Porter Airlines Baggage Policy: Fees, Rules & Allowance 

Porter Airlines allows all passengers one free personal item. Most fares also include a free carry-on bag, except the PorterClassic Basic fare. Checked bags are not free on Basic or Standard fares, with fees varying by route. PorterClassic Flexible, Freedom, and PorterReserve fares include one or two free checked bags.

Flying Porter Airlines for the first time? Or maybe you’ve flown with them before but weren’t sure why you got charged at the gate? Either way, Porter’s baggage policy has enough nuance especially after their updated pricing structure in May 2026 that it pays to read up before you pack.

What Baggage Is Included on Porter Airlines?

Whether you fly with one tote bag or a mountain of gear, what you’re entitled to bring onboard or check comes down to your fare type. Here’s a complete summary:

The single biggest trip-up for travelers is booking a Basic fare and assuming carry-on is included. It isn’t. If you’re packing more than a personal item on a Basic fare, you’ll need to purchase a carry-on add-on in advance.

How Many Bags Can You Bring on Porter Airlines?

Porter Airlines allows each passenger up to two carry-on items (a personal item plus a standard carry-on bag) on all fare types except PorterClassic Basic. Passengers on Basic fares may only bring one personal item. Checked baggage allowances range from zero to two bags depending on your fare class.

For the vast majority of travelers not on a Basic fare, the allowance breaks down like this:

• 1 personal item  fits under the seat in front of you
• 1 standard carry-on  stored in the overhead bin
• 0–2 checked bags  depending on your fare (and fees apply if not included)

Porter Airlines Carry-On Baggage: Size, Weight, and Rules

What Is the Carry-On Size Limit on Porter Airlines?

Porter Airlines’ standard carry-on bag must not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5″ x 15.5″ x 9″). There is no weight restriction for carry-on bags, but your bag must fit in the overhead bin. Porter staff measure bags at check-in and boarding gates, so if your bag is oversized, it may be gate-checked for a fee.

Your personal item must not exceed 33 x 43 x 16 cm (13″ x 17″ x 6″). Again, no weight limit applies, but it must fit under the seat in front of you.

What counts as a personal item?

• Briefcase or laptop bag
• Purse or handbag
• Small backpack
• Camera bag
• Small garment bag

Can I Bring a Backpack and a Carry-On on Porter?

Yes provided you’re not on a PorterClassic Basic fare. On Standard, Flexible, Freedom, and PorterReserve fares, you can bring both a personal item (like a backpack) and a standard carry-on. The backpack just needs to meet personal item dimensions: 33 x 43 x 16 cm. If your backpack is larger and you’re treating it as your carry-on, it must fit within the 55 x 40 x 23 cm limit.

How Strict Is Porter with Carry-On Luggage?

Porter is moderately strict. Bag sizers are present at check-in counters and boarding gates at major airports. If your carry-on is flagged as oversized, staff can require you to check it on the spot at full airport counter pricing. Frequent travelers note that many commercially sold “carry-on” suitcases actually exceed Porter’s 9-inch depth limit, so measure before you go.

Porter Airlines Carry-On Fee for Basic Fares

PorterClassic Basic fares do not include a complimentary carry-on. To bring one, you must purchase the Basic Express add-on, which starts at approximately CAD $50 per direction and is non-refundable. This fee must be added before travel waiting until the gate typically costs more.

Porter Airlines Carry-On Liquids Rules

What Are Porter’s Rules for Liquids in Carry-On Bags?

Porter Airlines follows the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) 3-1-1 liquid rules, which are largely identical to TSA rules in the United States. Each liquid, aerosol, or gel container must hold no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz), and all containers must fit in a single 1-litre, clear, resealable plastic bag. Each passenger is limited to one such bag.

Common liquids affected by this rule:

• Water, juice, and other beverages (empty your bottle before security)
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Toothpaste and mouthwash
• Sunscreen and moisturizer
• Makeup with liquid or gel consistency

Exceptions to the 100 ml rule:

• Prescription medications and medical liquids (must declare at screening)
• Baby formula, breast milk, and baby food in reasonable quantities
• Duty-free liquids purchased post-security in a sealed, tamper-evident bag

Can You Pack Liquids in Checked Baggage on Porter Airlines?

