Carry-On Rules for Canadian Airlines (2026)

Canada's major carriers range from full-service airlines with generous carry-on allowances to ultra-low-cost carriers that charge extra for anything larger than a personal item. Here is what each carrier allows, plus CATSA security rules and tips for Canada's busiest airports.

Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest carrier and a Star Alliance member.

Carry-on allowance:

• 1 carry-on bag: 55×40×23 cm, max 10 kg
• 1 personal item: 33×43×16 cm (no weight limit stated)

Notes: On some routes and fare classes, Air Canada's basic (Standard) fare restricts carry-on to personal item only, similar to basic economy on US carriers. Check your fare conditions at booking. Super Elite and other Aeroplan elite tiers receive additional allowances.

Air Canada's size gauge (bag sizers) at major airports enforce the 55×40×23 cm limit, and agents actively enforce the 10 kg weight limit on popular routes.

WestJet

WestJet is Canada's second-largest carrier and a Delta partner.

Carry-on allowance:

• 1 carry-on bag: 53×38×23 cm, max 10 kg
• 1 personal item: 41×15×33 cm

Notes: WestJet's carry-on is slightly smaller than Air Canada's in length (53 cm vs 55 cm). The weight limit is the same at 10 kg. WestJet's EconoGuest fare (its basic economy equivalent) restricts passengers to personal item only — no carry-on bin access.

WestJet Rewards members at Silver level and above receive carry-on allowances on all fares.

Porter Airlines

Porter operates primarily from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and has expanded to major Canadian hubs.

Carry-on allowance:

• 1 carry-on bag: 53×38×23 cm, max 10 kg
• 1 personal item included at no charge

Notes: Porter's allowance includes both a carry-on and a personal item free of charge on all standard fares — one of the more generous policies among Canadian carriers. Porter's Essential fare (lowest tier) may restrict to personal item only on some routes.

Porter does not have overhead bin space restrictions at Billy Bishop that differ from other airports, but the aircraft used on regional routes (Dash 8s and Embraer jets) have smaller overhead bins than mainline jets.

Flair Airlines

Flair is a Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier.

Carry-on allowance:

• Personal item only (40×20×25 cm) included at no charge
• Carry-on bag: must be purchased as an add-on

Notes: Flair's base fares include only the personal item. A carry-on bag add-on must be purchased at booking; prices are lower at booking than at the gate. Gate purchase of carry-on is significantly more expensive and availability is not guaranteed.

If you are flying Flair with just a personal item, note the 40×20×25 cm size limit is strict — this is smaller than many "personal item" allowances on other Canadian carriers.

Swoop (Now Operated by WestJet)

Swoop was WestJet's ultra-low-cost subsidiary. Following integration with WestJet, Swoop flights now operate under WestJet branding with WestJet's EconoGuest fare structure.

Check current WestJet EconoGuest terms for the most accurate allowance on former Swoop routes.

Air Transat

Air Transat is a leisure carrier focused on transatlantic and sun destination routes from Canada.

Carry-on allowance:

• 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item, combined max 10 kg
• Carry-on dimensions: 53×38×23 cm

Notes: Air Transat applies a combined weight limit of 10 kg across both carry-on and personal item, which is more restrictive than carriers that apply weight limits only to the carry-on. If you have a heavy laptop bag, this matters.

Club Class passengers receive a 23 kg allowance for checked bags and a more generous cabin allowance.

CATSA Security Rules

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) enforces security at all Canadian airports. Rules are similar to the US TSA with a few differences.

Liquids

CATSA enforces the 100ml per container rule. Liquids, gels, aerosols, and pastes must be:

• In containers of 100ml (3.4 oz) or less
• Placed in a single clear resealable bag of 1 litre capacity or less
• One bag per passenger, removed and placed in a bin for screening

Prescription medications, baby formula, and breast milk are exempt from the 100ml rule but must be declared.

Laptops

Standard CATSA screening requires laptops to be removed from carry-on bags and placed in a separate bin. This is the same as TSA in the United States. Tablets, e-readers, and phones generally do not need to be removed.

PreCheck vs NEXUS

TSA PreCheck does not work at Canadian airports. PreCheck is a US-only program that covers US airport checkpoints.

NEXUS is the Canadian equivalent. NEXUS members can use expedited screening lanes at major Canadian airports. NEXUS is also valid for expedited screening when re-entering the US from Canada (trusted traveler program). Current NEXUS fee: CAD $50 for 5 years (as of 2026).

NEXUS application requires a background check and in-person interview at an enrollment center. Processing times vary; apply early if international travel is frequent.

Tips for Canada's Three Busiest Airports

Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

Pearson is Canada's busiest airport and one of the busiest in North America. Security wait times can be long, especially at the domestic T1 security checkpoints during morning peaks (6:00–9:00 AM) and evening peaks (4:00–7:00 PM).

• NEXUS lanes at YYZ: Available at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Consistently faster than standard lanes.
• Carry-on enforcement: Air Canada enforces weight and size limits actively at YYZ, particularly on busy domestic routes to Vancouver and Calgary.
• Packing tip: Have your laptop accessible in your bag before the queue. The bin lines at YYZ domestic can be slow.

Vancouver International (YVR)

YVR consistently ranks among the best airports in North America for security wait times. CATSA staffing is generally sufficient outside peak holiday periods.

• International connections: YVR is a common connection point for transpacific flights. Note that carry-on allowances differ between your Canadian domestic segment and the international segment — pack to the stricter of the two.
• Water access: Refill stations are available post-security in all terminals.

Montreal-Trudeau (YUL)

YUL handles significant transatlantic traffic. Security procedures follow CATSA standards but bilingual signage (French/English) is the norm.

• Air Transat hub: Many Air Transat transatlantic departures originate from YUL. Remember Air Transat's combined 10 kg carry-on + personal item weight limit.
• Customs pre-clearance: YUL has US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance for flights to the US, which adds a step before your departure gate. Factor in extra time.

Size Comparison: Canadian Carriers

Airline	Carry-On Dimensions	Weight Limit	Free Carry-On?
Air Canada	55×40×23 cm	10 kg	Yes (most fares)
WestJet	53×38×23 cm	10 kg	Yes (most fares)
Porter	53×38×23 cm	10 kg	Yes (most fares)
Flair	N/A (add-on only)	10 kg	No
Air Transat	53×38×23 cm	10 kg combined	Yes (most fares)

When flying multiple Canadian carriers in one trip, pack to the smallest common dimensions: 53×38×23 cm is the safe limit that clears WestJet, Porter, and Air Transat. Air Canada's 55 cm length allowance is slightly more generous but not universal.