward availability is capacity controlled and is subject to availability at time of booking as well as seasonality of demand. Aeroplan Flight Rewards are subject to taxes, landing and departure fees, and other charges and surcharges may apply. Aeroplan Partners, rules and regulations are subject to change without notice. For full details on Aeroplan's current reward chart, please visit aeroplan.com.2 Primary Cardholder remains liable for all charges to the Account, including those made by an Authorized User.3 All Air Canada benefits are fulfilled in whole or in part by Air Canada or its designated affiliates or other third parties, and are subject to change at any time. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates are not responsible for fulfilling these benefits. For more details about these benefits, please contact Air Canada directly. Air Canada Benefit Eligibility – Priority Travel Services : With the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, Air Canada benefits (the complimentary first checked bag, priority check in and priority boarding) apply whenever the Primary Cardholder travels on a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express banner. Flights operated by other airlines are not eligible. To access priority check-in and priority boarding, the Primary Cardholder must include their Aeroplan Number on their reservation at time of booking, or redeem their Aeroplan flight reward (defined as Fixed Mileage Flight Rewards® or Market Fare Flight Rewards®) using miles from their Aeroplan account. To access these benefits, the Primary Cardholder must also ensure that the name on the Air Canada flight booking is identical to the name on the Aeroplan account profile of the traveler. Where zonal boarding is available, the priority boarding status will be recognized by a Zone 2 descriptor for the Primary Cardholder and companions travelling on the same reservation checking-in at the same time, which will be displayed on the Air Canada issued boarding pass. Priority check-in may also be extended to companions travelling on the same reservation checking-in at the same time as the Primary Cardholder. To access priority check-in and priority boarding, the Primary Cardholder may be required to show their TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege* Card to the Air Canada agent. Please allow two (2) weeks from receiving your Card for these Air Canada benefits to be activated. The complimentary first checked bag , up to 23kg (50lb), applies whenever the Primary Cardholder travels on a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express banner. Flights operated by other airlines are not eligible. To access this benefit, the Primary Cardholder must include their Aeroplan Number on their reservation at time of booking, or redeem their Aeroplan flight reward (defined as Fixed Mileage Flight Rewards or Market Fare Flight Rewards) using miles from their Aeroplan account. To access this benefit, the Primary Cardholder must also ensure that the name on the Air Canada flight booking is identical to the name on the Aeroplan account profile of the traveler. The complimentary first checked bag applies solely to the Primary Cardholder, and service charges for additional/oversized/overweight baggage may apply. Applicable on flights that do not already offer a complimentary first checked bag. To access this benefit, the Primary Cardholder may be required to show their TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege * Card to the Air Canada agent. Please allow two (2) weeks from receiving your Card for these Air Canada benefits to be activated.The complimentary first checked bag, up to 23kg (50lb), applies whenever the Primary Cardholder travels on a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express banner. Flights operated by other airlines are not eligible. To access this benefit, the Primary Cardholder must include their Aeroplan Number on their reservation at time of booking, or redeem their Aeroplan flight reward (defined as Fixed Mileage Flight Rewards or Market Fare Flight Rewards) using miles from their Aeroplan account. To access this benefit, the Primary Cardholder must also ensure that the name on the Air Canada flight booking is identical to the name on the Aeroplan account profile of the traveler. The complimentary first checked bag applies solely to the Primary Cardholder, and service charges for additional/oversized/overweight baggage may apply. Applicable on flights that do not already offer a complimentary first checked bag. To access this benefit, the Primary Cardholder may be required to show their TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card to the Air Canada agent. Please allow two (2) weeks from receiving your Card for these Air Canada benefits to be activated.Air Canada Benefit Eligibility – Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time Guest Access Benefit : With the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the Primary Cardholder will receive four Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge™ One-Time Guest Access Benefits once every calendar year (January 1 - December 31). The Primary Cardholder may access an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge™, where available, upon presentation of an active TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card with a valid, same-day boarding pass for travel using an Aeroplan Flight