Yes. The 100 ml limit only applies to carry-on baggage. In checked bags, you can pack larger quantities of most liquids. However, certain items remain prohibited regardless of placement including flammable liquids, lighter fluid, and large volumes of alcohol above 70% ABV. Always check Transport Canada’s prohibited items list if you’re unsure about a specific product.

Porter Airlines Checked Baggage: Size, Weight, and Fees

What Are Porter Airlines’ Checked Baggage Size and Weight Limits?

Each checked bag must not exceed:

• Total dimensions: 158 cm / 62 inches (length + width + height combined)
• Weight: 23 kg (50 lb) per bag
• Maximum single piece weight: 32 kg (70 lb)  anything above 23 kg incurs an overweight fee

Most standard checked suitcases fall well within the size limit. Weight, however, is where travelers frequently get caught out particularly on return trips from shopping-heavy destinations.

How Much Does Porter Charge for Checked Baggage?

Porter Airlines updated its checked baggage pricing structure effective May 7, 2026. Fees vary by route (domestic Canadian, transborder US, or sun destination) and by how and when you pay. Purchasing your baggage allowance online during or after booking is consistently cheaper than paying at the airport counter.

As a general benchmark based on community reporting and pre-May 2026 pricing:

• First checked bag (domestic): Approximately CAD $46–$52
• Airport counter rate: Higher than online pre-purchase price

For your specific route’s current pricing, check Porter’s Optional Services and Fees page at flyporter.com before you book.

For context: Air Canada charges approximately CAD $35 for a first checked bag on comparable domestic routes, while WestJet charges around CAD $40. Porter’s rates tend to be slightly higher, which makes upgrading to a Flexible or Freedom fare worth comparing if you’re planning to check a bag anyway.

Porter Airlines Extra Baggage Fee: What Happens If You Exceed Your Allowance?

If you need to check more bags than your fare allows, additional bags beyond your allowance are charged per bag at a rate that varies by route and payment channel. Overweight fees (for bags between 23 and 32 kg) are also charged on top of the standard baggage fee. No single checked bag may exceed 32 kg (70 lb); bags above this weight are not accepted.

Porter Classic Standard Baggage Allowance: What’s Actually Free?

PorterClassic Standard the mid-tier economy fare includes one personal item and one carry-on bag at no extra charge. Checked baggage is not included. This is the most commonly misunderstood part of Porter’s baggage policy. Many travelers assume that paying for a “standard” fare means at least one checked bag is free. It doesn’t.

What’s included across all Porter flights (regardless of fare):

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Complimentary snacks
• Complimentary non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (beer, wine)
• Seat selection (on most fares)

If your trip requires a checked bag and you’re not on a Flexible, Freedom, or Reserve fare, factor the checked bag fee into your total ticket cost when comparing airlines.

Special Baggage on Porter Airlines

Sports Equipment

Porter Airlines accepts most sporting equipment as checked baggage. Sports items count as one piece of your checked baggage allowance unless otherwise specified. Fees apply if checked baggage is not included in your fare.

Common sports items Porter handles:

• Golf clubs  checked as standard oversized bag
• Skis and snowboards  checked with winter sport packaging requirements
• Bicycles  must be boxed or bagged; counted as one checked item
• Surfboards  subject to size and packaging conditions

Contact Porter directly before travel if you’re unsure about a specific piece of sports equipment, as handling requirements differ.

Musical Instruments

Smaller instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions (55 x 40 x 23 cm) can be brought onboard. Larger instruments that don’t fit in the overhead bin must be checked. If you need to guarantee an overhead bin space for a fragile instrument, purchasing a separate seat is an option worth exploring with Porter directly. Checked instruments must be in a hard-shell case and are subject to standard size and weight limits.

Medical Equipment

Medical devices such as CPAP machines and assistive devices are generally not counted toward your baggage allowance. Wheelchairs and mobility aids are accommodated free of charge. If you rely on medical equipment, notify Porter at the time of booking to ensure proper accommodations are arranged. Traveling with medication? Keep it in your carry-on, declare it at security, and carry documentation from your physician when possible.

Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience on Porter Airlines

Pack light and measure twice. Porter’s carry-on dimensions are narrower than some international carriers the 9-inch depth limit catches many travelers off guard. Measure your bag at home before heading to the airport.

Label everything, inside and out. Add a luggage tag with your name, phone number, and destination address to every checked bag. Include a card inside the bag too. This significantly speeds up recovery if your bag is misrouted.

