Air Borealis Baggage Policy: Size Limits, Fees & Cabin Rules
Air Borealis provides essential regional air service across Newfoundland and Labrador, operating specialized turboprop aircraft such as the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. Because these smaller regional aircraft have distinct cabin layouts and limited overhead storage, baggage rules differ significantly from major mainline carriers. Understanding how carry-on skychecking works, what fits under your seat, and how checked weight limits apply will help you prepare for your regional flight.
Air Borealis baggage allowances depend on ticket fare class, aircraft cargo capacity, and route payload restrictions. Due to minimal overhead bin space on regional turboprop planes like the DHC-6 Twin Otter, standard carry-on luggage is gate-checked (skychecked) into cargo holds upon boarding, while passengers may bring one small personal item into the passenger cabin. Standard checked bags are capped at 50 lb (23 kg) per piece, with overweight items accepted up to 70 lb (32 kg) subject to CAD excess fees and weight availability.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Air Borealis baggage rules are defined by regional aircraft payload limits and cabin dimensions. Standard carry-on bags are skychecked at the aircraft stairs, and checked bags are capped at 50 lb (23 kg) per piece.
What can change: Fare class inclusions, route fuel requirements, weather conditions, maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), and operating partner agreements.
Baggage Size Visual
Use the airline's stated order of dimensions. Regional turboprop flights strictly limit passenger cabin storage due to small under-seat space and non-existent overhead bins.
Personal Item (Cabin Fit)
Published limit: Must fit under the seat (approx. 10 lb / 4.5 kg max)
Cabin under-seat space on DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft
Gate-Checked Carry-On (Skycheck)
Published limit: Approx. 21 x 14 x 9 in (15–22 lb / 7–10 kg)
Tagged at steps and stowed in aircraft nose/aft hold
Standard Checked Suitcase
Published limit: Up to 50 lb (23 kg) standard limit
Air Borealis baggage hold system
Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.
Official Source Verification
Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.
How BaggageBase Checks This Information
BaggageBase cross-references official airline operating tariffs, partner airline agreement filings (including PAL Airlines documentation), and Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) regional airline notices. We monitor operational practices specific to remote coastal air routes in eastern Canada.
When exact fees or linear measurements vary depending on fare tier, ticket type, or seasonal payload controls, we clearly identify where live verification on the carrier's booking portal is required.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance & Regional Aircraft Constraints
Air Borealis operates small regional turboprop aircraft such as the DHC-6 Twin Otter. These aircraft do not feature standard overhead storage bins found on major commercial jets. As a result, standard carry-on suitcases cannot accompany passengers directly into the seating cabin.
Instead, Air Borealis uses a gate-check process often called "skycheck" or valet baggage loading. When you arrive at the aircraft steps, flight crews tag standard carry-on items and load them directly into external cargo compartments, such as nose pods or aft holds. When your flight lands at its destination, ground crews unload these bags and hand them back to passengers at the aircraft steps.
To evaluate standard cabin limits against major carriers, review our airline carry-on size comparison.
| Bag Type | Allowance Status | Fit / Stowage Location | Max Weight Limit | Important Operational Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | Included in Cabin | Under seat in front of passenger | Approx. 10 lb (4.5 kg) | Must fit inside compact cabin under-seat space |
| Standard Carry-On | Skycheck / Gate Check | Nose or Aft Aircraft Cargo Hold | 15–22 lb (7–10 kg) | Tagged at aircraft steps; returned on arrival |
Personal Item Rules & Under-Seat Guidelines
Every passenger is allowed one small personal item inside the aircraft cabin, provided it fits under the seat directly in front of them. Suitable personal items include small purses, compact camera bags, laptop cases, or small soft-sided backpacks.
Because under-seat clearance on regional turboprop aircraft is tight, hard-shell rolling bags or rigid briefcases are not recommended for cabin carry-on. Flexible, soft-sided bags compress easily and fit under seats without obstructing legroom or safety aisles. You can review universal dimensions across different carriers on our airline personal item size comparison page.
