If the last year of travel has taught us anything, it is that airports are busier than ever post-COVID, and both they, and the airlines, are struggling to keep up with the demand.
Throughout the summer and holiday season of 2022, we were bombarded with images and videos of stacks of lost luggage left in airports all over the world. If you are anything like me, it has made checking a bag seem like a risk that I am not willing to take — especially if I am going for a short trip and don’t want to be without my clothing, etc. for even a day.
If the idea of packing everything in a carry-on seems daunting, I completely understand — I’ve been there. But I promise that it is totally doable. I spent a month in Europe with only a carry-on and a purse, and didn’t feel like I was missing anything. (Read: How to pack your carry-on bag like an expert).
To help you prepare for your next trip, I have pulled together all of the carry-on baggage information for the major airlines in Canada (other countries to come, so stay tuned!).
Air Canada
No matter where you are traveling to, you are allowed to bring one standard article (a suitcase) and one personal item (a purse or back pack). Note that the dimensions below include wheels and handles.
Personal item size: 33 cm x 16 cm x 43 cm (13 in x 6 in x 17 in)
Cost: Free
Standard article size: 55 cm x 23 cm x 40 cm (21.5 in x 9 in x 15.5 in)
Cost: Free
There is no weight restriction for your bags, but you must be able to lift them into the overhead bin without assistance from anyone else.
(image and information source)
Flair Airlines
Flair only permits one free personal item per passenger. It has to be small enough to store under the seat in front of you and if it is bigger, or weighs more, than the measurements below, you will have to pay for it. Carry-on bags (that go in the overhead compartments) must be paid for.
Personal item size: 15 cm x 33 cm x 43 cm (6 in x 13 in x 17 in)
Weight: 7 kg (15.5 lb)
Cost: Free
Carry-on item size: 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm (9 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in)
Weight: 10 kg (22 lb)
Cost: $29-$64 (+tax)
SWOOP
Swoop allows one free personal item — a small backpack, purse, laptop bag, or briefcase — but you must pay for your carry-on bag. The cost is based on the distance you travel and when you purchase the bag (when you buy your flight, or closer to your date of departure).
Personal item size: 41 cm x 15 cm x 33 cm (16 in x 6 in x 13 in)
Weight: None indicated
Cost: Free
Carry-on item size: 52 cm x 23 cm x 38 cm (21 in x 9 in x 15 in)
Weight: None indicated
Cost: $42-$90.40 (+tax)
West Jet
Each guest is allowed one piece of carry-on baggage and one personal item — there is no charge for either.
Personal item size: 41 cm x 15 cm x 33 cm (16 in x 6 in x 13 in)
Cost: Free
Carry-on item size: 53 cm x 23 cm x 38 cm (21 in x 9 in x 15 in)
Cost: Free
Like with Air Canada, there is no weight restriction for your bags, but you must be able to lift them into the overhead bin without assistance from anyone else.
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Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
Passing a slow moving car would have been a suicide mission.
The small, 13-seater bus was stuffy, hot, and full of fellow travelers half asleep from the heat and half sick from the drive. Gritty red sand, mixed with the sweat in my sandals, smooshed between my toes.