Know your fare’s allowances. Review exactly what your specific fare includes before you arrive. If you’re on a Basic fare and need a carry-on, buy the add-on online not at the gate.

Buy baggage online, not at the airport. Porter charges less when you pre-purchase checked baggage through the booking flow or manage your booking online. Airport counter fees are higher.

Consider upgrading your fare if you need a checked bag. Sometimes the price difference between a Standard and Flexible fare is less than the cost of buying a checked bag separately. Run the comparison before you checkout.

Join VIPorter. Signing up for Porter’s loyalty program is free. Elite status levels (Venture, Ascent, First) include at least one complimentary checked bag per flight. The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard grants instant Venture status to cardholders and up to eight guests on the same itinerary.

Porter Airlines Baggage Policy: Key Takeaways

Getting charged for a bag you assumed was free is one of the most avoidable travel frustrations. With Porter, the rules are clear once you understand the fare structure:

• Basic fare: One personal item only; carry-on costs extra from ~CAD $50
• Standard fare: Personal item + carry-on free; no free checked bag
• Flexible/Freedom fare: Personal item + carry-on + one free checked bag
• PorterReserve: Personal item + carry-on + two free checked bags
• Carry-on dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm; personal item 33 x 43 x 16 cm
• Checked bag limits: 23 kg max weight, 158 cm max total dimensions
• Liquids: Follow CATSA’s 3-1-1 rule in carry-on; no restriction in checked bags
• Baggage fees updated: May 7, 2026  check flyporter.com for current route-specific pricing

Always verify your specific allowances on Porter’s official website before flying. Policies and fees do change, and the most accurate information for your route is always found at flyporter.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much luggage is allowed on Porter Airlines?
All passengers may bring one personal item (33 x 43 x 16 cm). Most fare types also include one standard carry-on (55 x 40 x 23 cm). Checked bags depend on fare: Basic and Standard fares include none; Flexible and Freedom include one; PorterReserve includes two.

Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on on Porter?
Yes, on Standard, Flexible, Freedom, and PorterReserve fares. Your backpack would serve as your personal item and must fit under the seat (max 33 x 43 x 16 cm). A larger backpack used as your carry-on must fit within 55 x 40 x 23 cm and in the overhead bin.

How much does Porter charge for bags?
Checked bag fees start at approximately CAD $46–$52 per bag for domestic routes and vary by destination and payment channel. Porter updated its pricing structure in May 2026; check flyporter.com for current fees specific to your route.

How strict is Porter with carry-on size?
Moderately strict. Porter staff measure bags at check-in and boarding gates. Bags deemed oversized may be gate-checked at airport counter pricing. Many commercial carry-on suitcases exceed Porter’s 9-inch depth limit, so measure your bag before traveling.

Is Porter Airlines a good airline?
Porter is widely regarded as one of Canada’s better economy experiences. It includes complimentary snacks, beer, wine, and Wi-Fi on all flights perks that typically cost extra on Air Canada and WestJet. The trade-off is that checked baggage fees are slightly higher than some competitors on comparable routes.

What is free on Porter flights?
All Porter flights include complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, beer, and wine. Personal items are always free. Carry-on bags are free on all fares except Basic. Flexible, Freedom, and PorterReserve fares include one or two free checked bags.

Does Porter Airlines charge for carry-on bags?
Only on PorterClassic Basic fares. All other fare types include one carry-on at no extra charge. Basic fare passengers must purchase the Basic Express carry-on add-on, starting at approximately CAD $50 per direction.

Can I bring liquids on Porter Airlines flights?
Yes, within CATSA’s 3-1-1 rules: containers must hold no more than 100 ml each and must all fit in a single 1-litre clear resealable bag. Larger liquid quantities are permitted in checked baggage, with the exception of flammable or prohibited substances.

What happens if my checked bag is overweight on Porter?
Bags weighing between 23 kg (50 lb) and 32 kg (70 lb) incur an overweight surcharge on top of the standard baggage fee. Porter does not accept any single checked bag exceeding 32 kg (70 lb).

Can VIPorter status get me free checked bags on Porter Airlines?
Yes. VIPorter elite status at the Venture, Ascent, or First level includes at least one complimentary checked bag per flight. The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard automatically grants Venture status to the cardholder and up to eight guests traveling on the same itinerary.