Always keep vital items inside your personal item rather than your skychecked carry-on. Because skychecked items are stored in unheated cargo holds or exterior nose compartments, critical items should stay with you in the main cabin:
- Essential medical equipment and prescription medications
- Lithium-ion batteries, laptop batteries, and portable power banks
- Identification, passports, and travel paperwork
- House keys, vehicle keys, and personal valuables
Checked Baggage Allowance & Fare Class Inclusions
Checked baggage rules on Air Borealis are closely linked to the fare class purchased and total aircraft payload limits. Flexible or higher-tier fares often include one or two checked bags in the base ticket price, while promotional or lower fare tiers require a separate fee for checked items.
On coastal Labrador flights serving communities such as Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Nain, Natuashish, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville, and Rigolet, takeoff weight limitations (Maximum Takeoff Weight or MTOW) are strictly managed. If weather or fuel demands reduce available weight capacity, checked luggage may be prioritized based on booking date and fare class. To weigh your options between checking luggage and packing light, consult our guide on checked bag vs carry-on packing strategies.
First, Second, and Additional Checked Bag Fees
All checked baggage fees on Air Borealis are calculated in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Because exact rates vary based on your origin, destination, and fare product, you should confirm current fee schedules during ticket purchase.
| Bag Position | Fare Tier / Eligibility | Standard Weight Limit | Fee Scope (CAD) | Acceptance Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | Flexible / Tiered Fare | Up to 50 lb (23 kg) | Included in fare | Guaranteed subject to overall aircraft load |
| 1st Checked Bag | Basic / Saver Fare | Up to 50 lb (23 kg) | Fee applies (CAD) | Confirmed at check-in or booking |
| 2nd Checked Bag | All Fare Tiers | Up to 50 lb (23 kg) | Additional fee (CAD) | Subject to payload space |
| 3rd+ Excess Bag | All Fare Tiers | Up to 50 lb (23 kg) | Excess per-piece fee (CAD) | Standby / Cargo space available basis |
The standard weight allowance for any single checked bag is 50 lb (23 kg). Checked items must adhere to standard linear dimension rules, calculated by adding the total length, width, and height of the bag.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Policy
Baggage that exceeds the standard weight limit of 50 lb (23 kg) incurs an overweight charge in Canadian Dollars. However, strict maximum safety caps apply to protect ground handlers and preserve aircraft balance.
Bags weighing between 51 lb and 70 lb (23 kg to 32 kg) are accepted as overweight passenger baggage for an additional fee. Any single bag exceeding 70 lb (32 kg) will not be accepted as passenger checked luggage. Heavy items over 70 lb must be repackaged into smaller containers or transferred to commercial cargo freight channels.
| Condition | Weight / Size Threshold | Applied Charge Type | Max Limit / Acceptance Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Weight | 0 to 50 lb (23 kg) | Standard checked fee | Fully accepted within fare rules |
| Overweight Tier | 51 to 70 lb (23 to 32 kg) | Per-piece CAD overweight fee | Accepted subject to weight and balance |
| Excess Mass Risk | Over 70 lb (32 kg) | Cargo freight transfer required | Not accepted as passenger baggage |
| Oversized Linear | Exceeds standard linear size | Per-piece CAD oversize fee | Subject to cargo door dimensions |
On remote coastal routes, overweight or excess bags face a higher risk of being offloaded if total flight payload limits are exceeded. Ground crews will dispatch offloaded luggage on the next available flight with available space.
Route Scope, Fare Tiers, and Partner Connections
Air Borealis operates primarily within eastern Canada, offering regional connections across Labrador and Newfoundland. Many itineraries connect through regional transportation hubs, operating in conjunction with partner airlines such as PAL Airlines.
When your itinerary involves multiple airlines-such as connecting from Air Borealis to a PAL Airlines or Air Canada flight-baggage policies are governed by international interline standards (such as IATA Resolution 302). Under these rules, the baggage allowance of the Most Significant Carrier (MSC) typically applies across the entire ticketed journey.
