A significant number of passengers are unaware of Air Canada’s baggage restrictions, and face a headache every time at the airport. During their passage through the security check, the agents ask them to reduce the weight of their luggage (by getting rid of certain objects) or to pay a supplement.
The Canadian air carrier offers its passengers traveling in the different classes (Economy, Business or First-Siganture) to calculate their baggage allowances, which change according to their journeys. To do this, a baggage calculator has been set up on its website to help travelers determine the number of checked bags to which they are entitled.
With this calculator, you can also determine the fees you must pay if your baggage does not meet Air Canada’s rules for weight and dimensions.
Checked baggage transport service may be chargeable
At Air Canada, the transport of a single piece of checked baggage is free for passengers booking their flights with the comfort and Flex fare. On the other hand, the second checked bag can only be checked in by paying a payment of $50.00.
For travelers reserving their seats with the Latitude fare, they are entitled to a free checked baggage allowance of two.
If passengers book their flights with the base fare (Standard), the price to be paid for the transport of their first bag is $30.00, and $50.00 for the second piece.
A special baggage allowance is granted to active military personnel
Regarding the maximum weight of baggage placed in the hold, Air Canada allows suitcases that weigh up to 32kg.
Active military passengers (US and Canadian) are entitled to a baggage allowance of three pieces, each of which must weigh less than or equal to 32kg (70 lbs).
Tips for preparing and packing before departure
Make your packing list a few days in advance so you have time to buy things last minute.
Start with the heaviest items once you have taken out everything you will need. When the suitcase is upright, place them near the bottom to prevent it from being too heavy. Heavy objects must be properly distributed between the two sides of the suitcase to prevent it from being unbalanced when standing.
– Trick to save space in your suitcases
Shoes can be stuffed with socks, underwear, or other small items. If the shoes are dirty, put them in a plastic bag or cover the soles with a shower cap to preserve the rest of your suitcase.
Some people swear by rolling their clothes, while others like to fold them. However, the ideal approach to packing is usually a combination of the two. Folding crease-prone items improves their appearance, but tightly rolled garments are easier to squeeze into the nooks and crannies of your luggage. There’s a technique of packing shoes in the bottom half of your luggage, rolling clothes in the top half, then folding bulky items like sweaters or raincoats on top of the rest.
Using storage cubes or pouches, especially in larger luggage, can help keep everything tidy. If you share your suitcase with a friend, each of you can use a different colored storage cube to make it easier to distinguish belongings.
Use the exterior pockets of your luggage for items that require immediate access, such as sleepwear for the first night of your vacation.
– Never overfill your luggage
If the zippers are strained before leaving the house, one of them may break during the trip. Go back to your bag and see what you can do without.
Carry liquids in checked baggage (in the hold)
One of the issues first-time travelers face is the requirements and restrictions for carrying certain categories of items including liquids.
The security checks carried out at airports impose certain requirements on travelers that must be observed in order to avoid unpleasant situations both during check-in and when going through the so-called check-in.
Keep in mind that the limits for carrying liquids on a plane apply at the departure airport, so it doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the regulations in other countries.
The rules for carrying liquids in checked baggage are not as restrictive as in the case of hand baggage. Liquids in checked baggage can be transported in large quantities (compared to hand baggage).
Passengers can carry up to 2 liters (or 2 kg) of liquids, each bag of which must not exceed a weight of 500g or a volume of 500ml.
Articles and objects not to be placed in checked baggage (Strictly prohibited)
In order to guarantee the safety of passengers and flight attendants by protecting them against any risk of injury, Air Canada refuses its customers to place the following products and articles in their baggage:
– Objects containing explosive materials such as electrolyte batteries, lighters, firecrackers, matches, tear gas, distress flares, etc.
– Dummy weapons;
– Lithium batteries;
– Gas or diving, camping cylinders;
– Flammable products: varnish, paint, as well as chemical products such as fertilizers or weedkillers;
– Powerful cleaning fluids: bleach, thinner, acetone, chlorine, etc.
– Mercury thermometers and barometers;
– Printer cartridges.
– Poison.
The transport of firearms and medicines is not prohibited in the hold, but is subject to specific regulations. Contact Air Canada customer service in advance to find out if it is possible to travel with baggage containing this type of item.
Consult on this page the other sensitive objects (accepted or refused) in checked baggage on Air Canada flights.