The Air Canada military baggage policy allows active military and veterans to fly with up to 3 free checked bags. They must show proof of ID, and the flights can be with Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express.
Air Canada isn't the only airline to offer special baggage discounts for military members. Some also provide fare discounts or other perks. And, of course, using a top airline credit card can also score you benefits, including free checked bags.
This article lists the Canadian airlines that have a military baggage benefit, explaines those benefits, suggests travel credit cards, and more.
Key Takeaways
- The Air Canada military baggage policy allows current and retired military members to check up to 3 bags for free when flying Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express.
- Air Transat also has a competitive baggage allowance for military members, plus free seat selection.
- Airlines with free baggage benefits for military usually only apply to flights operated by the airline, not its partners.
- Paying for a flight with a top airline credit card may also entitle you to free checked bags.
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Comparing the Air Canada military baggage policy with other airlines
The Air Canada military baggage policy is likely the best-known among the airline's policies, allowing military members to check up to 3 bags for free. But other airlines have valuable policies regarding military travel too, and worth considering when comparing flight options.
Here's how they all compare:
| Airline name | Fare discount | Free checked bags or baggage discount | Other discounts and perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | None | * 3 checked bags when flying with Air Canada, Rouge, or Express | None |
| Air Transat | None | * 1 checked bag if not already included * 50% discount on a second checked bag | * 25% discount on the Option Plus add-on * Free seat selection |
| Porter | None | * 3 checked bags on Porter-operated flights | N/A |
| WestJet | None | * 4 checked bags or 3 checked bags on a WestJet Encore flight | N/A |
| Harbour Air | 20% discount on all fares | Free baggage included on specific discounted fares | N/A |
| Canada North Airlines | 2% discount on base fares | * Possible baggage discount if your first flight starts with a partner that has a baggage discount | N/A |
| Air North | 10% off GoYUKON and OPTIMUM base fares | * 4 free checked bags on Boeing 737 flights * 1 free checked bag on ATR 42 flights | N/A |
We didn't include Flair Airlines in this comparison as, unfortunately, this airline no longer offers military baggage discounts or freebies.
Air Canada
Although Air Canada doesn't offer a fare discount to military members, you can check up to 3 bags when flying Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express. These bags can weigh up to 70 lbs each.
At the airport, show one of these pieces of ID to access the benefit:
- DND ID card for National Defense (NDI 20)
- Record of Service Card
- A Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Benefit Card
- Discharge Certificate from any branch of the Canadian Military
- Statement of Service from any branch of the Canadian Military
- Certificate of Service from any branch of the Canadian Military
- Valid DND Temporary ID card
- Canadian Forces or Former member CFOne card, accompanied by photo ID
- Membership Card from the National Association of Federal Retirees bearing the mention "Canadian Armed Forces Veteran," accompanied by photo ID
Air Transat
Air Transat's military discounts and benefits are some of the best, but it's important to remember that you have to register at least 3 days in advance and prove you're an active or retired servicemember.
Once you've registered, you'll enjoy these privileges:
- Complimentary standard seat selection
- 25% Option Plus add-on discount (subject to availability)
- 1 free checked bag
- 50% discount on a second checked bag (subject to space availability)
The maximum weight of your checked bags is the same as for all travellers: 50 lbs.
The Air Transat military baggage and privilege policy states that it's only offered on Air Transat-operated flights, not those of the airline's partners.
Porter
The Porter airline military baggage policy is similar to others. As long as your flight is operated by Porter and not one of their partners, you can check up to 3 bags after showing your military ID at check-in. These bags can weigh up to 70 lbs.
Veterans are also eligible for this benefit, and it applies to both personal and business travel.
Just note that if you're travelling with family, only your bags qualify for the waiver and they can't exceed current weight limits.
WestJet (Sunwing)
The WestJet military baggage policy is generous because it includes current members and veterans with accepted identification, and travel can be for business or personal reasons. As long as WestJet operates your entire trip, you can get 4 free checked bags, or 3 bags if you're on a WestJet Encore flight.
The policy also states that these bags must adhere to the usual 50-lb weight restriction. If a bag is overweight, you won't be charged the usual fees of $150 – $177, but it'll have to be shipped as cargo instead. There are various fees associated with this.
If you're looking for a Sunwing military discount, you'll be interested to note that Sunwing was absorbed by WestJet in 2025.
Harbour Air
You won't find a specific baggage discount for service members when flying Harbour Air, but instead, current military members and veterans can enroll in Harbour Air's Discounted Confirmed Travel Program. Once enrolled, you'll get a 20% discount on all fares.
And since Harbour Air includes free checked bags on their flights, you also get free checked bags up to a specific weight.