If your journey begins on a small regional flight and transfers to a mainline jet, keep in mind that baggage cleared under mainline allowances may still be subject to physical aircraft cargo door constraints on small turboprop flights.
Loyalty Programs, Credit Card Perks, and Special Allowances
Air Borealis passengers connecting on partner flights or booking higher-tier fares may qualify for extra baggage perks.
- Partner Loyalty Status: Elite members of partner frequent flyer programs (such as PAL Airlines rewards programs) may receive extra checked baggage privileges depending on ticket class and route eligibility.
- Military Allowance: Active Canadian Armed Forces personnel traveling on official duty or personal leave should present official military identification at check-in to inquire about military baggage accommodations.
- Corporate and Charter Agreements: Corporate travel contracts and charter flights operating to northern mining or infrastructure sites may have unique, pre-arranged baggage and equipment weight allowances.
Infant Supplies, Mobility Equipment, and Medical Baggage
Air Borealis accommodates essential medical devices, infant equipment, and mobility aids free of charge, standard across Canadian aviation guidelines.
Infant and Child Equipment
Parents or guardians traveling with infants can check or skycheck standard infant items-such as strollers and car seats-at no extra charge. These items do not count toward the passenger's personal checked baggage allowance. Small collapsible strollers can be skychecked at the aircraft stairs right before boarding.
Mobility Aids and Wheelchairs
Personal mobility equipment, including manual wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and walking frames, is carried free of charge in addition to standard baggage allowances. If you are traveling with a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility scooter, notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure. Ground crews must confirm battery specifications and cargo door dimensions to ensure safe loading.
Medical Equipment and Supplies
CPAP devices, portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), and other essential medical equipment are permitted in the cabin free of charge beyond your standard cabin baggage limit. All medical equipment must be inspected at security check-in, and battery-operated equipment must meet aviation safety rules.
Outdoor Gear, Hunting Equipment, Firearms, and Perishables
Given the geography of Newfoundland and Labrador, passengers frequently travel with outdoor gear, hunting supplies, and fish or game. Air Borealis applies clear guidelines to ensure safety and cargo hold security.
Hunting Equipment and Firearms
Firearms and ammunition are accepted only on specific regional flights and must strictly adhere to Canadian aviation safety regulations:
- All firearms must be declared at check-in.
- Firearms must be completely unloaded and secured inside a locked, hard-sided gun case.
- Ammunition must be securely packaged in the original manufacturer packaging or a dedicated container, capped at standard carrier weight restrictions (typically up to 11 lb / 5 kg per passenger).
- Ammunition cannot be packed inside the same case as the firearm unless authorized by current tariff terms.
Game Meat, Fresh Fish, and Perishables
Hunters and anglers transporting fish or game meat must use leak-proof, heavy-duty insulated containers or hard plastic coolers:
- Coolers must be tightly sealed and clearly labeled with the owner's name and destination contact information.
- Wet ice is strictly prohibited to prevent leakage and cargo hold corrosion; gel ice packs or sealed dry ice (subject to hazardous goods mass limits) must be used instead.
- Acceptance of perishable cargo remains subject to daily station space and ambient temperature controls.
Outdoor Equipment and Fishing Gear
Fishing rods must be packed in protective PVC tubes or hard travel cases to prevent damage during loading. Camping gear, including portable stoves, must be completely drained of all flammable liquid fuel and inspected prior to check-in.
What Happens if Your Luggage Exceeds Capacity or Weight Limits?
If your luggage exceeds weight or volume limits when you arrive at a regional airstrip, ground crews will work through a clear process to address the payload issue:
- Repacking at the Check-In Desk: If a bag exceeds 50 lb (23 kg), station agents will allow you to redistribute items into another bag or carry-on item to avoid overweight charges.
- Payment of Overweight Fees: Bags weighing between 51 lb and 70 lb (23 kg to 32 kg) will be tagged as overweight after the applicable Canadian Dollar fee is processed.
