✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Canadian North is the airline of Canada’s North, connecting Ottawa, Montreal and Edmonton with Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Nunavik. Its baggage rules differ from a typical southern carrier in two ways that matter: carry-on size depends on whether you fly a jet or a turboprop, and the checked-bag allowance is tied to your fare. The good news for budget travellers is that even the cheapest Econo/Saver fare still includes one free checked bag — Canadian North kept that when it revised its policy, rather than stripping it the way many carriers have.
This guide covers the current (2026) published figures: cabin dimensions and weight, the free checked allowance per fare, the 50 lb (23 kg) weight cap, and the excess, overweight and oversize fees in Canadian dollars. Where a figure varies by aircraft, fare or route, that’s flagged so you don’t get caught at a remote-airport check-in.
Quick facts
| Personal item | Allowed (small bag/laptop case); must fit under the seat |
| Carry-on (jet) | 56 x 46 x 26 cm, max 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Carry-on (turboprop ATR) | 46 x 41 x 23 cm, max 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Checked weight limit | 23 kg (50 lb) per bag |
| Checked size limit | 158 cm (62 in) total — over is oversize |
| Free checked bags (Econo/Saver) | 1 bag free |
| Free checked bags (Super-flex) | 2 bags free |
| 2nd bag (Econo) | ~CAD 86 each way |
| 3rd bag | ~CAD 138 each way |
| Overweight (51–100 lb) | ~CAD 172 each way |
| Oversize (over 62 in) | ~CAD 230 each way |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | Not formally dimensioned; a small bag, laptop case or handbag that fits under the seat in front. One personal item in addition to the carry-on, free of charge |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | Jet: 56 x 46 x 26 cm; Turboprop (ATR): 46 x 41 x 23 cm · 10 kg (22 lb) Free |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | 1 bag (Econo/Saver), 2 bags (Super-flex and most reward/beneficiary fares) |
| Weight limit | 23 kg (50 lb) per piece; max 158 cm (62 in) total dimensions |
| Typical fee | 2nd bag on Econo ~CAD 86; 3rd bag ~CAD 138 (each way). Max 3 bags at check-in — 4th/5th must go as cargo. |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Econo / Saver | Included | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item | 1 bag free |
| Flex | Included | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item | 1 bag free (revised allowance) |
| Super-flex | Included | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item | 2 bags free (priority) |
| Beneficiary / Aurora Diamond / Aeroplan reward | Included | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item | 2 bags free (priority) |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
The aifly angle: on the deal fares we surface, Canadian North’s cheapest ticket is unusually generous by 2026 standards. Where most carriers’ basic fares now strip the checked bag entirely, Canadian North’s lowest Econo/Saver fare still bundles a full cabin bag (10 kg) plus a free checked bag, and on many northern itineraries the practical allowance runs to 2 × 23 kg checked via Super-flex/beneficiary fares that dominate remote-community routes. For travellers heading to Iqaluit, Yellowknife, Inuvik or the Nunavik communities — where everything from groceries to gear travels with you — that included weight is real money: a second bag elsewhere costs ~CAD 86 each way.
Oversize, sports & special items
Weight and size limits. Every checked piece is capped at 23 kg (50 lb) and 158 cm (62 in) total dimensions (length + width + height). Go over and you pay an overweight fee; go past 62 in and you pay an oversize fee — both can apply to the same bag.
Excess, overweight and oversize fees (each way, approximate CAD):
- 2nd bag (Econo): ~CAD 86
- 3rd bag: ~CAD 138
- Overweight, 51–100 lb: ~CAD 172
- Oversize, over 62 in: ~CAD 230
- 4th and 5th bags: not accepted at the counter — must ship as cargo
Sports equipment and instruments. Canadian North does not publish a detailed sports-gear or instrument tariff the way the big carriers do; large or irregular items (skis, snowmobiles parts, firearms for hunting, oversized instruments) are handled under the standard oversize/overweight rules or, beyond the 3-bag counter limit, as cargo. Because of the remote operating environment and small-aircraft holds, declare bulky items in advance and confirm acceptance for your specific aircraft type.
Pets. A pet in the cabin is ~CAD 86; an animal in the hold is ~CAD 230.
Why fees vary. Canadian North operates a mix of Boeing 737 jets and ATR42/ATR72 turboprops, and many routes are remote with limited capacity. Carry-on size depends on the aircraft, and on small turboprops staff may gate-check oversized cabin bags.
Frequently asked questions
Does Canadian North's cheapest fare include a free checked bag?
Yes. Unlike many airlines in 2026, Canadian North kept one free checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lb) on its lowest Econo/Saver fare. Super-flex and most beneficiary/reward fares include two free checked bags.
What is Canadian North's carry-on size and weight limit?
It depends on the aircraft. On jets the carry-on can be up to 56 x 46 x 26 cm; on ATR turboprops the limit is smaller at 46 x 41 x 23 cm. Either way the weight limit is 10 kg (22 lb), plus one personal item that fits under the seat.
How much does a second checked bag cost on Canadian North?
On an Econo/Saver fare a second checked bag is roughly CAD 86 each way, and a third bag is about CAD 138 each way. Super-flex fares include two bags, so you'd only pay the ~CAD 138 from the third bag onward.
What is the checked baggage weight limit on Canadian North?
Each checked piece must be 23 kg (50 lb) or less. Bags from 51 to 100 lb incur an overweight fee of about CAD 172 each way. Anything over 100 lb is generally not accepted.
What counts as oversize baggage on Canadian North?
Any checked bag whose length + width + height exceeds 158 cm (62 in) is oversize and attracts a fee of roughly CAD 230 each way. Oversize and overweight charges can both apply to the same bag.
How many bags can I check on Canadian North?
A maximum of three bags can be checked at the counter. A fourth and fifth bag must be shipped separately as cargo rather than checked with your ticket.
Can I bring sports equipment or a musical instrument?
Canadian North handles large or irregular items under its standard oversize/overweight rules, or as cargo beyond the three-bag counter limit, rather than a published per-item tariff. Because of small-aircraft holds, declare bulky gear in advance and confirm acceptance for your aircraft type.
Did Canadian North change its baggage policy for 2026?
Yes. Canadian North revised its checked baggage policy, updating the free allowances on Flex and Super-flex fares and the excess, oversize and overweight fees, while keeping one free checked bag on the lowest Saver fare.