Air Canada logo

Canada

Air CanadaAC

IATA Code

AC

ICAO Code

ACA

Country
Canada
Routes

705

About

Air Canada is Canada's largest airline and flag carrier, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1937 as Trans-Canada Air Lines (renamed Air Canada in 1965), the airline operates a mainline fleet of over 210 aircraft serving more than 180 destinations across six continents. It is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax.

As a founding member of Star Alliance (established May 14, 1997), Air Canada offers extensive global connectivity through 25+ partner airlines including Lufthansa, United Airlines, ANA, and Singapore Airlines. The airline merged with its former rival Canadian Airlines in 2000, consolidating its position as Canada's dominant carrier.

Fleet Highlights (2025):

  • Boeing 787 Dreamliner: 40 aircraft (8 787-8, 32 787-9) - primary long-haul workhorse
  • Boeing 777: 25 aircraft (6 777-200LR, 19 777-300ER) - highest capacity, up to 450 seats
  • Airbus A330-300: 20 aircraft - transatlantic and high-demand routes
  • Narrowbody: Boeing 737 MAX 8, Airbus A320/A321 families for domestic/US routes

Air Canada is particularly strong on transatlantic routes to Europe and transpacific routes to Asia, while also operating extensive domestic service connecting all major Canadian cities. The airline operates Air Canada Rouge for leisure routes to sun destinations and Air Canada Express (operated by Jazz Aviation and others) for regional connections.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Airports where Air Canada operates 5+ routes

+16 more hub airports

Network

194 airports served

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+144 more airports

Baggage Policy

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (free on all fares):

  • Dimensions: 17" x 13" x 6" (43 x 33 x 16 cm)
  • Must fit under the seat in front of you
  • Examples: Backpack, purse, laptop bag

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

  • Dimensions: 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" (55 x 40 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
  • Weight: No limit
  • Included: Standard, Flex, Latitude, Premium Economy, Business Class
  • NOT included: Economy Basic (domestic Canada, US, Mexico, Caribbean) as of January 3, 2025
Fare Class Personal Item Cabin Bag Notes
Economy Basic (Domestic/US) Free Not included Personal item only; gate check $65 CAD
Economy Basic (International) Free Free Europe, Asia, South America
Economy Comfort Free Free 2 checked bags included (Jan 2025+)
Standard/Flex/Latitude Free Free Standard allowance
Premium Economy Free Free Priority boarding
Signature Class Free Free 2 bags on some routes

Warning: Economy Basic passengers (tickets purchased after Jan 3, 2025) arriving at the gate with a carry-on will pay $65 CAD to check it. Aeroplan Elite Status members are exempt through November 2026.

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height)

Domestic Canada & US Transborder:

Fare Class 1st Bag 2nd Bag Weight Limit
Economy Basic $35 CAD (~$25 USD) $50 CAD (~$36 USD) 50 lbs (23 kg)
Economy Standard/Flex $35 CAD (~$25 USD) $50 CAD (~$36 USD) 50 lbs (23 kg)
Economy Comfort Free Free 50 lbs (23 kg)
Latitude Free Free 50 lbs (23 kg)
Premium Economy Free Free 50 lbs (23 kg)
Signature Class Free Free 70 lbs (32 kg)

Note: Economy Comfort fare tickets purchased on or after January 3, 2025, include 2 free checked bags. Tickets purchased before this date follow the previous policy (1 checked bag).

International (Europe, Asia, South America):

Fare Class Included Additional Weight Limit
Economy 1 bag $100 CAD (~$72 USD) 50 lbs (23 kg)
Premium Economy 2 bags $225-270 CAD 50 lbs (23 kg)
Signature Class 2 bags $225-270 CAD 70 lbs (32 kg)

Booking Channel Matters:

When Purchased Price
At booking or online $35 CAD
At airport check-in $35 CAD + tax
At boarding gate $65 CAD

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Overweight Bags:

Weight Range Fee
51-70 lbs (24-32 kg) $100 CAD (~$72 USD)
71-100 lbs (33-45 kg) $200 CAD (~$144 USD)
Over 100 lbs Not accepted

Oversized Bags:

Size (Linear) Fee
63-80 in (160-203 cm) $100 CAD (~$72 USD)
81-115 in (204-292 cm) $200 CAD (~$144 USD)
Over 115 in Not accepted

Note: If a bag is both overweight AND oversized, only one fee is charged (not cumulative).

Elite Status & Credit Card Benefits

Aeroplan Elite Status Benefits:

Status Free Bags Weight Limit Carry-On Exemption
Aeroplan 25K 1 bag 50 lbs (23 kg) Basic fare carry-on included
Aeroplan 35K 2 bags 50 lbs (23 kg) Basic fare carry-on included
Aeroplan 50K 2 bags 70 lbs (32 kg) Basic fare carry-on included
Aeroplan 75K 3 bags 70 lbs (32 kg) Basic fare carry-on included
Super Elite 3 bags 70 lbs (32 kg) Basic fare carry-on included

Star Alliance Gold members receive 2 free bags up to 70 lbs each.