- Cargo Freight Transfer: Any single bag or piece of gear over 70 lb (32 kg) cannot travel as checked luggage. It must be processed through the airline's air cargo department as freight.
- Deferred Delivery (Offloaded Baggage): If a flight reaches its maximum payload limit due to weather or fuel, excess or overweight luggage may be held at the station. Offloaded bags are placed on the next scheduled flight with available capacity, and passengers will be notified for station pickup.
Air Borealis Pre-Flight Baggage Checklist
Follow these practical steps before heading to the airstrip to manage payload limits and cabin space.
- Weigh bags at home: Ensure each checked bag stays under 50 lb (23 kg) to prevent overweight charges or offloading.
- Use soft-sided cabin bags: Pack your personal item in a flexible bag that compresses under small turboprop seats.
- Keep essential items in cabin: Place prescriptions, lithium batteries, keys, and identity papers in your under-seat bag.
- Label bags clearly inside and out: Coastal multi-stop flights unload bags at several small airstrips, requiring legible destination labels.
- Arrive early at remote stations: Check in 45 to 60 minutes prior to departure so station agents can accurately compute aircraft weight and balance.
- Prepare a backup plan for heavy gear: Ship extra equipment via air freight in advance if you exceed personal checked allowances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carry-on baggage size limit on Air Borealis Twin Otter flights?
Standard carry-on suitcases are not permitted inside the passenger cabin due to non-existent overhead bins on Twin Otter aircraft. Standard carry-on luggage is gate-checked (skychecked) into cargo holds upon boarding, while one small personal item (such as a purse or small backpack fitting under the seat) is allowed in the cabin.
Does Air Borealis charge for checked baggage on regional Labrador routes?
Checked baggage inclusion depends on the ticket fare class purchased. Flexible fare tiers typically include checked luggage in the base price, while lower fare tiers require a separate fee in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Can I bring a hard-shell rolling carry-on inside the cabin on Air Borealis?
Hard-shell rolling bags cannot fit inside the passenger cabin because of under-seat size constraints. Flight crews will tag hard-shell carry-on bags at the aircraft stairs and stow them in the cargo hold for retrieval upon arrival.
What is the maximum weight limit for checked bags on Air Borealis?
The standard weight limit per checked bag is 50 lb (23 kg). Items weighing between 51 lb and 70 lb (23 kg to 32 kg) incur an overweight fee, while bags over 70 lb (32 kg) are not accepted as passenger baggage.
How are hunting gear, firearms, and game meat handled on Air Borealis flights?
Firearms must be declared, unloaded, and locked inside hard-sided cases. Game meat and fish must be packed in leak-proof, sealed containers without wet ice, and are accepted subject to space and payload availability.
Are strollers and car seats checked free of charge?
Yes, strollers and car seats for traveling infants are checked or skychecked at the aircraft steps free of charge. They do not count toward your standard passenger checked baggage allowance.
What happens if my checked baggage is delayed due to regional weight limits?
If aircraft weight and balance limits require baggage to be offloaded, ground crews place the affected items on the next available flight. Station agents will notify you once your luggage arrives at the destination airport for pickup.
Summary Guidance for Air Borealis Travelers
When flying with Air Borealis, preparation centers around small aircraft constraints and strict payload controls. Soft-sided bags, accurate home weighing, and clear bag tagging ensure a smooth check-in process across coastal and regional airports. Always keep valuable items, vital documentation, and medical supplies in your personal item so they remain with you in the cabin.
Before heading to the airport, verify your specific fare rules and current checked baggage inclusions on your reservation receipt. For remote trips involving outdoor gear or large freight, contact the station ahead of time to confirm payload capacity on your scheduled flight date.
Airline baggage rules and fees can change by route, fare, cabin, operating carrier, traveler status, purchase channel, and departure date. Check the airline's official baggage policy or calculator before booking, paying, or traveling. BaggageBase reviews information for 2026 where possible, but the airline's published terms remain the final authority.
