Skip to content

AC · Canada · Full-service

Air Canada Carry-On Size 2026 55 x 40 x 23 cm

By Caden SorensonVerified Nov 2026Sourced from the official Air Canada policy

Exact Air Canada carry-on dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

ShareXFBPinRedditHN
On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. Air Canada dimensions
  3. Weight limit
  4. Carry-on fee
  5. Bag fit matrix
  6. Fare class breakdown
  7. Overhead bin size
  8. What counts as a personal item
  9. Common mistakes
  10. Gate-check process
  11. vs WestJet
  12. Checked bag fees
  13. Special items
  14. Basic economy
  15. FAQ
  16. Sources

Quick answer

Air Canada carry-on bags can be up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9"), with no published weight limit, and no carry-on fee except on the Economy Basic fare, which includes a personal item only on some routes.

  • Carry-on size: up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9")
  • Weight limit: no published weight limit
  • Carry-on fee: free except on the Economy Basic fare (personal item only on some routes)
  • Personal item: up to 43 x 33 x 16 cm (17 x 13 x 6"), free on every fare
  • Gate-check risk: Low
  • Last verified: Nov 2026
Air Canada carry-on maximum size, 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches)55 cm (21.5")23 cm (9")40 cm(15.5")LHW
Air Canada maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (cm)
55 x 40 x 23 cm
Max dimensions (in)
21.5 x 15.5 x 9"
Weight limit
No published limit
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Low

One standard carry-on plus one personal item are included on Economy Standard and above. Economy Basic on intra-Canada, US, Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean routes (tickets purchased on or after January 3, 2025) is restricted to a personal item only; Basic passengers connecting onward to an international destination keep the standard carry-on. Air Canada publishes no carry-on weight limit, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (cm)
43 x 33 x 16 cm
Max dimensions (in)
17 x 13 x 6"
Included
Yes, free
Weight
Not published

Laptop bag, purse, or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.

See checked bag fees & more

Does your bag fit on Air Canada?

Check it against every airline

Alliance and loyalty

Alliance
Star Alliance
Loyalty program
Aeroplan
Official partner airlines

Air Canada cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum Air Canada carry-on size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm, or 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches as Air Canada publishes it. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can go over if its wheels push the total past 55 cm. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

Air Canada carry-on weight limit

Air Canada does not publish a specific carry-on weight limit. Our guidance: pack it light enough that you can lift the bag into the overhead bin yourself.

Does Air Canada charge for carry-on bags?

No. Air Canada includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on every fare except the Economy Basic fare, which includes a personal item only on some routes. Check your specific fare rules before you book.

What bags fit as an Air Canada personal item

Common bag types compared against the Air Canada personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag typeTypical sizeOn Air Canada
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
18 x 13 x 8"Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
15 x 14 x 5"Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
16 x 12 x 4"Fits
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
18 x 11 x 11"Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
12 x 10 x 5"Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
16 x 14 x 8"Too big

Air Canada carry-on by fare class

FareCarry-onPersonal itemNotes
Economy BasicNot includedIncludedAs of January 3, 2025, Basic fares within Canada and to or from the US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean allow only one personal item. No standard carry-on.
Economy StandardIncludedIncludedStandard one carry-on plus personal item.
Economy ComfortIncludedIncludedCarry-on included plus added flexibility.
Economy FlexIncludedIncludedFully flexible economy with carry-on included.
Economy LatitudeIncludedIncludedHighest flexibility tier in economy; carry-on included.
Premium EconomyIncludedIncludedSeparate cabin on widebodies with priority boarding.
BusinessIncludedIncludedSignature Class on widebodies with priority overhead access.

Air Canada overhead bin size by aircraft

Air Canada's mainline fleet includes A220s, A320-family jets, 737 MAX 8s, 787s and 777s, all with overhead bins sized for the published 55 by 40 by 23 cm carry-on. Air Canada does not set a fixed carry-on weight but requires that you can lift the bag into the bin without help.

What counts as a personal item on Air Canada

Allowed

  • Backpack up to 43 by 33 by 16 cm (17 by 13 by 6 in)
  • Laptop bag or briefcase
  • Purse or small tote
  • Diaper bag when traveling with an infant

Counts as a second carry-on

  • Standard rollerboards that exceed 43 by 33 by 16 cm
  • Deep duffels that will not slide fully under the seat

Common Air Canada carry-on mistakes

  • Booking Economy Basic on a North American route and arriving at the gate with a rollerboard, then being forced to check it.
  • Measuring only the bag body and forgetting that wheels and handles count toward the 55 by 40 by 23 cm limit.

What happens if your bag does not fit on Air Canada

Economy Basic passengers on North American routes who arrive with a rollerboard will be sent back to check it, usually for the standard checked bag fee. On flights with full bins, remaining carry-ons are tagged at the door and returned at the arrival gate or baggage claim.

Air Canada vs WestJet carry-on

Air Canada and WestJet publish nearly identical carry-on dimensions, 55 by 40 by 23 cm for the main bag, but the fare-class rules diverge at the bottom. Air Canada Economy Basic on flights within Canada and to or from the US now allows only a personal item, while WestJet's UltraBasic also restricts you to a personal item on most North American routes, with a carve-out for Europe and Asia. The personal item sizes differ: Air Canada allows 43 by 33 by 16 cm versus WestJet's 41 by 33 by 15 cm, so an Air Canada-sized personal item is slightly deeper. Neither publishes a fixed carry-on weight; Air Canada only requires that you can lift the bag into the bin.

