Air North baggage policy: Fees, Limits & Rules (2026) 

Air North allows two checked bags on Boeing routes (23 kg each) and two on ATR routes (10 kg each), with carry-on dimensions of 38 × 22 × 54 cm on Boeing flights. Excess, overweight, and oversized bag fees range from $42 to $45.20 CAD per item. All fees listed are in Canadian dollars and sourced from the official Air North website (flyairnorth.com).

Does Air North Have Free Checked Bags?

Yes, Air North includes free checked baggage with every adult and child ticket. On Boeing routes, passengers receive two checked bags at up to 23 kg (50 lb) each. On ATR routes, the free allowance drops to two bags at 10 kg (22 lb) each. Infants do not receive a free checked bag allowance.

This is a meaningful perk compared to many budget carriers that charge for every piece of checked luggage. However, the ATR weight allowance of 10 kg per bag surprises many travelers used to larger jets  so checking your route before packing is essential.

What Are the Baggage Limits for Air North Flights?

Air North’s baggage limits vary by aircraft type. The standard rules apply as follows:

Air North Checked Baggage Allowance by Aircraft

Bags exceeding 32 kg on either aircraft type will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped through Air North Cargo instead.

Air North Carry-On Baggage Allowance by Aircraft

What Are Air North’s Carry-On Baggage Rules?

Air North permits one carry-on bag and one personal item per traveller on all flights. On Boeing routes, the carry-on cannot exceed 38 × 22 × 54 cm, while the personal item is limited to 33 × 41 × 15 cm. ATR routes have tighter restrictions, with a combined maximum of 28 × 22 × 38 cm for carry-on items.

Air North recommends using the sizing frames at check-in counters before boarding to confirm your bag qualifies. If overhead bin space runs out, your carry-on may be gate-checked at no extra charge, but this is not guaranteed.

What Items Are Prohibited in Air North Carry-On Luggage?

The following items are not permitted in cabin baggage:

• Knives and razor blades
• Tools (box cutters, screwdrivers, axes)
• Metal kitchen utensils and cutlery
• Flammable or corrosive substances (paint, lighter fuel)
• Lithium batteries rated above 160 Wh

What Are Air North’s Checked Baggage Size Rules?

Air North’s standard maximum linear dimension for checked baggage is 157 cm (length + width + height) on both Boeing and ATR routes. Items measuring between 157 cm and 203 cm are accepted but incur an oversized baggage fee. Anything over 203 cm will not be accepted and must be shipped as Cargo.

Real-world example: A suitcase measuring 75 cm × 50 cm × 35 cm totals 160 cm  just above the standard limit. You’d pay an oversized fee of $42–$45.20 CAD even if the bag is within the weight limit.

What Are Air North’s Baggage Fees and Extra Baggage Costs?

Air North charges a flat fee range for all excess, overweight, and oversized baggage. All fees below are in Canadian dollars, per item, per direction:

Air North Baggage Fee Breakdown

Cost scenario: Travelling on a Boeing route with three bags, where one weighs 28 kg and measures 165 cm linearly, you’d pay:

• Excess bag fee: $42–$45.20
• Overweight fee: $42–$45.20
• Oversized fee: $42–$45.20
• Total extra charges: $126–$135.60 CAD

The maximum number of checked bags per traveller  including excess pieces  is four. Any additional bags must be sent via Air North Cargo.

What Are the Rules for Special Items on Air North Flights?

Air North accepts a wide range of special items, though specific rules, size limits, and fees apply to each.

Sports Equipment

Common sports equipment  including fishing rods, hockey gear, golf clubs, and lacrosse equipment  can substitute for a standard checked bag, provided they meet size and weight limits. Key rules include:

• Check-in deadline: Special items must be checked at least 90 minutes before departure. Late arrivals may be denied.
• Packing rule: Equipment cases must contain only gear  no clothing or personal items.
• Skis and snowboards: Oversize fees are waived for items within 300 × 45 × 76 cm. Overweight fees still apply.

Musical Instruments

Smaller instruments may be brought on board as carry-on if they fit within the carry-on size limits and can be safely stored. They count as your one permitted carry-on. If the cabin is full or the instrument cannot be safely stowed, Air North may check it at the gate.

Kayaks and Canoes

Kayaks may be checked as baggage (subject to space availability), with a maximum size of 300 × 45 × 76 cm and a maximum weight of 23 kg. Paddles are counted as part of the kayak piece. Canoes are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as Cargo  a distinction most competitor posts do not clarify.

Bicycles

Bicycles are accepted for a flat fee of $50 + tax and cannot replace a standard checked bag. Size limit is 292 cm total linear dimensions, with a maximum weight of 32 kg. Electric bikes (e-bikes) are only accepted if the battery is removable, carried in the cabin, and rated no higher than 160 Wh.

Mobility Aids

Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, braces, prosthetics, and communication devices are all carried at no additional cost. Powered mobility aids are accepted within the following limits:

• Maximum dimensions: 103 × 75 × 77 cm
• Maximum weight: 180 kg (400 lb)

Contact Air North’s Reservations team before travel to confirm whether your specific device can be accommodated.

How Much Does It Cost to Fly with Pets on Air North?

Air North accepts dogs, cats, and rabbits in the cabin for a flat fee of $50 + tax per pet. Each traveller may bring one pet, which counts as the carry-on item. Pets must be at least eight weeks old and remain in their kennel for the entire flight. Check-in is required at least two hours before departure  arrivals within 90 minutes of departure may be denied boarding.

Kennel Size Requirements by Aircraft Type

For pets checked as baggage, fees range from $50 + tax (small kennel) to $100 + tax (extra-large kennel). Air North also offers a Pet Passport  a unique loyalty keepsake that tracks your pet’s travel history across all Air North flights. Ask an agent at the counter.

