Packing for Canada 101

Baggage policies and allowance for carry-on and checked luggage when flying to Canada

Each airline has its own baggage policy and fees. Usually, a standard 23 kilo checked luggage is included in your ticket, but check weight limit and fees carefully. Same goes for your carry-on luggage, weight is often irrelevant (… light enough to be stored in the overhead bin, though) but dimensions matter. The general rule is one personal article (such as a backpack, a briefcase, a laptop) plus one standard luggage (i.e. a very small suitcase or backpack).

Items you should always pack in your carry-on bag

You shouldn’t put fragile or valuable items (camera, laptop, jewellery) in your checked luggage. Note that you may be asked to turn devices on to make sure they’re legit and not hiding explosives.

Keep important documents with you as well, such as your passport and port of entry (POE) letter, IDs, money, bank cards, etc.

Bring your prescription if you’re carrying medication.

Items you should always pack in your checked luggage

Containers that hold more than 100 ml are not allowed in your carry-on bag, so you should pack shampoo, liquid soap, perfume, creams, etc., in your checked luggage.

Lighters usually don’t make it through security. If you have a nice Zippo lighter, pack it in your checked luggage. Knives (or anything that could be used as a weapon, yes, including nail clippers) should also be packed in your checked luggage.

Note that a number of items shouldn’t end up in your luggage at all for legal or security reasons:

• Explosive and incendiary materials
• Flammable items
• Gasses and pressure containers
• Matches
• Oxidizers and organic peroxides
• Poisons
• Infectious materials
• Corrosives
• Organics
• Radioactive materials
• Magnetic materials
• Recreational drugs

Finally, check import requirements if you’re bringing food to Canada.

Have a good trip!