Reward, only, on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express banner. To access this benefit, the Primary Cardholder must redeem their Aeroplan Flight Reward (defined as Fixed Mileage Flight Rewards® or Market Fare Flight Rewards®) with miles from their Aeroplan account. Each Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time Guest Access Benefit applies for a single entry during the calendar year for which it was provided by the Primary Cardholder only and cannot be carried forward to the next calendar year. As of November 2, 2015, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time Guest Access Benefits associated with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card may be used by a traveling companion, pending space availability, provided that the companion is booked on the same reservation as the eligible Primary Cardholder. Only applicable if the companion ticket is also redeemed using miles from the eligible Primary Cardholder’s Aeroplan account. Companion must be accompanied by the eligible Primary Cardholder who is using a One-Time Guest Access Benefit to access the same Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. The One-Time Guest Access Benefit may be extended to more than one companion at any given time, pending space availability, provided that the conditions above are met and that this does not exceed the maximum annual allotment of One-Time Guest Access Benefits. Additional conditions may apply and are outlined on aircanada.com/tdbenefits. Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access is subject to availability and all other terms and conditions located here that are subject to change at Air Canada’s sole discretion from time to time. Please allow two (2) weeks from receiving your Card for these Air Canada benefits to be in effect.Air Canada® Benefit Eligibility – 50% Discount on Companion Ticket : Upon the purchase from Air Canada of two (2) eligible Business Class (Flexible) fares for the Primary Cardholder and a companion (booking classes J, C, and D only) on tickets entirely operated by Air Canada or under the Air Canada Express banner, the Primary Cardholder will be eligible for a 50% discount on the companion ticket. Flights operated by other airlines, including Air Canada-marketed codeshare flights are not eligible. The 50% discount only applies on the published fare, and will not apply to any additional taxes, fees, charges or surcharges. This offer is available once every calendar year (January 1 – December 31) to each Primary Cardholder. The Primary Cardholder can only access the 50% discount each year when booking online at aircanada.com using that year’s promotional code. All travel must be completed by December 31 of the following year. Offer also applies to select Premium rouge bookings, where booking classes J, C, or D are available, on flights operated by Air Canada rouge to select destinations in Canada, the United States, or the Caribbean. Should you require assistance completing your 50% discount during your online booking, please contact Air Canada at 1-888-247-2262. Offer is non-transferable, and the companion Business Class ticket must be booked on the same reservation as the eligible Business Class (Flexible) booking by the Primary Cardholder. Please note that promotional codes apply to undiscounted published fares. Some of our previously discounted fares, while not eligible for the promotion, may be lower than the final price of the undiscounted fare to which the promotion applies.4 You must be an eligible Visa Infinite Privilege cardholder with a valid Visa Infinite Privilege Card to take advantage of the Visa Infinite Privilege benefits and services. Certain benefits and services require enrolment. Offers and benefits are non-transferable and discounts cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Neither Visa nor the Issuer of the card is responsible for any claims or damages arising from use of any benefits or services provided by a third party. Visa reserves the right to modify or cancel offers or benefits at any time and without notice. All offers, benefits and services made available through Visa are subject to complete terms and conditions, including third party suppliers’ terms and conditions (available at www.visainfinite.ca/privilege/terms.jsp). The Visa Infinite Privilege privacy policy (available at www.visainfinite.ca/privilege/privacy.jsp) applies to all benefits and services that require enrolment through, or are otherwise provided by, the Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge or the Visa Infinite Privilege website. The collection, use and disclosure of cardholders’ personal information by third party suppliers of services and benefits to Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders are subject to such third parties’ own privacy policies.5 1.5 Bonus Aeroplan Miles (“Bonus Rate”) are earned on each $1.00 in Purchases of gas, groceries or drugstore products/services charged to your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card Account (“Account”). This Bonus Rate is also earned on each $1.00 in Purchases from Air Canada charged to your Account for products and services completed online at aircanada.com, in-person at an Air Canada customer service counter at the airport or aboard an Air Canada flight. Excluded from the Bonus Rate are Air Canada Vacations packages, car rentals, hotel bookings, and other third party partner products and services that can be purchased through