Pacific Coastal Airlines Baggage Policy: Fees, Sizes & Rules 2026 

Pacific Coastal Airlines allows two carry-on items (one standard article up to 9″ × 15.5″ × 21.5″ and one personal item up to 6″ × 13″ × 17″) and up to three checked bags per passenger. Checked bag fees range from $0 to $115.50 (including GST), depending on your fare type and whether you pre-pay.

Flying between British Columbia destinations with Pacific Coastal Airlines (PCA) is a convenient, often scenic experience. But show up at the Vancouver South Terminal without knowing the baggage rules and you could face unexpected fees at the gate.

What Is Pacific Coastal Airlines’ Baggage Allowance by Fare Type?

Pacific Coastal Airlines’ baggage allowance depends on which of the four fare classes you book: Basic, Bravo, Classic, or Encore. Higher fares include more free checked baggage. All passengers regardless of fare receive the same two-piece carry-on allowance at no extra charge.

Pre-paid = paid at booking or up to 24 hours before departure. Check-in = paid during online or airport check-in within 24 hours of departure.

Practical cost example: A Bravo fare passenger checking two bags pays $36.75 + $57.75 = $94.50 pre-paid, or $47.25 + $68.25 = $115.50 at the counter. Pre-paying saves $21.00 a meaningful difference if you’re traveling with a family.

Choose Encore if you regularly check two bags and value flexibility (it’s the only fully refundable fare). Choose Classic if you typically check one bag and want a lower base fare. Choose Bravo or Basic if you’re traveling carry-on only and want the cheapest upfront price.

What About QuikPass Fares?

QuikPass is Pacific Coastal Airlines’ prepaid travel account program. QuikPass holders enjoy better baggage inclusions than standard fare passengers:

QuikPass accounts also include priority boarding, no cancellation fees on Encore tier, and 24/7 online account management.

What Is Pacific Coastal Airlines’ Checked Baggage Size Limit?

A standard checked bag on Pacific Coastal Airlines must weigh no more than 50 lbs (23 kg) and have a maximum linear dimension of 62 inches (158 cm). Linear dimension is calculated by adding the bag’s height, width, and length together wheels and handles included.

• Maximum weight: 50 lbs / 23 kg
• Maximum linear dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm (L + W + H)
• Maximum number of checked bags: 3 per passenger (all fare classes)
• Passenger name and contact information must be attached to the bag

Overweight and oversized fees: Any single bag weighing between 50 lbs and 70 lbs, or exceeding 62″ linear inches, is classified as overweight or oversized and attracts a fee of $105 pre-paid or $115.50 at check-in. Pacific Coastal Airlines will not accept any single checked bag exceeding 70 lbs (with the exception of large checked pets).

Important: PCA makes every effort to ensure bags travel on the same flight, but checked baggage may occasionally be held due to payload restrictions on smaller aircraft. Keep valuables, medications, important documents, and keys in your carry-on.

What Is Pacific Coastal Airlines’ Carry-On Size Allowance?

Pacific Coastal Airlines allows every passenger two carry-on items one standard article and one personal article at no additional charge. Both must meet the size and weight limits below.

Carry-on baggage size chart:

Carry-on items must fit in the sizing devices at check-in and boarding gates. Bags that exceed the limits will be checked at the gate, and applicable checked baggage fees apply. Note that at the gate, only Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or QuikPass account are accepted no cash or debit.

Additional items allowed beyond the two-piece carry-on allowance (no fee):

• Outer garments (coats, hats)
• Mobility aids (canes, crutches, walkers)
• Collapsed strollers
• CPAP and sleep apnea devices
• Personal oxygen concentrators (with physician documentation)
• Purses up to 10″ × 8″ × 12″
• Child restraint devices (car seats)

Does Pacific Coastal Airlines Have Overhead Bins on All Aircraft?

No and this is a critical detail most competitor guides miss entirely. Pacific Coastal Airlines operates two aircraft types:

• Saab 340: Has overhead bins for carry-on baggage and an onboard lavatory.
• Beechcraft 1900: No overhead bins and no onboard lavatory.

If you’re booked on a Beechcraft 1900, your standard carry-on bag will need to travel in the cargo hold via the planeside valet service. PCA offers this service at no extra charge your bag is tagged, loaded on a cart before boarding, and returned to the foot of the aircraft stairs when you land.

Aircraft type is subject to change without notice, so checking your booking confirmation before travel is always a good idea.

How Does Pacific Coastal Airlines’ Check-In Process Work?

Pacific Coastal Airlines check-in is straightforward but has strict deadlines that passengers must follow. Missing the check-in window can result in the cancellation of your entire reservation.

Check-in timeline:

• Check-in opens: 24 hours before departure (online)
• Recommended check-in time: At least 60 minutes before departure
• Check-in closes: 40 minutes before departure (online and airport counter)
• Gate boarding: Be present 30 minutes before departure

Online check-in is available from 24 hours to 1 hour before departure and lets you prepay for checked baggage and download an electronic boarding pass. Online check-in is not available for passengers requiring special assistance, unaccompanied minors, passengers with pets, or those traveling on BCAA or ISIC Student discount fares (member ID must be verified in person).

Vancouver South Terminal note: All Pacific Coastal Airlines flights from Vancouver depart from the South Terminal (YVR South Terminal) not the main terminal. Allow extra time if connecting from the main international or domestic terminal. Minimum recommended connection times are 2 hours for domestic-to-domestic and 3 hours for domestic-to-international.

All passengers aged 18 and over must present a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID. Photocopies are not accepted for adults.

What Are the Fees for Oversized or Special Baggage?

