Baggage | Air Canada Flight Status

Carry-on Baggage

Not sure what you can bring on board with you? Take the guesswork out of packing by reviewing our carry-on guidelines.

For starters, you can bring:

Regardless of your destination, you can bring 1 standard article + 1 personal article.*

Standard Article

Personal Article

Maximum dimensions include wheels and handles.
Although no weight limit applies to carry-on baggage, your bag must be light enough that you can store it in the overhead bin unassisted.
Please place the personal item we have identified with a white tag under the seat in front of you

* If you’re travelling with an infant on your lap, you can bring 1 additional standard article for your child’s belongings.
Important: All carry-on baggage rules are strictly enforced. All bags that do not respect maximum sizes will need to be checked, and additional checked baggage charges may apply.

Examples of standard or personal articles (as determined by their size)

Carry-on bag, roller bag, backpack, briefcase, laptop

Sport racquet (e.g. tennis, squash, badminton), musical instrument

Cat or small dog in its carrier

Camera bag, diplomatic or consular bag

Airport shopping and duty-free purchases

Garment bag (size and weight restrictions apply)

Restricted and prohibited items

While specific restrictions apply to the transport of some items, other items cannot be brought onto the plane at all. We’ve provided a partial list on our Restricted and Prohibited Items page.

For a complete list, always refer to the Canadian Air Transport Security AuthorityExternal site which may not meet accessibility guidelines. (CATSA) website.

Star Alliance or other airline partners

If you’re travelling with another airline partner, you may be subject to the baggage policy and other rules of the airline operating the first flight in your itinerary.

Star Alliance Gold members travelling across two or more-member carriers are entitled to two carry-on baggage items. Please refer to illustrations indicated above for dimensions on Air Canada flights.

Automated carry-on baggage sizers

To ensure that your carry-on baggage will fit onboard, we have introduced automated carry-on baggage sizers pre-security in the Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR) airports. These new, touchless machines are easier and faster to use than the metal sizers. Please make sure that your carry-on bag complies with the sizing outlined above to avoid having to check your carry-on bag at the airport. Note that any non-compliant baggage will be assessed and is subject to applicable baggage fees.

Liquids and Gels

Always purchase liquids after you’ve passed the security checkpoint.

If you travel with liquids or gels in containers over 100mL/100g (3.4oz) in your carry-on baggage you will have these items confiscated at the security checkpoint.
If you have a connecting flight you’re advised not to purchase liquids or gels in containers over 100 mL / 100 g (3.4 oz) within the secure area at the airport or on board the aircraft if you don’t have:
- Access to your checked baggage between connecting flights and
- Room in your checked baggage to pack your duty-free purchases before rechecking your bags for your next flight.
You cannot consume your own alcoholic beverages on board.

The Canadian Air Transport Security AuthorityExternal site which may not meet accessibility guidelines.(CATSA) website has detailed information on liquids and gels.

Liquids and Gels

Here are examples of other items you can bring on board in addition to your carry-on allowance

Coat or other outer garment
Small purse measuring no more than 25cm x 30cm x 14cm (10in x 12in x 5.5 in)
- Larger purses will be included in your carry-on allowance.
Infant care item (e.g. diaper bag)
Stroller – collapsed diameter can’t exceed 25.5 cm (10 in) and length can’t exceed 92 cm (36 in)
Child restraint device (if a seat has been purchased for your child)
Snacks or food to eat on board:
- All food must be wrapped or in a container.
- You cannot consume your own alcoholic beverages on board.
Smoking accessories:
- One book of matches per passenger
- Butane (Bic-type) lighters, which are the only lighters accepted past U.S. pre-clearance checkpoints for departures from the U.S.
- Electronic cigarettes (or ‘e-cigarettes’), provided they remain stowed and unused in your carry-on baggage.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

While specific restrictions apply to the transport of some items, other items cannot be brought onto the plane at all.

Please refer to the links below to see what you can and can’t bring in your carry-on and checked baggage.

You can also find essential information on the Canadian Air Transport Security AuthorityOpens in New WindowExternal site which may not meet accessibility guidelines. (CATSA) website.

Common Items

Batteries and Personal Electronic Devices

Battery-powered vehicles and devices

Camping Equipment

Curling Irons and Lighters

Dry Ice, Brine or Gel / Ice Packs

Liquids and Gels (including aerosols, toiletries and alcoholic beverages)

MREs (Meals, Ready-to-eat)

Oxygen for Medical Purposes

Powder (including baby powder, dry shampoo and powder detergent)

Other Restricted or Prohibited Items

Air Purifiers and Ionizers

Avalanche Rescue Backpacks

Compressed Gas / Cylinders

Corrosive and Oxidizing Materials

Defence / Incapacitating Sprays

Explosives / Flammable Liquids and Solids

Firearms and Ammunition

Fuel-powered Equipment

Paint

Poisons/Toxins

Radioactive Materials

Smart Bags

Travel to Other Countries

Canada’s policy on restricted and prohibited items may vary from that of other countries. Travellers are urged to check with their local airport operator before travelling.

Travel to, from or via the U.S. or the U.K.:

For restrictions that apply to travellers departing from the United States or the United Kingdom, visit:

Travel to European Union countries:

Passengers travelling to European Union (EU) countries are asked to take note of strict regulations that apply to the importation of restricted products such as meat and milk products for personal consumption.

Certain meat and milk products, e.g. powdered infant formula, infant food and special foods required for medical reasons are allowed to enter the EU provided:

the product does not require refrigeration before consumption;
it is a packaged registered trademark or proprietary brand product;
the packaging is intact.

Passengers wishing to bring other types of meat or milk products into the EU must:

obtain, prior to travel, all necessary documentation from official veterinary services of the country from which they are travelling (the documents must state that the goods conform to all requirements for entry into the EU);
declare all such goods and present related documentation upon arrival at an authorized EU border inspection post for veterinary control.

All meat and milk products that do not conform to applicable regulations will be confiscated and disposed of at the EU border inspection post. Failure to declare meat and milk products may result in a fine or criminal prosecution.

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