How Air Canada baggage fees are calculated and how to get them for free
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For an Air Canada ticket purchased from April 13, 2026, the first checked bag costs $45 before taxes in Basic or Standard Economy on flights within Canada and to the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean (on other international flights, since May 14, 2026: $90 on Basic fares, first bag free on Standard and Flex). An Aeroplan credit card lets you avoid this fee entirely.
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.
What are the Air Canada baggage charges ?
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:
- Maximum weight per bag: 23 kilograms (50 lb) in economy class, 32 kg (70 lb) in business class
- Maximum linear dimensions: 158 cm (62 in), calculated by adding height, width and length (including wheels and handles)
- Overweight baggage (between 23 and 32 kg): additional fees apply
- Oversized baggage (between 158 and 292 cm): additional fees apply
Fees for checked baggage vary depending on your fare class, destination and ticket purchase date.
New rates: tickets purchased from April 13, 2026
Here are Air Canada’s baggage fees before taxes, for a one-way trip, for tickets purchased from April 13, 2026:
| Trip | Basic and Standard Rates | Flex | Comfort, Latitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Canada | 1st: $45 2nd: $60 | 1st: Free 2nd: $60 | Comfort: 1st free, 2nd: $50 – Latitude: two bags included |
| Between Canada and the United States | 1st: $45 2nd: $60 | 1st: Free 2nd: $60 | Comfort: 1st free, 2nd: $50 – Latitude: two bags included |
| Between Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean | 1st: $45 2nd: $60 | 1st: Free 2nd: $60 | Comfort: 1st free, 2nd: $50 – Latitude: two bags included |
| Other International flights | Basic (and Aeroplan Standard rewards): 1st: $90, 2nd: $120 Standard: 1st: free, 2nd: $120 | 1st: Free 2nd: $120 | Two bags included |
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.
Baggage Allowance by Fare Class
Your allowance depends directly on the fare you booked. Here is a summary for passengers without Aeroplan Elite status or co-branded credit card:
| Fare classes | Checked Baggage Included |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | None |
| Standard Economy | None (except international flights outside of the U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, Central America) |
| Flexible Economy | 1 bag |
| Comfort Economy | 1 bag (2nd: $50 within Canada and to the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America) |
| Latitude Economy | 2 bags |
| Premium Economy | 2 bags |
| Business Class | 2 bags (32 kg each) |
Carry-on Baggage: What’s Changing
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:
- Aeroplan Elite members: permanently exempt, regardless of status level
- Star Alliance Gold members: same exemption as Elite members
- Aeroplan premium card holders ($599/year): permanent exemption
- Aeroplan basic card holders: temporary exemption until November 30, 2026
Carry-on Baggage Dimensions
| Type | Height | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard item (carry-on bag) | 55 cm (21.5 in) | 40 cm (15.5 in) | 23 cm (9 in) |
| Personal item | 33 cm (13 in) | 43 cm (17 in) | 16 cm (6 in) |
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.
With Air Canada Vacations
The 1st checked bag is free per person, when you purchase a package with Air Canada Vacations for:
- Mexico
- the Caribbean
- Central America
- Canada
- Europe
- and the United States
How to pay for your luggage
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.
How to get a free baggage with Air Canada
Strategy #1: hold an Aeroplan credit card
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.
Basic Aeroplan cards ($120 to $139 annual fee)
TD Visa Infinite Card Aeroplan
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is one of our favorite Aeroplan cards. It regularly offers:
- a generous welcome bonus in Aeroplan Points,
- a rebate on the annual fee in the first year,
- as well as a rebate on NEXUS membership fees and excellent travel insurance.
Its big sister, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is more expensive, but it adds privileges that transform your airport experience:
- Priority check-in to skip the line at the counter
- Priority boarding in Zone 2, in order to be among the first people to enter the plane
- Receive your luggage first on the carousel upon arrival
- Expedited screening at security checkpoints in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Montreal-Trudeau
- Relax with free entries to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $599 | |||
| $0 |
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
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.
The American Express Aeroplan Card
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.
Premium Aeroplan cards ($599 annual fee)
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
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 Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
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 Aeroplan Reserve Card
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.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $599 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $599 |
How to get your free bag with Air Canada?
To benefit from your first free bag thanks to your Aeroplan card, here are the steps to follow:
- Simply link your Aeroplan credit card to your Aeroplan account on the Air Canada website: ensure that your Aeroplan number is associated with your credit card.
- Enter your Aeroplan number when booking: when purchasing your Air Canada ticket, add your Aeroplan number to the reservation.
- Add other travelers to the same reservation: the up to 8 companions must appear on the same booking record as you.
- Check in normally: online, on the app, or at the airport. The first bag will be automatically free for you and your companions.
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.
Strategy #2: choose the right fare
Sometimes paying a higher fare costs less than adding baggage fees. Example on a Toronto-Vancouver flight:
| Option | Ticket Price | Baggage Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy + 1 bag | $260 | $45 | $305 |
| Flexible Economy (1 bag included) | $418 | $0 | $418 |
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.
Strategy #3: obtain Aeroplan Elite status
Aeroplan Elite status offers progressive baggage benefits. Since February 1, 2026:
| Status Level | Free checked baggage | Weight per bag |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan 25K | 2 bags | 23 kg each |
| Aeroplan 35K | 2 bags | 23 kg each |
| Aeroplan 50K | 2 bags | 32 kg each |
| Aeroplan 75K | 3 bags | 32 kg each |
| Super Elite | 3 bags | 32 kg each |
These benefits also apply to your travel companions on the same reservation, in addition to those offered by your Aeroplan credit card.
Special Equipment
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.
To compare Air Canada, WestJet, Porter and Flair fees for a bike, skis, golf clubs or a hockey bag, see our guide to flying with sports equipment in Canada.
Bottom Line
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Air Canada’s baggage fees changed recently?
Yes. As of April 13, 2026, the new rates apply to any ticket purchased on or after that date. Tickets purchased before April 13, 2026, are subject to the previous rates.
How much does the first checked bag cost on Air Canada?
In Basic Economy or Standard fares, the first bag costs $45 before taxes (approximately $47.25 including taxes) on flights within Canada, to the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
How can you get your first bag free on Air Canada?
By holding an Aeroplan credit card and having your Aeroplan number on the booking. The benefit extends to up to 8 companions on the same reservation.
Is the first bag free with Air Canada Vacations?
Yes. All travellers who book a package with Air Canada Vacations receive the first bag free, regardless of destination.
What is the weight limit for a checked bag on Air Canada?
The maximum weight is 23 kg (50 lb), and the maximum linear dimensions are 158 cm (62 in).
What are the personal item and carry-on size limits on Air Canada?
The personal item must not exceed 33 cm x 43 cm x 16 cm (13 x 17 x 6 in). The standard carry-on bag is limited to 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in). Each passenger may bring both.
Does an Air Canada ticket booked with Aeroplan points include a carry-on bag?
Yes, for now. The Basic fare is simply not offered when you book a flight reward with Aeroplan points: economy rewards start at the Standard level, which always includes a carry-on bag in addition to the personal item. The restriction only applies to Economy Basic tickets paid in cash and purchased on or after January 3, 2025 (flights within Canada, to the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean). That said, Aeroplan could eventually add a Basic fare to its rewards. In that case, the rule would follow the fare booked, not the payment method. To earn more points, check out our best Aeroplan credit cards.
