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Porter Airlines Cabin Bag Size 202655 x 40 x 23 cm

By Caden SorensonUpdated Jul 2026Sourced from the official Porter Airlines policy

Exact Porter Airlines cabin bag (hand luggage) dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

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On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. Porter Airlines dimensions
  3. Weight limit
  4. Carry-on fee
  5. Bag fit matrix
  6. Fare class breakdown
  7. Overhead bin size
  8. What counts as a personal item
  9. Common mistakes
  10. Gate-check process
  11. vs Air Canada
  12. Checked bag fees
  13. Special items
  14. Basic economy
  15. FAQ

Quick answer

Porter Airlines cabin bag bags can be up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9"), with a 9 kg (20 lb) weight limit, and no cabin bag fee on most fares.

  • Carry-on size:up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9")
  • Weight limit:9 kg (20 lb)
  • Carry-on fee:free on most fares
  • Personal item:up to 43 x 33 x 16 cm, free on every fare
  • Gate-check risk:Medium
  • Last verified: Jul 2026
Porter Airlines carry-on maximum size, 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches)55 cm (21.5")23 cm (9")40 cm(15.5")LHW
Porter Airlines maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (cm)
55 x 40 x 23 cm
Max dimensions (in)
21.5 x 15.5 x 9"
Weight limit
9 kg (20 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Medium

Carry-on included on all fares with a 9 kg weight limit. Porter actively enforces this on regional and embraer flights.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (cm)
43 x 33 x 16 cm
Max dimensions (in)
17 x 13 x 6"
Included
Yes, free

Personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.

See checked bag fees & more

Porter Airlines cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum Porter Airlines cabin bag size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm, which works out to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Porter Airlines match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 55 cm. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

Porter Airlinescabin bag weight limit

Porter Airlines limits carry-on bags to 9 kg (20 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at a higher gate-check fee.

Does Porter Airlines charge for cabin bag bags?

No. Porter Airlines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.

What bags fit as a Porter Airlines personal item

Common bag types compared against the Porter Airlines personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag typeTypical sizeOn Porter Airlines
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
18 x 13 x 8"Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
15 x 14 x 5"Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
16 x 12 x 4"Fits
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
18 x 11 x 11"Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
12 x 10 x 5"Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
16 x 14 x 8"Too big

Porter Airlines carry-on by fare class

FareCarry-onPersonal itemNotes
PorterClassicIncludedIncludedStandard economy across fare bundles. Carry-on included subject to aircraft limits.
PorterReserveIncludedIncludedPremium cabin on the E195-E2 with 36 inch pitch in 2-2 layout.

Porter Airlines overhead bin size by aircraft

Porter flies the Embraer E195-E2 for transcon and US leisure routes out of Toronto Pearson, Ottawa, Montreal and other bases. The Dash 8-400 Q400 turboprop still runs the regional network out of Billy Bishop (YTZ) because jets cannot operate from that airport. Both aircraft use a 2-2 layout with no middle seats, but the Q400 has smaller overhead bins than the E195-E2, so larger rollerboards often get gate-checked on turboprop flights.

What counts as a personal item on Porter Airlines

Allowed

  • Laptop bag
  • Purse
  • Small backpack that fits under the seat

Common Porter Airlines carry-on mistakes

  • Bringing a North American max-size rollerboard onto a Q400 out of Billy Bishop and having it gate-checked because the overhead bin is narrower.
  • Ignoring the 9 kg (20 lb) weight limit, which is stricter than most US airlines.

What happens if your bag does not fit on Porter Airlines

On Dash 8-400 flights from YTZ, expect many standard carry-ons to be valet-tagged at the jet bridge and returned planeside at arrival. On E195-E2 flights, bins are larger and gate-check is usually only needed when bins fill.

