Carry-on baggage

Plan your packing and remember to pack lightly and travel with as little baggage as possible. Each airline has a similar carry-on baggage policy. There is a weight and size limitation for each passenger, based on stowage areas, aircraft weight limitations, fuel required, centre of gravity and balance required for takeoff.

Here are examples of items counted as carry-on baggage.

Some airlines have developed a sizing device to help with the acceptance and refusal of carry-on baggage. Carry-on baggage must fit within the dimensions of this sizing device. These devices are generally located near the check-in and gate areas. 

Check with your airline to find out the maximum size and number of pieces of carry-on baggage you are allowed. Most airlines restrict carry-on baggage to two pieces per passenger.

• You may only be allowed to bring two pieces of carry-on baggage through security screening.
• Carry-on bags must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Heavy items should always be placed under the seat.
• When using the overhead bins, be aware how you stow your baggage. Baggage has been known to fall out of overhead compartments when the contents shifted during the flight or if the compartments were overloaded.

Pack only the essentials – prescriptions, personal hygiene items, passports – and valuable items, such as jewellery and cameras, in your carry-on baggage. Minimize the size and amount of your carry-on baggage:

• You will be able to pass through security checkpoints more easily
• During the winter, overhead compartment space is needed for heavy coats and parkas
• If in doubt, leave it out. Don’t pack sharp or piercing objects in your carry-on baggage
• Wrapped gifts will be opened at security, so consider wrapping them at your destination or putting them in your checked baggage.
• If you are carrying electronic equipment, make certain you can prove that it is operable – but then make sure it is turned off or switched to airplane mode before the flight.

What else can I bring?

Any of the following:

• small purses (for sizes please see “Carry-on or Checked?”)
• cases containing only a camera (still or video)
• medication or medical equipment (oxygen tank, doctor’s bag)
• coats and outer garments
• crutches
• canes
• walkers
• containers carrying life-sustaining items
• special needs items
• diplomatic or consular bags
• strollers and child restraint systems (check with your airline for related policies)
• all duty-free items purchased after the security check

Other resources

• The U.S. Transportation Security Administration website
• Carry-On or Checked?, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
• Transport Canada bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from all aircraft (Transport Canada)