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Published 10 October 2006
Packing Your Bags: Airline Luggage Tips
By Expedia.ca staff

When packing for an airline flight, it’s important to keep a few things in mind — how much you pack as well as what you pack.

Many airlines are strictly enforcing maximum carry-on and checked baggage allowances. Please check with your airline directly if you are unsure of the size and weight of baggage you are permitted to check or carry on.

Carry-on baggage
Most airlines allow at least one (1) piece of standard carry-on baggage and one (1) personal item. Carry-on baggage should not exceed 21 cm x 40 cm x 54 cm (8" x 16" x 21") and the maximum weight should not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs). Carry-on items may include: bags and suitcases, briefcases, laptop computer bags, diaper bags, camera cases and similar items. Most check-in counters have a sizing unit where you can verify that your baggage is within size requirements.

Please check the Carry-on Baggage Update for additional details on items that may and may not be packed in your carry-on luggage.

Checked baggage
Most airlines permit two (2) pieces of checked baggage per fee-paying customer. Each of the two allowable pieces of checked baggage must not exceed 32 kg (70 lbs) in weight or 158 cm (62") in overall dimensions (height + width + depth). Airlines may charge an additional fee for checked baggage. See our list of Checked bag policies and be sure to verify any additional fees before flying.

For international and transborder travel, many airlines have recently reduced their baggage allowance to as low as 23 kg (per piece). Please ensure you check with your airline for specific weight requirements and restrictions prior to departure.

Fees may be charged for baggage, up to a maximum number of pieces, in excess of the allowable limit and for special items such as bicycles and surfboards. Please consult your airline for applicable fees and restrictions.

What can I pack?
Here are some general packing tips that will help your trip go a little more smoothly.

  • Do not wrap bungee cords, ties or straps around baggage.
  • Remove all old airline tags.
  • Attach identification tags to the inside and outside of the bag, giving destination as well as home addresses.
  • Keep all medications and high-value items such as cameras, jewellery, electronic devices and cash with you. Do not put them in checked baggage.
Sharp items, such as scissors or skates, are not permitted in carry-on baggage. All liquids, gels and aerosols are now permitted in carry-on baggage if they meet certain restrictions. Travellers may now also purchase, and carry onboard, liquids, gels and aerosols at all retailers, both duty free and non-duty free, located within the sterile areas of Canadian airports.

Passengers may continue to bring aboard baby formula, breast milk and baby food in small containers when travelling with a baby or a small child two years of age or under. Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket, insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines are allowed.

The Canada Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) recommends that all food items be packed in your carry-on baggage.

Other items are permitted neither in carry-on nor checked baggage. These include strike-anywhere matches, lighter fluid, nail polish remover, and some alcohol products. Please consult the CATSA web site for a comprehensive list.

If you are travelling outside of Canada, please refer to your airline or the Canada Border Services Agency for information on foreign products that may brought back into Canada, as restrictions may apply.

For details on the requirements of particular airlines, please check with your airline: airline toll-free numbers.

Whom do I contact to retrieve lost luggage?
While most airlines operate an automated internal system for tracking luggage, outside travel agencies do not have access to these systems. Your best course of action regarding lost luggage is to contact the airline directly. Have the following information available:
  • Luggage claim ticket number(s)
  • Flight information
  • Dimensions of piece(s) lost
  • Colour
  • Material (soft or hard-sided)
  • Brand if available
 

 


 
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