Air Canada · Bags & fees
Air Canada bags, fees & check-in
What you'll actually pay to fly Air Canada: checked and carry-on bags, weight and size limits, the Economy Basic carry-on rule, change fees and check-in deadlines. Fees are shown in USD, with the most detail on the US-Canada routes where most cross-border travelers fly.
Unless noted, figures are for US-originating transborder economy (US-Canada), Economy Standard fare, per bag, stated in USD. Air Canada quotes the same numbers in CAD on its Canadian site. Economy Basic carries no free checked bag, Aeroplan Elite status and co-branded cards change these numbers, and each exception is flagged below.
Checked bag fees
Air Canada's checked-bag fees depend on the region you're flying and your fare. On US-Canada transborder routes, Economy Basic and Standard fares don't include a free checked bag, so you pay per bag, while Comfort, Flex and Latitude include one or two. Routes beyond North America carry their own economy allowances, shown in the International tab. Fees are billed in USD on US-originating travel; Air Canada raised transborder fees on April 13, 2026.
| Bag (US-Canada economy) | Economy Basic / Standard | Flex | Comfort / Latitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | $45 | Free | Free |
| 2nd checked bag | $60 | $60 | Free |
| 3rd+ checked bag | $100+ | $100+ | $100+ |
Fees shown are for transborder US-Canada economy and apply each way, before taxes. Flex includes the first bag free, Comfort and Latitude include two. Within-US segments on Air Canada and flights beyond North America follow different allowances, so confirm your exact itinerary at booking.
Standard allowance is up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm) in economy. Heavier or larger bags add the surcharges in the next section. Premium Economy and Business each include two free bags at up to 70 lbs (32 kg).
Carry-on & personal item
Most fares include one free carry-on plus one free personal item. The key exception is Economy Basic on North American routes, covered in the callout. Your carry-on must fit the sizer including handles and wheels.
On Economy Basic tickets bought on or after January 3, 2025, flights within Canada and between Canada and the US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean include a personal item only, no standard carry-on. If you need the overhead bin, book Economy Standard or higher. Aeroplan Elite members keep their carry-on regardless of fare.
Overweight & oversize fees
These surcharges apply to bags over the standard weight or size on North American routes. If a bag is both overweight and oversize, Air Canada charges only the single higher fee rather than stacking both.
| Bag exceeds | Surcharge (each way) |
|---|---|
| 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg), overweight | $100-$120 |
| Over 70 lbs (32 kg) | Not accepted |
| 63-115 linear in (158-292 cm), oversize | $100-$120 |
| Over 115 linear in (292 cm) | Not accepted |
Surcharge is in addition to any per-bag fee. The exact figure varies by route within North America, so it is shown as a range. Bags over 70 lbs or 115 linear inches are not accepted as checked baggage.
Basic Economy rules
Air Canada calls its cheapest fare Economy Basic. It gives up the carry-on, seat selection and any changes. If you need a full-size carry-on or a checked bag, Economy Standard is usually the better value once you add the fees back.
| What you get | Economy Basic | Economy Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | Free | Free |
| Full-size carry-on | Not included | Free |
| 1st checked bag (transborder) | $45 | $45 |
| Advance seat selection | Not allowed | Paid |
| Flight changes | Not allowed | Fee + fare diff. |
The no-carry-on rule applies to Economy Basic on flights within Canada and between Canada and the US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Aeroplan Elite and Star Alliance Gold members keep the carry-on on Basic.
Changes, cancellations & seats
Air Canada charges no change fee on Flex and higher economy fares, where you pay only the fare difference. Economy Basic cannot be changed at all, and Economy Standard still carries a change fee.
| Fare | Change fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Basic | Not allowed | Non-changeable, non-refundable |
| Economy Standard | Fee + fare diff. | ~$100 CAD on transborder, higher long-haul |
| Economy Flex | $0 + fare diff. | No change fee, pay fare difference |
| Comfort / Latitude | $0 + fare diff. | No change fee; Latitude is refundable |
Every change still includes the fare difference between your original ticket and the new flight. Same-day options and refund rules vary by fare; confirm the rules attached to your specific ticket.
Check-in & bag-drop deadlines
Air Canada standardized its cutoffs in 2024. Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure on every flight type, and missing it can mean a denied boarding. Bag drop closes a little earlier on some routes.
| Flight type | Check-in closes | Bag drop closes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (within Canada) | 60 min before | 45 min before |
| Transborder (US-Canada) | 60 min before | 60 min before |
| International | 60 min before | 60 min before |
Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Airport bag drop typically opens up to 4 hours ahead. A few airports keep earlier cutoffs, so check your departure airport.
Onboard experience
Air Canada is in the middle of a fleet modernization, so the seat and screen you get depends on the aircraft. Newer North American jets carry free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members and seatback screens at every seat.
| Cabin | Notable |
|---|---|
| Economy | Standard seat, personal screen on most aircraft, free non-alcoholic drinks. |
| Premium Economy | Wider seat, more recline and legroom, two free checked bags, upgraded meal. |
| Business (Signature on long-haul) | Lie-flat on long-haul, direct-aisle access, two free checked bags, lounge access. |
Cabin layout varies by aircraft. Air Canada's 2026 North American refit adds reclinable seats and personal screens across the narrowbody fleet.
Where Air Canada flies
Air Canada is Canada's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, so US travelers connect through its Canadian hubs to reach much of the world. Most US-Canada itineraries route through Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver.
Best time to fly Air Canada
These are seasonal patterns, not bookable fares. Sign in to search live Air Canada fares for your exact dates.
These are typical seasonal patterns for US-Canada travel and vary by city pair. They are planning guidance, not bookable prices.
How to skip the fees
Air Canada baggage FAQ
Book Air Canada on Dyme
Book any Air Canada flight. Earn Reward Miles. Reduce Emissions by supporting clean energy.
Dyme members book Air Canada and 600+ other airlines, earn a Mile on every dollar, and fund new clean energy with each trip.
Book Now