Here are the baggage weight limits and fees based on fare class:
Canada North Airlines
Canada North Airlines doesn't specify a baggage benefit for military members. But if the first flight on your trip is operated by a Canada North Airlines partner, your trip will follow the partner's baggage terms. Since Air Canada, Air North, and WestJet are partners, it's possible to get a baggage benefit.
If Canada North Airlines operates the first flight of your trip, you won't receive a baggage benefit. That said, CF One members, which includes the military, get a 2% discount on base fares when flying with Canada North.
Air North
Air North, Yukon's premier airline, asks simply that travellers head to the check-in counter and show a valid military I.D.
You'll get:
- 10% off GoYUKON and OPTIMUM base fares
- 4 free checked bags on Boeing 737 flights
- 1 free checked bag on ATR 42 flights
Verified Traveller Program airports
With the Verified Traveller Program, military members and eligible travellers can use dedicated screening lines for faster security screening. This used to be called the Trusted Traveller Program, but the name changed in 2023.
Verified travellers, including military members, don't have to remove technology or compliant liquids and gels from their carry-on bags for separate screening. Some airports may even provide front-of-the-line service and extra benefits for flights from Canada to the U.S.
These airports currently participate in the Verified Traveller Program:
- Vancouver International Airport
- Edmonton International Airport
- Calgary International Airport
- Winnipeg International Airport
- Toronto-Pearson International Airport T1 and T3
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
Best credit cards for travel benefits
The right travel credit card offers benefits that go beyond free checked bags – though many include that perk, too. These top cards provide benefits like airport lounge access, companion rewards, elite status, and more.
Plus, many participate in airline reward programs, so you can earn points for future travel.
Here's an overview of a few of Canada's best travel cards:
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Travel Perks | Welcome Offer | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Bank World Elite Mastercard | $150 | * Airport lounge access via Mastercard Travel Pass * $150 travel credit * 10 types of insurance coverage | None | Learn more |
| BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard | $199 | * Automatic VIPorter Venture Avid Traveller status * Annual companion flight pass * 11 types of insurance coverage |  $125 GeniusCash + Up to 70,000 bonus points, companion pass, first year free (terms) | Learn more |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card | $139 | * Free checked bags on Air Canada * Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards * 11 types of travel insurance * $100 CAD NEXUS rebate every 4 years | Up to 40,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | $599 | * Free checked bag on Air Canada * Free hotel stay after booking 3 nights * $100 CAD NEXUS rebate every 4 years * Air Canada Priority Check-In, Air Canada Priority Boarding, and Air Canada Priority Baggage Handling * Maple Leaf Lounge access * 11 types of insurance coverage | Up to 150,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | $139 | * Free checked bag on WestJet * Annual World Elite Companion Voucher * Mastercard Travel Pass * 12 types of insurance coverage | $50 GeniusCash + 70,000 WestJet points (terms) | Learn more |
FAQ
Do military members get free baggage?
Yes, several airlines provide military members with at least 1, but sometimes up to 4 free checked bags. These include Air Canada, Air Transat, Porter, WestJet, and more. Pay attention to the details, though, as this policy generally only applies to the airline itself, not one of its partners.
Do veterans get free baggage on Air Canada?
Yes, active and retired Canadian and U.S. military members get 3 checked bags when flying with Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express. To use this privilege, you must check in at the Air Canada counter, not at a self-service kiosk.
Do military members get free carry-on bags?
Airlines typically specify military allowances for checked bags, not carry-on bags. You'll generally have to follow the airline's carry-on bag policy, but most airlines allow travellers to bring at least 1 bag on the plane along with other specific items. Read the airline's baggage policy carefully.
What is the Air Transat military discount?
Air Transat's military privileges are more widespread, even if they offer fewer free checked bags. You'll get 1 free checked bag (if not already included in your fare) plus 50% off a second bag. You'll also get free seat selection and 25% off Option Plus, the priority airport services bundle.
What is Porter Airlines military baggage policy?
If you're active or retired military, show your military ID when checking in at the Porter counter at the airport. You'll be able to check up to 3 bags at no cost. Those with VIPorter Rewards credit cards can also get free checked baggage.
What is the WestJet military baggage policy?
If you're a current military member or veteran flying with WestJet airlines, you're eligible to check up to 4 bags at no cost. However, if you're on a WestJet Encore flight, you can only check up to 3 bags for free. Those with Westjet Rewards credit cards can also get free checked baggage.
What is the Sunwing military discount?
Sunwing actually doesn't operate its own flights since it was acquired by WestJet in 2025. Therefore, any travel completed by Sunwing falls under WestJet's fare and baggage policies: Military members can get 3 or 4 free checked bags, depending on the flight.
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