Canadian Airline Baggage Rules & Fees
Every airline has different rules and they all hope you will not notice until you are at the gate. Aunt Tia keeps track so you do not get surprised — or charged.
"The airline does not care that you did not know. They will charge you anyway, smile while doing it, and offer you a credit card to soften the blow. Know the rules before you pack."
Quick Comparison
Here is how the major Canadian airlines compare at a glance. Scroll down for full details on each airline.
| Airline | Personal Item | Carry-On | 1st Checked Bag | 2nd Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Free | Free (most fares) | $35–$75 | $50–$100 |
| WestJet | Free | Free (most fares) | $35–$65 | $55–$85 |
| Porter | Free | Free | Free (most fares) | $50+ |
| Flair | Free (small) | $29–$79 | $39–$99 | $49–$99 |
| Swoop | Free (small) | $26–$65 | $36–$80 | $46–$85 |
Fees Change Frequently
Baggage fees change constantly and vary by route, fare class, and whether you pay online vs at the airport. Always check the airline's website before your flight. Airport fees are always higher than pre-paid fees.
Air Canada
Air Canada Baggage Allowance
- Basic fares — personal item only. Carry-on costs extra
- Standard/Flex fares — personal item + carry-on included
- Comfort/Latitude fares — personal item + carry-on + 1 checked bag
- Business Class — personal item + carry-on + 2 checked bags included
- Aeroplan status members get additional free bags
- Overweight (23–32 kg): $100 fee · Over 32 kg: not accepted
- Sports equipment has separate rules and fees
WestJet
WestJet Baggage Allowance
- Econo Basic — personal item only
- Econo — personal item + carry-on included
- EconoFlex / Premium — personal item + carry-on + 1 checked bag
- Business — personal item + carry-on + 2 checked bags
- WestJet Rewards members may receive baggage discounts
- Overweight (23–32 kg): $75–$100 fee · Over 32 kg: not accepted
Porter Airlines
Porter Baggage Allowance
- Basic fare — personal item + carry-on only
- Standard/Flexible fares — personal item + carry-on + 1 checked bag free
- Business Class — personal item + carry-on + 2 checked bags free
- Porter is consistently the most generous with included baggage
- Complimentary snacks and beverages on all flights
- No fees for seat selection on most fares
Aunt Tia's Porter Tip
Porter is genuinely the most generous airline for included baggage in Canada. If your route is available on Porter, the included checked bag often makes up for any fare difference versus Flair or Swoop. Do the math before booking the cheapest option.
Flair Airlines
Flair Baggage Allowance
- Base fare includes personal item ONLY — everything else costs extra
- Carry-on bag is NOT included and must be purchased separately
- Buy baggage online before travel — airport fees are significantly higher
- Bundle deals available when booking (often cheapest option)
- Oversize/overweight fees apply above 23 kg or 158 cm
- Second bag must also be pre-purchased online
The Flair Trap
Flair's base fare looks cheap. Then you add a carry-on ($50), a checked bag ($60), and a seat selection ($25) and suddenly you have spent $135 extra on top of the base fare. Always price out the total cost with all your bags before assuming Flair is cheaper.
Aunt Tia's Baggage Tips
Twelve years of flying Canadian airlines and these are the things that actually save money and stress.
Always pre-pay for bags online
Airport bag fees are almost always $20–$40 more than pre-paid online fees. Buy your bag allowance when you book or at least 24 hours before the flight.
Weigh your bag at home
A cheap luggage scale costs $15 on Amazon and pays for itself the first time you avoid a $100 overweight fee. The 23 kg limit catches more people than you think.
Personal item is your best friend
A well-packed personal item under the seat in front of you is always free. A small backpack or tote that meets the size limit can carry more than you expect.
Compare total cost not base fare
A $99 Flair fare with a $60 checked bag is $159. A $139 WestJet fare with a free checked bag is $139. Always add your bags before comparing prices.
Pack liquids in checked bags
The 100 ml carry-on liquid rule is real and enforced. If you are checking a bag anyway, put all your liquids in it and skip the security line stress entirely.
Gate check strollers and car seats free
All Canadian airlines must accept strollers and car seats for gate check at no charge. You check them at the gate and collect them at the jet bridge on arrival.
International Baggage Rules
Flying internationally adds another layer of complexity — especially when your flight involves a connection or a codeshare partner airline.
The Most Important Rule
When flying internationally, the baggage rules that apply are usually those of the operating carrier on each leg — not the airline you booked with. Always check the rules for every airline on every segment of your journey.
Connections Through the US
If your international flight connects through a US airport, you will need to collect your checked baggage, clear US customs, and re-check your bags before your connection. Allow at least 2.5–3 hours for US connections.
Transatlantic Flights (Europe)
- Air Canada transatlantic: 1 checked bag included on most fares (23 kg)
- WestJet transatlantic: 1 checked bag included on most fares
- European carriers (KLM, Lufthansa, Etihad): check each airline separately
- Business class typically includes 2 checked bags (32 kg each)
Prohibited Items
- Lithium batteries — spare batteries must be in carry-on, not checked bags
- Aerosols — limited quantities in carry-on (100 ml rule)
- Sharp objects — must be in checked bags
- Firearms — must be declared, unloaded, in locked hard case, checked only
- Check the CATSA website for the full prohibited items list
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