Head to head
Porter Airlines or Air Canada?
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
The sizes are identical — a 43 × 33 × 16 cm personal item and a 55 × 40 × 23 cm carry-on on both. The difference is weight: Porter caps each bag at 9 kg, while Air Canada publishes no weight limit. Both leave the carry-on out of their Basic fares.
PD
Porter Airlines
Personal item 43 × 33 × 16 cm
Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm
VS
AC
Air Canada
Personal item 43 × 33 × 16 cm
Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm
The comparison
| Porter Airlines | Air Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 43 × 33 × 16 cm, 9 kg | 43 × 33 × 16 cm, no weight published |
| Carry-on | 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 9 kg | 55 × 40 × 23 cm, no weight published |
| Carry-on on Basic? | No — add Basic Express | No within North America and sun routes |
| Gate checks | Oversized or overweight bags checked for a fee | Automated sizers; Basic pre-authorized for a gate fee |
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
One set of luggage works on both airlines, which suits travellers who switch between Porter and Air Canada on routes like Toronto–Ottawa or Toronto–Montréal.
Porter’s 9 kg limit is the thing to watch: a rigid case and a laptop can push you over. Weigh your bags at home.
On Basic fares, Porter lets you add a carry-on with Basic Express; Air Canada Basic within North America is personal item only.
↑ ContentsOne set of luggage for both carriers
Any personal item within 43 × 33 × 16 cm and carry-on within 55 × 40 × 23 cm works on both — keep each under 9 kg for Porter.
Personal items within 43 × 33 × 16 cm
Carry-ons within 55 × 40 × 23 cm
Questions people ask
Can I use the same bag on Porter and Air Canada?
Yes. The dimensions are identical; just keep each bag under 9 kg for Porter.
Which airline weighs carry-ons?
Porter publishes a 9 kg limit per bag. Air Canada has no published weight limit.
Can I bring a carry-on on Basic?
On Porter, by adding Basic Express. On Air Canada Basic within North America and to sun destinations, no.