Do you get a free bag with Aeroplan?

Primary Cardholders /Primary Business Cardholders, Additional Cardholders, and travel companions (up to eight) travelling on the same reservation will all enjoy their first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) when travel originates on an Air Canada flight.



Whether you get a free checked bag with Aeroplan depends entirely on your Elite Status, the specific credit card you hold, and your fare class. As of 2026, Air Canada Aeroplan members who hold a "premium" co-branded credit card (such as the American Express Aeroplan Reserve or the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite) receive a first checked bag free for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, regardless of whether you booked with points or cash. For those without a specialized credit card, you only get a free bag if you book a "Standard" fare or higher; "Basic Economy" or "Economy (Lite)" fares generally do not include a free checked bag. If you have Aeroplan Elite Status (25K and above), you are entitled to at least one free bag (often two or three for higher tiers) on all Air Canada-operated flights. It is important to remember that these benefits only apply to flights marketed and operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express; if you are using Aeroplan points to fly on a Star Alliance partner like United or Lufthansa, their specific baggage rules will apply unless you have the corresponding Star Alliance Gold or Silver status.

People Also Ask

It's rare to find U.S. airlines with free checked baggage. Southwest Airlines is the only airline without any bag fees. For other airlines, you'll need to earn elite status or book your tickets with an airline credit card.

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Aeroplan credit card cons
  • $95 annual fee.
  • May not be the right fit if you don't fly with Air Canada or its Star Alliance partners like United, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific and beyond.
  • No introductory APR offer on purchases or balance transfers, with a high 21.74% to 28.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.


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With a high Aeroplan Elite status level, you have unlimited access to a Maple Leaf lounge, regardless of the class of ticket you hold. The flight must be operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge, or a Star Alliance carrier. Then, the eligible flight must be the same day.

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Definitely! Once you've completed your reservation, go to My Bookings to retrieve it and access the seat selection link to purchase your Preferred Seat. Note that Preferred Seats are complimentary for Aeroplan Super Elite Members travelling on an Aeroplan Flight Reward.

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The maximum dimensions of the carry-on bag must be 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x23 cm). Note that this includes the wheels and handles of the bag. Furthermore, Air Canada does not impose any specific weight limit on your carry-on baggage. As long as it's light enough to be stored in the overhead bin, you're good.

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How to purchase Preferred Seats. Preferred Seat prices range from $20 to $199 CAD/USD*. Aeroplan Elite Members and customers travelling on a Latitude or comfort fare can select a Preferred Seat at no extra cost on select routes.

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Aeroplan is a coalition loyalty program owned by Air Canada, Canada's flag carrier. The Aeroplan program was created in July 1984 by Air Canada as an incentive program for its frequent flyer customers. In 2002 it was spun off as a separate corporate entity and eventually sold to Aimia.

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Southwest Checked Baggage Allowance All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and must adhere to max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm). Southwest is the only airline that provides 2 FREE CHECKED BAGS for all fares.

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It's generally cheaper to add baggage during booking because most carriers increase the price later. Depending on your service package, we might also charge a processing fee for additional services added later.

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Southwest charges absolutely no bag fees. American, Alaska, Delta and Hawaiian charge $30 for a checked bag, while JetBlue and United charge $35 for the same. Low-cost airlines Spirit and Frontier separate from the pack here, as they charge customers for all overhead carry-on items.

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