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Before you go

A man carrying pushing his luggages

An illustration of a luggage Baggage
For your safety and security, Transport Canada may put in place additional requirements pertaining to carry-on baggage at any time. To prevent boarding delays, passengers should check, prior to arriving at the airport, with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (www.catsa.gc.ca) or their airline for current information.

Think small, think smart, and think safe.


There are strict rules about what you can bring on board an aircraft. Why? Because:
  • Not all aircraft have space to store your carry on baggage.
  • In an accident, baggage in the aisles makes it harder to get out of the aircraft quickly.


Luggages on the floorCarry-on baggage

Carry-on bags must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Check your airline's rules before you travel, to avoid delays.



  • Before you pack, check with your airline to find out the maximum size, weight, and number of carry-on bags and pieces of checked baggage they allow.
  • When you pack, put your medication and travel documents in carry-on baggage for easy access
  • When you get to the airport, check items that are too big or too heavy, so that they can be stowed in the aircraft baggage compartment.
  • When you get on the aircraft:

    • Place heavy items under the seat in
      front of you;
    • Do not overload the overhead
      compartment;
    • Be careful to stow your carry-on baggage so that it won't fall out of overhead compartments if it shifts during the flight; and
    • Ask a crew member if you've stowed your carry-on baggage in the right place.

*Remember: All carry-on baggage must be left behind in an evacuation.

Date modified:
2010-06-30