Air Canada Baggage, Cancellation & Seat Policy: Complete Guide

Air Canada Baggage Policy

Air Canada's baggage allowance depends heavily on your fare class and route. On domestic Canadian flights in Basic economy, you pay $34 CAD for your first checked bag and $50 CAD for the second. On transborder (Canada–US) routes, fees are $35 USD and $50 USD respectively. International economy fares typically include one free checked bag at 23 kg (50 lbs).

Carry-on allowances are generous compared to ultra-low-cost competitors: economy passengers get one carry-on bag (up to 23 cm × 40 cm × 55 cm, 10 kg) plus one personal item. Basic economy on some routes may restrict this to personal item only — check your fare rules carefully at booking.

Overweight bags (23–32 kg) cost an additional $100 CAD each. Air Canada does not accept bags heavier than 32 kg. Oversized bags (beyond standard dimensions) incur a separate fee of $100 CAD per direction.

Cancellation and Change Policy

Air Canada offers a 24-hour free cancellation window on all tickets booked directly, in line with US DOT rules. After that window, the rules depend on your fare:

• Basic: No changes or refunds allowed. If you must cancel, only taxes are refundable.
• Standard / Comfort / Flex: Changes permitted for a fee (typically $100–$200 CAD); no cash refund but travel credit issued.
• Latitude / Premium Economy / Business: Free changes; refundable to original form of payment.

During irregular operations (weather, mechanical), Air Canada will rebook you at no charge on the next available flight.

Seat Selection Fees

Seat selection is free at check-in (24 hours before departure) for most economy fares if you're willing to accept whatever is available. To choose a specific seat in advance, Air Canada charges $16–$48 CAD per segment depending on location. Exit rows and seats with extra legroom (called Preferred Seats) cost more. Business class seat selection is complimentary.

Aeroplan Loyalty Program

Air Canada's Aeroplan program is one of Canada's most valuable frequent flyer currencies. Aeroplan miles can be earned on Air Canada flights, Star Alliance partners (United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, etc.), and dozens of credit card and retail partners. The program uses a distance-based earning model on Air Canada flights and a revenue-based model on some partners.

Redeeming Aeroplan points works best for business and first class flights on Star Alliance partners. A transatlantic business class award can start at 55,000–70,000 points one-way — excellent value compared to cash prices of $3,000+. There are no fuel surcharges on most partner awards booked through Aeroplan, which is a significant advantage over programs like British Airways Avios.

Carry-On Size Restrictions

Air Canada enforces a maximum carry-on size of 23 cm × 40 cm × 55 cm (9 in × 15.5 in × 21.5 in). This is slightly smaller than some US carriers. If your bag doesn't fit in the sizer at the gate, you'll be asked to check it for a fee.

Pet Policy

Air Canada allows small pets in-cabin on most domestic and transborder flights for a fee of $59 CAD each way. The combined weight of pet plus carrier cannot exceed 10 kg. Pets must be in an approved soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are not permitted in-cabin but may travel as cargo on some routes.

Pro Tips for Flying Air Canada

• Book directly on aircanada.com to access the 24-hour cancellation window and earn Aeroplan miles.
• Use the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite or American Express Aeroplan Reserve cards to earn accelerated points on Air Canada purchases.
• Check in online exactly 24 hours before departure to snag free seat assignments before they fill up.
• Status members (25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, Super Elite) receive complimentary upgrades on select flights — sitting in the upgrade waitlist is worth trying even at lower tiers.
• Look for eUpgrade bids in your account 5–10 days before departure for discounted business class upgrades.