Credit Card Benefits:

  • Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholders: 1st checked bag free for cardholder + companions on same booking
  • Carry-on bag included on Economy Basic fares for cardholders

Special Items

Sports Equipment:

Item Fee Notes
Golf clubs Standard bag fee Counts as 1 bag, max 50 lbs
Skis/snowboards Standard bag fee Oversize fee waived
Surfboards Standard bag fee Oversize fee waived up to 115 in
Bicycles Standard + oversize Must be boxed

Baby & Child Gear (FREE):

  • Car seat: One free per child, gate-check available
  • Stroller: One free per child, gate-check available
  • Does not count toward baggage allowance

Medical Equipment:

  • CPAP: Free, doesn't count as carry-on
  • Wheelchair: Free, gate-check available
  • Portable Oxygen Concentrators: Allowed with advance notice

Musical Instruments:

  • Small instruments: Allowed as carry-on if fits
  • Large instruments: Can purchase a seat
  • Checked: Standard bag fee, hard case required

Fees as of January 2025. Use Air Canada's Baggage Calculator for current pricing.

In-Flight Experience

Signature Class (International Business)

Air Canada Signature Class is available on Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777, and Airbus A330 aircraft on long-haul international routes. Air Canada is the only North American airline offering lie-flat seats on long-haul flights.

  • Seat pitch: 70-80" (fully lie-flat bed up to 6'7" / 203 cm)
  • Seat width: 20-21"
  • Configuration: 1-2-1 (reverse herringbone) - direct aisle access for all
  • Power: 110V AC outlet and USB at every seat
  • Entertainment: OLED seatback screen with personalized recommendations

Seat Features:

  • Executive Pod with lumbar support and massage function
  • Fully lie-flat bed with mattress pad
  • Acqua Di Parma amenity kit
  • Pillow, duvet, and slippers provided

Service:

  • Multi-course dining with wine pairings
  • Dine on Demand service
  • Dedicated check-in counters and expedited security
  • Maple Leaf Lounge and Signature Suite access (YYZ, YVR)
  • Priority baggage handling

North American Business Class

On domestic and US transborder routes, Business Class features recliner seats (not lie-flat) on narrowbody aircraft.

  • Seat pitch: 37-40"
  • Seat width: 20-21"
  • Configuration: 2-2
  • Power: AC outlet and USB
  • Complimentary meals and premium beverages

Premium Economy

Available on all widebody aircraft (Boeing 777, 787, Airbus A330):

  • Seat pitch: 38" (96.5 cm)
  • Seat width: 18-20" (varies by aircraft)
    • Boeing 777-300: 20"
    • Boeing 787-8/9: 19.5"
    • Airbus A330-300: 18"
  • Recline: 7" with footrest
  • Configuration: 2-3-2 (787, A330) or 2-4-2 (777)
  • Power: USB and AC outlet at every seat
  • Entertainment: 13" HD seatback screen

Service:

  • Multi-course meal service
  • Complimentary alcohol
  • Enhanced pillow and blanket
  • Noise-reducing headphones
  • Priority boarding and check-in
  • 2 free checked bags

Economy Class

Aircraft Seat Pitch Seat Width Power
Boeing 777-300ER 31" (79 cm) 17" (43 cm) USB + AC
Boeing 787-8/9 31" (79 cm) 17" (43 cm) USB + AC
Airbus A330-300 31-32" (79-81 cm) 18" (46 cm) USB + AC
Airbus A320/A321 29-33" 18" (46 cm) Varies
Boeing 737 MAX 8 29-32" 17.3" USB (no AC, no recline)

Entertainment:

  • Seatback screens on all widebody aircraft
  • Streaming to personal devices on narrowbody aircraft
  • 370+ movies, 650+ TV shows, 150+ music albums
  • Free WiFi for Aeroplan members (May 2025+, North America)

Food & Beverage:

Route Economy Business/Premium
Domestic/Short-haul Complimentary snacks and beverages Full meal service
Transborder US Snacks and beverages Meal service
International Full meal service + complimentary alcohol Multi-course dining

Special meals available with 24-hour advance request.

Air Canada Rouge

Leisure-focused subsidiary operating to sun destinations:

  • A319/A321 Premium Rouge: 2x2 seating, extra legroom
  • Economy on Rouge aircraft: Tighter pitch, no seatback IFE on some aircraft
  • WiFi streaming entertainment to personal devices

WiFi:

  • Free for Aeroplan members (launched May 2025, North America)
  • Sponsored by Bell, covers ~85-90% of fleet
  • International routes: Free WiFi expanding 2026
  • Bluetooth connectivity on newer aircraft