Canadian Airlines Checked Luggage and Carry-On Size Rules

Posted on May 27th, 2022 by Heena Ganotra, Last updated on Aug 8th, 2022

Every airline has some carry-on size and checked baggage weight requirements. If you plan to travel somewhere, it is a good idea to become familiar with the requirements of the different airlines and pack accordingly. Canada has several domestic and international carriers that have their own guidelines. 

Planning your packing carefully will help you avoid unnecessary delays at the time of boarding. It is always a good idea to stay within the requirements of the airline instead of dealing with additional fees. If your airplane carry-on size exceeds the recommended size, you may have to place it in cargo and pay baggage fees. 

Average Carry-On Dimensions and Sizes

The carry-on luggage size in Canada may vary from one airline to another, but the difference is usually a few centimeters. In most cases, airlines expect passengers to limit their carry-on bag size to:

• 55cm x 23cm x 40cm for the plane suitcase size. 
• 33cm x 16cm x 43cm for the personal item size.

This includes wheels and handles. The size of the luggage shouldn’t exceed 118 centimeters when all dimensions are added up. Many airports will have a sizer that your bag needs to pass through before you’re allowed to board. 

Airlines like Air Canada and WestJet don’t have any carry-on weight limit but you need to be able to place your carry-on in the overhead cabin without assistance. 

Canadian Airline Carry-On Size Limit 

Canada has several domestic and international carriers. The most popular airline is Air Canada but the country also has Swoop, Flair, Sunwing, WestJet, Air Transat, and more. We already have a detailed post on Air Canada baggage allowance (add internal link) Here’s a look at some of the guidelines provided by individual carriers:

1. Swoop Carry-On Size 

Swoop allows one carry-on and one personal bag. There are no weight requirements but you should be able to lift your carry-on suitcase and place it in the overhead compartment without any assistance unless you are a child, disabled, or elderly. 

• The airline carry-on size is 52 x 23 x 38 cm. Examples of bags allowed include small suitcases or duffle bags.
• The swoop personal item size is 41 x 15 x 33 cm. Examples of personal bags allowed include laptop bags, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, and tote bags. 

Passengers are also allowed to carry one diaper bag if they’re traveling with an infant but they must show that the bag includes items your child may need. 

While the personal bag is allowed free of cost, you need to pay for the carry-on bag. The cost can range between $36.75 to $79.10 based on the season, distance, and where you purchase the carry-on baggage add-on. 

Overweight and oversized bags carry additional fees. 

2. Flair Carry-On

Flair is also a low-cost airline that is popular in Canada. Like Swoop, the carrier allows passengers to carry one personal item free of cost. Here’s a look at the maximum carry-on size and weight requirements by the airline:

• Your carry-on luggage size should be 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm with the luggage weight limit not exceeding 10 kgs. 
• The personal bag should be 15 cm x 33 cm x 43 cm with the weight not exceeding 7 kgs.

The Flair carry-on fees can range from $29 to $59 plus taxes depending on when and where you buy the add-on. 

3. Sunwing Baggage Allowance

Sunwing offers a fairly generous baggage allowance for a low-cost carrier. Passengers are allowed to carry one personal bag and a carry-on suitcase and one checked bag free of cost. Here’s a look at the carry-on luggage weight Sunwing allows:

• Your carry-on luggage must be 23 cm x 40 cm x 51 cm or less and it shouldn’t weigh more than 5 kgs. Examples of carry-on items are small suitcases, a backpack, and a small duffle bag. 
• Your personal item should be 23 cm x 28 cm x 13 cm. A personal item can be your laptop bag, purse, messenger or tote bag, camera bag, or briefcase. 

People traveling with infants can carry a diaper bag if it complies with the airline carry-on luggage restrictions mentioned above. 

These are the carry-on baggage requirements of most Canadian airlines. Carriers like Air Canada and WestJet don’t charge extra for carry-ons but they aren’t low-cost airlines. 

Checked-In Luggage Restrictions

The checked baggage allowance is usually higher than the carry-on allowance. If you’re going on a long vacation and trying to decide whether you need carry-on luggage vs. checked baggage, consider how much you need to pack. Here is a look at checked baggage size, weight, and cost details for different airlines:

1. Swoop Checked Baggage Size 

Swoop allows passengers to carry a maximum of four checked baggage pieces but charges apply. The bags shouldn’t exceed the size and weight requirements mentioned. The checked bag size limit is:

• A total of 157 cm (62 inches) after adding the length, height, and width of the bag. 
• Maximum weight of 23 kgs.

The baggage fees can range from $36.75 for the first bag online to $110.25 for the fourth bag at the airport. The baggage rates change based on when you buy, when you travel, where you buy, and how soon you’re about to travel. Check the Swoop website for more details on the check-in luggage fee. 

2. Flair Checked Baggage Size

Flair allows two checked bags at an affordable rate but will charge extra for additional, oversized, or overweight bags. The checked baggage dimensions and weight requirements are:

• A total of 158 cm (62 inches) after adding the length, height, and width of the bag. 
• Maximum weight of 23 kgs.

The cost of the first and second checked bag can range from $49 to $79. For additional bags, you may need to pay $79 to $99. All fees mentioned are excluding taxes. 

3. Sunwing Checked Baggage Allowance 

The Sunwing airline checked bag size and weight restrictions depend on the class of flight. If you travel by the Elite Plus class, you may be able to carry more items in your bag. Passengers are allowed:

• The maximum size for the checked baggage is 158 cm or 62 inches with all length, width, and height added. 
• The maximum weight allowed is 23 kgs. 
• If you carry oversized or overweight bags, you are allowed up to 32 kgs and 292 cm. 
• Elite Plus passengers are allowed to check-in one bag of 30 kgs but all additional bags must be 23 kgs.

The cost of checked baggage can range from $21 to $78.75 per bag. The first two checked bags are affordable but the third and fourth checked bag fees can be up to $210. 

This is a brief outline of the different carry-on and baggage requirements for different Canadian airlines. You can easily find more information on the carrier’s website. It is a good idea to confirm the details before you pack for your trip.

FAQs

Q. What is the difference between a personal bag and a carry-on?

Ans. A personal bag is a purse, briefcase, small backpack, tote bag, or any such item that can easily fit under the seat before you. If you can carry the item comfortably on your lap, it is considered a personal bag. Most airlines provide size guidelines to help you understand the difference between a personal bag vs. carry-on. 

Q. What is total linear dimensions luggage?

Ans. The total linear dimension is the sum of the length, width, and height of the bag. You need to measure these three sides and then add them up to get the total linear dimension. Make sure you include the wheels and handles when you measure. 

Q. Can I take a stroller or a car seat with me?

Ans. Most airlines allow parents to carry strollers or car seats with them. If you’re traveling with a child and paying for a seat, you can carry the stroller or seat free of cost. If you intend to seat the infant on your lap, you may carry a car seat free of cost. Collapsible strollers can be carried onboard but large ones may need to be checked in. We recommend looking at the carrier’s website for more information. 

Well! Looks like you’re almost ready for your trip now! Once you have understood the carry-on size guidelines, it is time to book a ticket. 

That’s where we come in! MyTicketsToIndia makes booking tickets and finding the right deals easier. All you need to do is request a callback or get in touch directly. Our experts will consider your requirements and offer the best recommendations. Looking to save money on your flights from India to Canada? We can help!