See WestJet carry-on size
Air Canada checked baggage fees
Domestic economy
1st bag$45
2nd bag$60
Long-haul / international
1st bag$90
Weight limit50 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lb$100
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 in$100

Economy Basic and Standard fares pay CA/US$45 for the first bag and CA/US$60 for the second within Canada and to or from the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America (fares bought from April 13, 2026); Economy Flex includes the first bag. On flights to Europe, Africa, Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East and South America, Standard and Flex fares include 1 free checked bag, while Economy Basic pays CA/US$90 for the first bag and CA/US$120 for the second (fares bought from May 14, 2026). Fees exclude taxes. Overweight bags (50 to 70 lb) or oversized bags (63 to 115 in) cost from US$100 each (up to US$120 with taxes), charged once for a bag that is both; overweight bags are accepted only up to 70 lb (32 kg). Aeroplan Elite Status members get 1 additional free bag, and Aeroplan credit cardholders get a free first checked bag.

Ways to skip the Air Canada checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Air Canada carry-on size.
  2. Check your Aeroplan status. See whether your tier includes a free checked bag on Air Canada.
Air Canada special items & sports equipment
Ski / snowboard
As a checked bagsee details below
Golf clubs
As a checked bagsee details below
Bicycle
$50varies by route
Pet in cabin
$50varies by route
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within the allowance.

Ski, snowboard, and golf equipment count as standard checked bags on Air Canada. A bicycle counts as one checked bag plus a CA/US $50-60 fee each way, waived on Business, Premium Economy and Latitude fares within Canada and Canada/U.S., and for military members. Pet-in-cabin fee is CA/US $50-60 one way within Canada and the US, and $100-120 internationally. Carriers must be soft-sided; maximum carrier size depends on aircraft (for example 40 x 43 x 20 cm on most mainline jets, 40 x 55 x 27 cm on regional aircraft). A seat for a musical instrument is 50% off any published fare, up to 162.5 cm and 36 kg.

Air Canada basic economy restrictions
Economy BasicAir Canada's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
No
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
$45
  • Personal item only on intra-Canada, US (incl Hawaii and Puerto Rico), Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean routes for tickets purchased on or after January 3, 2025
  • Full carry-on restored when connecting onward to an international destination on the same Economy Basic ticket
  • Carry-on remains permitted for Aeroplan Elite Status, Star Alliance Gold, Aeroplan Premium credit cardholders, and (until November 30, 2026) Aeroplan Core credit cardholders and pre-Jan-3-2025 bookings
  • No free checked bag: CA/US$45 for the first bag on North America and sun routes, and CA/US$90 on long-haul international routes (Africa, Asia/South Pacific, Europe, Middle East, South America) for tickets bought on or after May 14, 2026
  • Seat selection costs extra
  • No changes
  • No Aeroplan Status Qualifying Miles

Frequently asked questions

What is the Air Canada carry-on size limit?

Air Canada allows carry-on bags up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9"), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. There is no published weight limit.

What are the Air Canada carry-on dimensions in cm?

The Air Canada carry-on size limit in centimeters is 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Air Canada publishes the inch size as 21.5 x 15.5 x 9". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the Air Canada hand luggage allowance?

Air Canada hand luggage (the cabin bag that goes in the overhead bin) can measure up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm. A personal item that fits under the seat is included on every fare.

What is the Air Canada carry-on weight limit?

Air Canada does not publish a carry-on weight limit. Our guidance: pack it light enough that you can lift the bag into the overhead bin yourself.

Does Air Canada charge for carry-on bags?

No. Air Canada includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on every fare except the Economy Basic fare, which includes a personal item only on some routes.

What is the Air Canada personal item size?

The personal item on Air Canada must fit within 43 x 33 x 16 cm (17 x 13 x 6") and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Laptop bag, purse, or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Air Canada?

Our guidance rates the gate-check risk on Air Canada as Low. It is our own rating, not a figure Air Canada publishes. Overhead bin space is usually sufficient on full flights.

Can I bring a carry-on on Air Canada Economy Basic?

It depends on the route. Personal item only on intra-Canada, US (incl Hawaii and Puerto Rico), Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean routes for tickets purchased on or after January 3, 2025. Full carry-on restored when connecting onward to an international destination on the same Economy Basic ticket.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as an Air Canada carry-on?

No. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm) is over the Air Canada limit of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9"). Longest side 55.9 cm, limit 55 cm: 0.9 cm over. Choose a bag within the limit, measured with wheels and handles.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on Air Canada?

Only a small one. A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) is larger than the Air Canada personal item limit of 43 x 33 x 16 cm (17 x 13 x 6"). A backpack within that limit counts as the personal item, and a bigger one counts as the carry-on.

Is there a weight limit for personal items on Air Canada?

Air Canada does not publish a weight limit for personal items. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, within 43 x 33 x 16 cm (17 x 13 x 6"). Air Canada says no weight limit applies to carry-on baggage, as long as you can lift it into the overhead bin yourself.

How much does a checked bag cost on Air Canada?

The first checked bag on Air Canada costs $45 within Canada and to or from the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. A second bag costs $60 within Canada and to or from the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

What are the Air Canada overweight and oversize bag fees?

Air Canada charges $100 for bags weighing 51 to 70 lb and $100 for bags measuring 63 to 80 linear inches. Bags over 100 lb or 80 inches are generally refused.

Flying Air Canada out of these airports?

Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Air Canada hubs and focus cities.

Air Canada head-to-head comparisons

In-depth comparisons between Air Canada and another carrier, covering bags, seats, on-time performance, routes, and loyalty.

Sources

Facts, costs, and travel details in this carry-on guide were verified against the following sources. See our research methodology for how we vet and update data.

If a figure looks wrong, email hello@vient.org, see how we handle corrections, or browse past fixes in our public changelog.

Helpful guides

Gear, tactics, and packing help for your Air Canada flight.

Compare other airlines