Head to head
Air Canada or WestJet?
Two carriers’ carry-on limits next to each other — measurements, weights, gate checks and a bag that keeps you right on both.
The short answer
Air Canada gives you a little more room. Its personal item (43 × 33 × 16 cm) and carry-on (55 × 40 × 23 cm) are both roomier in width than WestJet’s 41 × 33 × 15 cm and 56 × 36 × 23 cm. Both drop the carry-on on their cheapest fares. For one set of luggage that works on both, size to WestJet’s narrower limits.
AC
Air Canada
Personal item 43 × 33 × 16 cm
Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm
VS
WS
WestJet
Personal item 41 × 33 × 15 cm
Carry-on 56 × 36 × 23 cm
The comparison
| Air Canada | WestJet | |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 43 × 33 × 16 cm | 41 × 33 × 15 cm |
| Carry-on | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
| Carry-on on cheapest fare? | No on Basic within North America and sun routes | No on UltraBasic, except Europe and Asia |
| Weight limit | None published — lift it yourself | None published — lift it yourself |
| Gate checks | Automated sizers; Basic pre-authorized for a gate fee | Sizers; failing bags become paid checked bags |
Rules verified October 2026. Ticket type changes what you may bring, and carriers revise policies without much warning — glance at your booking confirmation before packing.
What it means when you pack
Width is the key difference. WestJet’s carry-on is only 36 cm wide, so a classic 40 cm-wide cabin case that suits Air Canada can be too wide for WestJet.
The personal items are close, but WestJet’s is a centimetre or two smaller on two sides. A 41 × 33 × 15 cm bag passes on both.
Neither airline publishes a weight limit for cabin bags; both expect you to lift your bag into the bin on your own.
↑ ContentsOne set of luggage for both carriers
Pick a personal item no larger than 41 × 33 × 15 cm and a carry-on within 55 × 36 × 23 cm, and you’re covered on both airlines.
Personal items within 41 × 33 × 15 cm
Carry-ons within 55 × 36 × 23 cm
Questions people ask
Will my Air Canada carry-on fit WestJet?
Only if it is 36 cm wide or less. Air Canada allows 40 cm; WestJet allows 36 cm.
Which airline’s basic fare is stricter?
Both limit their cheapest fares to a personal item on most North American routes. WestJet’s UltraBasic can’t add a carry-on except on Europe and Asia trips.
Do either of them weigh carry-ons?
Neither publishes a weight limit, but both expect you to lift the bag into the bin unaided.