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

Musical instruments can travel as either carry-on or checked baggage, depending on size. Small instruments fitting within carry-on dimensions travel free. Guitars are a notable exception they must always travel as checked baggage, preferably in a hard-sided case. If a hard-sided case is not used, a Conditional Acceptance form must be signed before transport.

If instruments exceed maximum checked baggage dimensions (62″ linear), the oversize fee is waived but overweight fees still apply if the item exceeds 50 lbs.

Military Baggage Exemption

This is another policy detail competitors consistently overlook. Canadian military personnel (current or former) traveling for business or personal reasons may check two bags up to 50 lbs and 62″ linear dimensions each, free of charge, upon presenting valid military ID. This benefit does not extend to spouses, partners, or family members. Overweight or oversized bags still attract applicable fees.

Lithium Batteries

Loose lithium batteries cannot travel in checked baggage or cargo. They must be installed in a device if placed in a checked bag, or carried loose in your carry-on. A maximum of two spare batteries are permitted per passenger.

What Happens If Your Baggage Is Delayed, Lost, or Damaged?

If your checked bag doesn’t appear at baggage claim, notify a Pacific Coastal Airlines Customer Service Agent before leaving the airport. They will complete a Baggage Irregularity Claim form (CB-009) and begin tracking.

Key deadlines and limits:

If you’ve already left the airport, email baggage@pacificcoastal.com or write to Pacific Coastal Airlines Baggage Department, 4980 Cowley Crescent, Richmond, BC V7B 1C1.

Checked baggage fees paid on delayed or damaged bags are refunded. Interim expense reimbursements (toiletries, clothing, equipment rentals) require receipts and are capped at $250 if your bag is returned within 21 days.

Normal wear and tear, scuffs, scratches, broken wheels, ripped zippers, damage from overpacking, or loss of jewelry, cash, electronics, or documents packed in checked baggage.

Pack Smart: Tips for Avoiding Extra Baggage Fees on Pacific Coastal Airlines

• Pre-pay for checked bags at booking you’ll save between $10.50 and $10.50 per bag compared to paying at the counter.
• Weigh your bag at home. A standard kitchen scale works well for smaller bags. The limit is 50 lbs (23 kg); bags between 50-70 lbs trigger a $105-$115.50 surcharge.
• Measure your carry-on. The standard article limit of 9″ × 15.5″ × 21.5″ is more restrictive than most major airlines. Many “airline-approved” carry-ons sold for larger carriers will not fit.
• Book Encore fare if you check two bags regularly. The per-bag savings quickly offset the higher base fare, and the full refundability adds financial protection.
• Label your bag clearly. Your name and contact information must appear on each checked bag. Use a luggage tag and an interior label as backup.
• Keep valuables in your carry-on. PCA explicitly recommends not packing keys, jewelry, medications, electronics, or important documents in checked baggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pacific Coastal Airlines allow carry-on luggage?
Yes. Every passenger receives two free carry-on items: one standard article (max 9″ × 15.5″ × 21.5″, 22 lbs) and one personal article (max 6″ × 13″ × 17″, 22 lbs). There are no fees for carry-on baggage unless it exceeds these limits at the gate.

What is the cheapest way to bring a checked bag on Pacific Coastal Airlines?
Pre-pay for your bag at the time of booking. A first checked bag costs $36.75 pre-paid on Bravo and Basic fares, versus $47.25 at check-in a $10.50 saving per bag. Booking a Classic or Encore fare includes the first checked bag free.

Can I bring a guitar on Pacific Coastal Airlines as a carry-on?
No. Guitars must always travel as checked baggage on Pacific Coastal Airlines. They should be packed in a hard-sided case. If a hard-sided case is not available, a Conditional Acceptance form must be signed before transport.

What is the maximum weight for a checked bag on Pacific Coastal Airlines?
The standard limit is 50 lbs (23 kg). Bags between 50 lbs and 70 lbs are accepted as overweight items for a fee of $105 (pre-paid) or $115.50 (check-in). Bags over 70 lbs are not accepted as checked baggage.

Does Pacific Coastal Airlines charge more for bags paid at the airport vs. online?
Yes. Check-in baggage fees are consistently $10.50 higher per bag than pre-paid fees across all fare classes. Pre-paying any time before 24 hours prior to departure secures the lower rate.

 What happens if my bag is over the 62-inch linear limit?
Bags exceeding 62″ linear inches (height + width + length, including wheels) are classified as oversized and attract an additional fee of $105 pre-paid or $115.50 at check-in. Musical instruments that exceed this limit have their oversized fee waived, though overweight fees still apply.

Can Canadian military personnel bring extra bags for free on Pacific Coastal Airlines?
Yes. Current and former Canadian military members may check two bags up to 50 lbs and 62″ linear dimensions each at no charge, upon presenting valid military ID (e.g., CFOne card, NDI 75, or Veterans Affairs benefit card). This does not apply to family members.

How long does Pacific Coastal Airlines take to respond to baggage claims?
PCA aims to provide a full response within 30 days of receiving a written complaint or baggage claim. Unresolved disputes can be escalated to the Canadian Transportation Agency (rppa-appr.ca).

Is there a carry-on fee on Beechcraft 1900 flights where there are no overhead bins?
No. Pacific Coastal Airlines does not charge a fee when carry-on bags must travel in the cargo hold due to lack of overhead bins on Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. The planeside valet service is complimentary, and bags are returned at the foot of the aircraft stairs upon arrival.

What is the maximum compensation if Pacific Coastal Airlines loses my checked baggage permanently?
Pacific Coastal Airlines’ maximum liability for lost or destroyed baggage (including contents) is 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per person, approximately $2,800 CAD. This applies to baggage not returned within 21 days of the original flight arrival.