What Happens If Your Baggage Is Lost or Delayed on Air North?

If your bag doesn’t arrive, report it immediately to an Air North Customer Service agent at the airport. Delayed baggage claims must be submitted within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival time.

Most delayed bags are returned within 24 hours and delivered to you free of charge. If your bag is not located within 24 hours:

• Air North reimburses up to $50 CAD per day, per bag, for essential items (toiletries, medication, basic clothing)
• Reimbursement requires receipts and begins after the first day
• Maximum reimbursement: $250 CAD per bag

After 21 days, your bag is considered lost, and Air North will settle the claim per their tariff. Lost baggage claims must be filed within 21 days.

What is not covered by delayed baggage reimbursement:

• Work-related clothing
• Sporting or recreational gear
• Entertainment, sporting events, or excursion costs
• Camping, fishing, or outdoor activity expenses
• Lost wages
• Missed connections to other airlines, trains, or cruise ships

For damage claims, Air North’s maximum liability is 1,519 SDR (approximately $2,780 CAD) per damaged bag. All damage must be reported within seven days of receiving your baggage. For domestic travel, the overall maximum liability is approximately 1,131 SDR (~$2,050 CAD) per person, per incident.

Lost & Found inquiries: call 1.800.661.0407 ext. 778 (toll-free in North America) or 867.668.2228 ext. 778. Items found on aircraft are held at Air North’s Whitehorse head office for up to 90 days.

Military Baggage Benefits: What Does Air North Offer?

Air North provides exclusive baggage benefits to Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans  a policy that almost no competitor blog covers. To access these benefits, book through the Reservations team and present valid military ID at check-in.

Military baggage benefits include:

• 10% discount on GoYUKON and OPTIMUM base fares
• Boeing routes: Up to four (4) bags, each up to 32 kg, with all excess baggage fees waived
• ATR routes: One (1) bag up to 32 kg; standard fees apply for additional bags
• Oversize fees waived for items up to 203 cm linear dimensions

How to Avoid Unnecessary Baggage Fees on Air North

A few practical steps can save you $40–$135 per trip:

• Know your route type: Check whether your flight uses a Boeing or ATR aircraft before packing. ATR weight limits are far lower (10 kg per bag vs. 23 kg).
• Weigh bags before leaving home: A kitchen or luggage scale prevents overweight surprises at the counter.
• Use sizing frames at check-in: Air North provides them at counter locations to verify carry-on dimensions before boarding.
• Book special items in advance: Bikes, kayaks, and pets require pre-booking. Last-minute additions may be refused.
• Arrive early with sports equipment: Special items must be checked at least 90 minutes before departure  not the standard check-in window.
• Pack fragile/valuable items in your carry-on: Air North is not liable for damage to jewelry, electronics, cameras, or other valuables in checked baggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Air North charge for checked bags?
No. Air North includes two free checked bags per adult and child ticket. On Boeing routes, each bag can weigh up to 23 kg. On ATR routes, the limit is 10 kg per bag. Infants do not receive a free checked baggage allowance.

What is Air North’s carry-on weight limit?
Air North does not publish a specific carry-on weight limit. The policy states that bags must be light enough for the passenger to lift into the overhead bin unassisted. The size limit on Boeing routes is 38 × 22 × 54 cm; on ATR routes, the combined maximum is 28 × 22 × 38 cm.

How much does Air North charge for an extra bag?
Each extra bag (third or fourth) costs $42–$45.20 CAD per piece. A maximum of four total bags  including the two standard pieces  is permitted per traveller per flight. Bags beyond four must be shipped via Air North Cargo.

Can I bring skis or a snowboard on Air North?
Yes. Skis and snowboards are accepted as checked baggage. The oversized fee is waived for items within 300 × 45 × 76 cm, but overweight fees still apply if the item exceeds the standard weight limit for your route.

What is the fee for overweight baggage on Air North?
A bag weighing between 23 kg and 32 kg on Boeing routes (or combined weight over 20 kg on ATR routes) incurs an overweight fee of $42–$45.20 CAD per item. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted as checked baggage on either aircraft type.

Can I bring my kayak on Air North?
Yes, kayaks are accepted as one piece of checked baggage on a space-available basis, with a maximum size of 300 × 45 × 76 cm and a maximum weight of 23 kg. Pre-booking is required. Canoes are not accepted as checked baggage  they must be shipped as Cargo.

Does Air North compensate for delayed baggage?
Yes. If your bag is delayed beyond 24 hours and a claim has been filed, Air North reimburses up to $50 CAD per day, per bag, for essential items (toiletries, medication, basic clothing), up to a maximum of $250 CAD. Receipts are required.

Can Canadian Armed Forces members get extra baggage on Air North?
Yes. On Boeing flights, Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans can check up to four bags (each up to 32 kg) with all excess baggage fees waived. Valid military ID must be presented at check-in. ATR route benefits differ  only one bag up to 32 kg is covered; standard fees apply beyond that.

What is the personal item size limit on Air North?
On Boeing routes, personal items cannot exceed 33 × 41 × 15 cm. On ATR routes, there is no separate personal item dimension listed  the combined carry-on and personal item must fit within 28 × 22 × 38 cm total.

What is Air North’s maximum liability for lost baggage?
For domestic travel, Air North’s maximum liability is approximately 1,131 SDR (around $2,050 CAD) per person, per incident. For damaged baggage specifically, the limit is up to 1,519 SDR (approximately $2,780 CAD). Air North does not offer the option to insure baggage for higher values  passengers seeking additional coverage should contact an independent insurance provider.