Baggage allowance for passengers can vary by fare, travel date, destination and frequent-flier status. For example, Air Canada's maximum weight per bag for economy class is 50 pounds. For executive class, the maximum weight per bag is 70 pounds. Infants can have checked and carry-on baggage over the allowance for parents. Passengers traveling from Canada to Montego Bay, Jamaica, can bring only one carry-on item.
Carry-on baggage can include two items: a larger standard article and one smaller personal article. Allowed standard articles have maximum dimensions of 9 inches by 16 inches by 22 inches. Personal articles have maximum dimensions of 6 inches by 13 inches by 17 inches. Maximum weight for both articles is 22 pounds.
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority publishes the complete list of permitted and prohibited items. Carry-on baggage can include personal health-related items, such as medication in original, labeled containers, Epipens, mobility aids and personal oxygen concentrators. Transport Canada also allows baby food and formula if a passenger travels with an infant between 0 to 24 months. Permitted electronic devices include wireless handheld devices, calculators, electric shavers and personal entertainment devices.
Computers with a cord mouse and memory stick are allowed, but other peripheral devices are not allowed in check baggage. WestJet recommends removing the laptop battery during travel. Cameras, camcorders, E-readers and other delicate items should also go into carry-on baggage.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority allows liquids, gels or aerosols in containers 3.4 ounces or less. Passengers must pack these items in one clear, closed and resealable plastic bag no larger than 1 quart.
Passengers may also bring on board a coat or other outerwear and a small purse measuring less than 10 inches x 12 inches x 5.5 inches.
Some of the many prohibited items include sharp or cutting objects such as scissors, screwdrivers, knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, straight-blade razors, firearms, ice skates, fishing hooks and beverages. Electronic devices that go into checked baggage include Bluetooth headsets, laser pointers, a wireless mouse, radio transmitters, remote-controlled toys and printers and computer peripheral devices. Liquids or gels in containers more than 3.4 ounces are not permitted in carry-on luggage.
In Canada, checked baggage includes two free bags. Maximum weight per bag is 50 pounds. Maximum size is 62 inches, the sum of the length, width and height.
Bringing additional luggage will incur an additional checked baggage charge, according to the airline. For certain international flights originating in Canada, such as to Jamaica or Mexico City during certain travel dates, passengers may not be allowed an additional baggage allowance.
Oversize and overweight bags are subject to one to two fees per item. For luggage that exceeds an airline's limits on weight or linear dimensions or length, passengers should ship using cargo services. For example, WestJet's cargo services handle baggage over 100 pounds. Air Canada Cargo ships bags over 70 pounds.
