⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
Air Canada and WestJet both cap standard checked bags at 23 kg (50 lb) and about 158 cm of total linear dimensions (length + width + height, wheels and handles included). Carry-on limits differ slightly — 55 x 40 x 23 cm on Air Canada, 56 x 23 x 36 cm on WestJet — plus one personal item each. The golden rule: weigh your bag at home, because overweight fees start around CA$100.
Checked baggage: the rules
Airline
Max weight
Max linear size (L+W+H)
Overweight fee (23–32 kg)
Oversize fee
Air Canada
23 kg (50 lb)
158 cm (62 in)
≈ CA$100–$120
≈ CA$100–$120 (158–292 cm)
WestJet
23 kg (50 lb)
157 cm (62 in)
≈ CA$100–$118
≈ CA$100–$118 (158–203 cm)
A bag that is both overweight and oversized is charged a single fee on Air Canada, not two. Whether your first checked bag is free or paid depends on your fare and route — budget fares on both airlines can charge for the first bag, so confirm when you book. Bags over 32 kg are generally not accepted as checked luggage on WestJet, and Air Canada requires special handling above 32 kg.
Carry-on and personal item
Airline
Carry-on
Personal item
Weight limit
Air Canada
55 x 40 x 23 cm
33 x 43 x 16 cm
None (must lift into bin unassisted)
WestJet
56 x 23 x 36 cm
41 x 15 x 33 cm
None (must lift into bin unassisted)
Dimensions include wheels and handles. Note the cheapest fares are stricter: Air Canada Economy Basic and WestJet UltraBasic may limit you to the personal item only on some itineraries — check your fare's baggage terms before packing.
Hard-shell vs soft-shell
Hard-shell (polycarbonate/ABS): best protection for fragile items, usually lighter, and easier to wipe clean. Downsides: the fixed shape wastes space if under-packed, and cheap shells crack in cold weather — relevant for Canadian winters on the tarmac.
Soft-shell (fabric): expandable zippers buy you extra room, exterior pockets keep documents handy, and they squeeze into tight overhead bins. Downsides: less protection against impact and rain, and they show wear faster.
For most Canada domestic and transborder trips, a 20–22 inch hard-shell carry-on plus a soft duffel for overflow covers nearly everything.
Backpacks: which type
Cabin daypack (20–35 L): doubles as your personal item. Look for a clamshell opening (packs like a suitcase) rather than top-loading.
Travel backpack (40–50 L): a carry-on alternative for light packers; must still fit the 55 x 40 x 23 cm box on Air Canada.
Trekking pack (60–75 L): for checked baggage on adventure trips. Detachable daypacks are useful; always use the rain cover and strap protectors, or put the whole pack in a duffel to protect the straps on conveyor belts.
Packing cubes and space tricks
Packing cubes compress clothes and keep categories separated — a set with small/medium/large sizes is the single best cheap upgrade for any suitcase. Roll soft clothes instead of folding to cut wrinkles and fill gaps; stuff socks and chargers inside shoes; wear your bulkiest jacket and boots on the plane. Toiletries and packing organizers are widely available — compression packing cube sets are sold on Amazon. Keep valuables, medication, and one change of clothes in your carry-on in case checked bags are delayed.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 28-inch suitcase go on the plane?
As checked baggage, yes — a typical 28-inch case measures around 76 x 52 x 30 cm, which totals about 158 cm, right at Air Canada's limit (WestJet's is 157 cm, so measure carefully). It can never be carry-on. The real risk with 28-inch cases is weight: they invite overpacking past 23 kg.
How much is the overweight baggage fee?
Expect roughly CA$100–$120 per bag on Air Canada and CA$100–$118 on WestJet for bags between 23 and 32 kg — on top of the checked-bag fee itself. Weigh at home; a CA$20 luggage scale pays for itself with one avoided fee.
Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags?
Neither Air Canada nor WestJet publishes a carry-on weight limit — the rule is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted. Gate agents can still gate-check an obviously oversized bag.
Should I buy a 20-inch or 24-inch suitcase for Canada trips?
A 20-inch (carry-on size, ≤55 cm tall) is the most versatile: it flies free in the cabin on standard fares and avoids checked-bag fees entirely. A 24-inch case must be checked; it suits trips over a week or winter travel when coats eat space.
Do I need a TSA lock in Canada?
Canada uses CATSA, not the TSA, but TSA-accepted locks work fine and are the standard sold everywhere — security can open them with a master key instead of cutting the lock. Worth it for any checked bag.
Sources
Air Canada, Checked baggage: https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home/plan/baggage/checked.html
Air Canada, Carry-on baggage: https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home/plan/baggage/carry-on.html
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