Here's the information that you need to answer your questions about baggage allowances and baggage restrictions on flights. We've included things such as what you can carry, what you can check, what's too big, and how much really is too much.
Free Baggage Allowance
| Airline | Number of bags | Weight in kg |
| Checked | Carry-on | Checked | Carry-on |
| Number | Size | |
| Total | Dimensions |
| Air Canada | 2 | 1 + personal item | | 23cm x 40cm x 55cm
| 23 | 10 |
| Air Transat | - | 1 | | 23cm x 40cm x 51cm | 20-23 | 10 |
| Alaska Airlines | 2 | 1 + personal item | | 25cm x 43cm x 61cm | 23 | - |
| American Airlines | 2 | 1 + personal item | 114cm | - | 23 | 18 |
| British Airways | 1 | 1 + personal item | | 56cm x 45cm x 25cm | 23 | - |
| Delta Air Lines | 2 | 1 + personal item | 114cm | 56cm x 35cm x 23cm | 22.5 | 18 |
| Northwest Airlines | 2 | 1 + personal item | 114cm | 23cm x 35cm x 56cm | 23 | 18 |
| Pascan | 1 | 1 + personal item | | | 14 | - |
| United Airlines | 2 | 1 + personal item | 114cm | 23cm x 35cm x 56cm | 23 | - |
| WestJet | 2 | 2 | 62" | 55cm x 23 cm x 40 cm | 20 | 5 |
Excess Baggage charges
| Airline | Cost per additional bag by weight |
| Less than 32kg | Less than 50kg
(No airline will check in a bag that weighs more than 45kg) |
| Air Canada | $35 | - |
| Air Transat | $7-$10 per kg | - |
| Alaska Airlines | $29 ($25 US) | $58 ($50 US) |
| American Airlines | $29 ($25 US) | $58 ($50 US) |
| British Airways | varies by destination | |
| Delta Air Lines | $29 ($25 US) | $116 ($100 US) |
| Northwest Airlines | $29 ($25 US) | $58 ($50 US) |
| Pascan | approx $3 per kg | |
| United Airlines | $58 ($50 US) | $58 ($50 US) |
| WestJet | $40 | $40 |
What is a "personal item"?
Here's a list of what most airlines consider "personal items":
- Purse
- Briefcase
- Laptop
- Small book-bag style backpack
- Other similar items that do not exceed 91cm (length + width + height) will be allowed such as a small tote bag or shoulder bag.
Additional items that will be allowed above and beyond the restrictions listed above include:
- Outer garments such as coats/wraps/hats
- Approved safety seat for lap or ticketed child
- Umbrella stroller for lap or ticketed child
- Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child
- Book or newspaper
- Small bag of food that is consumable
- Assistive devices for passengers such as wheelchairs, walkers and CPAP machines
- Therapeutic oxygen provided by the airline