Porter Airlines vs Air Canada carry-on

Porter and Air Canada compete head-to-head on most Canadian transcon and cross-border routes, and their carry-on allowances are close but not identical. Porter caps carry-ons at 55 by 39 by 23 cm with a 9 kg weight limit, while Air Canada allows a slightly taller 55 by 40 by 23 cm bag and does not publish a fixed weight number beyond being able to lift it overhead unaided. Porter includes a carry-on across fare bundles, whereas Air Canada Economy Basic on flights within Canada and to or from the US allows only a personal item as of January 3, 2025. Porter's Q400 operations from YTZ also force tighter real-world bin space than anything Air Canada flies mainline.

See Air Canada carry-on size
Porter Airlines checked baggage fees
Domestic economy
1st bagNot published
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bagNot published
Weight limit50 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

Porter charges checked bag fees on Basic, Standard, and Flexible fares; first bag starts at CAD 40-52 prepaid at booking. Freedom fares include 2 free checked bags. VIPorter Passport members receive free checked bags. BMO VIPorter Mastercard holders get 1 free bag on Basic fares. Max single bag 50 lb / 62 linear inches. Fees published in CAD; USD equivalents are approximate.

Ways to skip the Porter Airlines checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Porter Airlines carry-on size.
  2. Use a Porter Airlines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
Porter Airlines special items & sports equipment
Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
Not published
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments fit as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within allowance.

Ski and golf bags count as standard checked bags on Porter if within limits. Pet-in-cabin fees are published in CAD and vary by route.

Porter Airlines basic economy restrictions
BasicPorter Airlines's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
No
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • No carry-on bag (personal item only)
  • No free checked bag
  • No seat selection
  • No changes or refunds
  • Lower VIPorter point earning
  • Last boarding group

Frequently asked questions

What is the Porter Airlines carry-on size limit?

Porter Airlines allows carry-on bags up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9"), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. The weight limit is 9 kg (20 lb).

What are the Porter Airlines carry-on dimensions in cm?

The Porter Airlines carry-on size limit in centimeters is 55 x 40 x 23 cm. In inches that converts to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the Porter Airlines hand luggage allowance?

Porter Airlines hand luggage (the cabin bag that goes in the overhead bin) can measure up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and weigh up to 9 kg. A personal item that fits under the seat is also included on most fares.

What is the Porter Airlines carry-on weight limit?

Porter Airlines limits carry-on bags to 9 kg (20 lb). Overweight carry-ons are usually asked to be checked at the gate, which can trigger a gate-check fee.

Does Porter Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

No. Porter Airlines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only.

What is the Porter Airlines personal item size?

The personal item on Porter Airlines must fit within 43 x 33 x 16 cm (17 x 13 x 6") and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Porter Airlines?

Porter Airlines currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

Can I bring a carry-on on Porter Airlines Basic?

No. Porter Airlines Basic passengers are limited to one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on either is not allowed or costs an extra fee.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Porter Airlines carry-on?

Not always. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on exceeds the Porter Airlines published limit of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9") on at least one axis. A slightly smaller bag is a safer choice.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on Porter Airlines?

A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) usually fits within the Porter Airlines personal item limit of 43 x 33 x 16 cm (17 x 13 x 6"). The bag must slide fully under the seat in front of you. Oversized hiking or travel backpacks will not fit and count as a carry-on.

Does Porter Airlines weigh personal items?

Porter Airlines does not weigh personal items. The only requirement is that the bag fits fully under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, gate agents may ask you to move it to the overhead bin, which counts as a carry-on.

How much does a checked bag cost on Porter Airlines?

Porter Airlines checked bag fees vary by route and fare class. Check the airline's website for current pricing.

Flying Porter Airlines out of these airports?

Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Porter Airlines hubs and focus cities.

Porter Airlines head-to-head comparisons

In-depth comparisons between Porter Airlines and another carrier, covering bags, seats, on-time performance, routes, and loyalty.

Helpful guides

Gear, tactics, and packing help for your Porter Airlines flight.

Compare other airlines

Sources & verification

Last verified Jul 2026 against the official Porter Airlines policy at https://www.flyporter.com/en-ca/travel-information/baggage. Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with Porter Airlines before flying. See our research methodology.