Air CanadaAC
AC
ACA
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
Loading map...
+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








