Air CanadaAC

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.

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.

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

Booking:

• Book directly on aircanada.com for best rebooking support during disruptions
• Economy Basic is NOT worth it if you need any carry-on bag (domestic/US)
• Compare total cost with bags before assuming Basic is cheapest
• Aeroplan credit cardholders get carry-on included on Basic fares
• Set fare alerts; prices fluctuate significantly

At the Airport:

• Online/app check-in is fastest
• YYZ Terminal 1: Air Canada's home; allow extra time for large terminal
• YUL: Compact terminal, easier connections
• YVR: Allow time between domestic (Terminal M) and international gates
• Arrive early for US transborder flights (US customs pre-clearance in Canada)

Baggage:

• Always pre-pay bags online to avoid $65 gate fee
• Aeroplan Premium cardholders get first bag free + companions
• Elite status baggage benefits extend to companions on same reservation
• Weight limits strictly enforced on some routes

Upgrades:

• eUpgrades clear based on status tier and availability
• Paid upgrade offers sometimes appear 24-48 hours before departure
• Signature Suite access at YYZ/YVR is worth arriving early for

Earning Points:

• Transfer Amex Membership Rewards, TD Rewards to Aeroplan
• Aeroplan eStore offers bonus points at online retailers
• Dining and car rental partners earn bonus points
• Credit card sign-up bonuses can be substantial

WiFi:

• Free for all Aeroplan members on North American flights (since May 2025)
• Download the Air Canada app before your flight for streaming entertainment
• International free WiFi expanding in 2026

Common Issues:

• Economy Basic passengers board last; overhead bins may be full
• Some narrowbody aircraft have streaming-only entertainment (no seatback screens)
• Winter weather can cause significant delays at Toronto and Montreal
• Connection times under 90 minutes at YYZ can be tight during peak hours