aircanada.com. Any returned items, refunds, rebates or other similar credits will reduce or cancel the Aeroplan Miles earned on the original Purchase. To earn this Bonus Rate, Purchases of gas, groceries, drugstore products/services and Air Canada Purchases must be made at merchants classified through the Visa* network with a Merchant Category Code (“MCC”) that identifies them in the “gas”, “grocery”, “drugstore” or “Air Canada” category. Some merchants may sell gas, groceries or drugstore products/services or Air Canada products/services, or have separate merchants located on their premises that also sell gas, groceries or drugstore products/services or Air Canada products/services, but may not be classified with a gas, grocery, drugstore or Air Canada MCC and such Purchases will not earn this Bonus Rate. If you have questions about the MCC that applies to a Purchase, contact TD at 1-800-983-8472. Bonus Rate is only available on the first $100,000 in net annual Purchases of gas, groceries, drugstore products/services and Air Canada Purchases made from January 1 to December 31 each year on your Account. Once the maximum net annual amount has been reached, Purchases of gas, groceries, drugstore products/services or Air Canada Purchases on the Account will not earn the Bonus Rate but will only earn Aeroplan Miles at the standard rate that applies to all other Purchases on the Account. This Bonus Rate offer is in place of, and not in addition to, the standard rate earned on all other Purchases made on your Account. Offer may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer.6 1.25 Aeroplan Miles are earned on each $1.00 in Purchases charged to your TD Aeroplan Credit Card Account (“Account”). Credit for returned items, refunds, rebates or other similar credits will reduce or cancel the Aeroplan Miles earned by the amount originally charged to your Account. Fees, Cash Advances (including Balance Transfers, Cash-Like Transactions and TD Visa Cheques), interest charges, optional services, refunds, rebates or other similar credits do not earn Aeroplan Miles. Please see the Aeroplan Terms for Your TD Credit Card section of the Cardholder Agreement for complete details on Aeroplan Miles earned on Purchases (a copy of your Cardholder Agreement is available at http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/tdvisa/agreements ).7 The Toronto-Dominion Bank is not responsible for any Aeroplan Miles under this “earn miles twice” feature of the Aeroplan Program when the Aeroplan Membership Card is presented. See your Aeroplan Program for full details. Feature may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer.For full details on hotel accommodation and car rental booked with Aeroplan Travel Services, please visit aeroplan.com.All trade-marks are the property of their respective owners.* Trademark of Visa Int., used under license.TM Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is a trademark of Air Canada, used under license.® Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge and the Air Canada Maple Leaf logo are registered trademarks of Air Canada, used under license.® Air Canada is a registered trademark of Air Canada, used under license.® Fixed Mileage Flight Rewards and Market Fare Flight Rewards are registered trademarks of Aimia Canada Inc.Aeroplan® and the Aeroplan logo are registered trademarks of Aeroplan Inc.The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
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†Terms and conditions apply.
With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Card, you can earn up to 100,000 Aeroplan points† with a tiered welcome offer.
This card also offers premium travel benefits, including:
A partial rebate on NEXUS program application fees (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder) every 48 months†
Unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges†, with complimentary access for one guest
6 complimentary visits per year to select international airport lounges through the Visa Airport Companion Program† presented by DragonPass International Ltd.
First checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation when travel begins with an Air Canada flight†
With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Card, you earn:
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1.5 points† per dollar on eligible purchases of gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel, public transit and dining
1.25 points† per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Annual fee
Primary card$599
Additional card$199
Annual income required
Individual$150,000
Household$200,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
2xAir Canada flights
1.5xRestaurants
1.5xGroceries
1.5xTravel
1.5xTransit
1.5xGas & EV
1.25xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$2,334
2nd Year Value$461
Card benefits
Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Aline, an experienced traveler and avid photographer, is an Avgeek, a foodie at heart and a mother to two children. An expert in credit cards & rewards programs, including Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, American Express Membership Rewards, CIBC Aventura, and RBC Avion, she uses points to travel affordably and save in daily life. Having explored all 7 continents and 83 countries, Aline shares her travel passion and insights to help others make the most of loyalty programs.
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