Air Liaison Baggage Allowance, Size Limits, and Fee Policy
Air Liaison is a Canadian regional carrier operating turboprop aircraft, including the Beechcraft 1900D and King Air series, across Quebec. The airline connects major municipal centers like Quebec City and Sept-Îles with coastal and remote destinations such as Baie-Comeau, Havres-Saint-Pierre, Blanc-Sablon, Schefferville, and Port-Menier on Anticosti Island.
Because Air Liaison relies on small regional aircraft, baggage allowances are strictly governed by narrow cabin dimensions, modest overhead storage, and strict aircraft takeoff weight limits. Understanding how carry-on items, checked luggage, and outdoor gear are handled ensures you avoid unexpected airport fees or baggage delays.
Air Liaison baggage allowances depend on your purchased fare tier and flight route across regional Quebec. On small turboprop aircraft, passengers are generally permitted one personal item and one carry-on bag, though standard cabin suitcases usually require mandatory plane-side gate checking due to tiny overhead storage. Checked luggage fees and weight allowances vary by ticket type, with all fees priced in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and excess items handled strictly on a space-available basis.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Air Liaison enforces strict luggage limits tailored to regional turboprop operations across Quebec. Free checked bags and cabin allowances vary by ticket class, and excess pieces are subject to aircraft payload availability.
What can change: Exact baggage allowances, weight limits, and fee tiers vary depending on your ticket flexibility, flight distance, passenger payload, and seasonal aircraft assignments.
Baggage Size Visual
Use the airline's stated order of dimensions. Measurements may include wheels and handles only when the official source says so.
Personal Item
Published limit: Official verification required
Must fit under front seat frame
Carry-On Bag
Published limit: Official verification required
Plane-side drop required if bin is full
Checked Suitcase
Published limit: Official verification required
Subject to fare class allowance
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 tracks regional carrier Conditions of Carriage, cross-references aircraft payload manuals (such as Beechcraft 1900D cargo door and weight restrictions), monitors Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) tariff filings, and reviews regional passenger guidelines across Quebec.
Because regional carriers adjust payload calculations based on seasonal fuel demands, ambient temperatures, and weather conditions on northern routes, travelers should verify their explicit e-ticket baggage allowance before departing for the airport.
Air Liaison Cabin Baggage Policy (Carry-On & Personal Item)
Cabin storage on regional turboprop aircraft is significantly smaller than the overhead space found on mainline commercial jets like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737. Air Liaison permits passengers to bring cabin items on board, but physical space dictates where those items travel during flight.
Personal Item Guidelines
Every ticketed passenger is permitted one personal item free of charge. A personal item typically includes:
- A small handbag, purse, or tote
- A compact laptop sleeve or brief case
- A small, soft-sided daypack
Your personal item must fit entirely beneath the seat in front of you. On small Beechcraft and King Air planes, structural support bars under the seat frames narrow the available clearance. Soft-sided bags that can compress easily are far more reliable than rigid cases. You can evaluate how under-seat storage compares across carriers using our airline personal item size comparison guide.
Standard Carry-On Size Restrictions
The official source does not clearly state exact numeric dimension limits on its public portal for cabin bags. On regional turboprop fleets, standard hardshell roller suitcases measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55 x 35 x 23 cm) will rarely fit inside the cabin overhead bins. You can see standard regional vs. jet cabin allowances in our airline carry-on size comparison.
Plane-Side Loading and Skycheck Procedures
Because cabin overhead compartments on turboprop aircraft are tiny or non-existent, Air Liaison relies heavily on plane-side baggage collection (often referred to as "skycheck" or valet loading):
- At the Boarding Gate: Gate agents evaluate cabin bags. If an item exceeds under-seat space or cabin bin capacity, it is tagged for plane-side drop.
- At the Aircraft Steps: You hand your carry-on bag directly to the flight crew or ramp handler before stepping onto the aircraft stairs.
- In the Cargo Compartment: The bag is stowed in the aircraft hold during the flight.
- Upon Arrival: Your bag is brought directly back to the aircraft steps as you deplane, eliminating the need to wait at a main terminal baggage carousel.
Important: Always remove lithium batteries, power banks, essential medications, travel documents, keys, and fragile valuables from your carry-on bag before handing it over at the aircraft steps.
Air Liaison Checked Baggage Allowance and Fees
Checked baggage rules on Air Liaison depend on your purchased fare tier, destination, and the structural payload capacity of the flight.
Fare Tier Variations
Air Liaison structures its tickets into standard and flexible fare categories. Flexible fares designed for regional business and municipal travel often include a complimentary checked baggage allowance. Discounted or promotional fares may require purchasing checked bag slots as add-ons.
All checked luggage rates, excess charges, and penalty fees are quoted and processed in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
| Baggage Tier | Included Fare Tiers | Standard Fee (CAD) | Max Standard Weight | Max Linear Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | Flexible / Business Tiers | Included or Official verification required | Official verification required | Official verification required |
| 2nd Checked Bag | Select Tiers / Add-on | Official verification required | Official verification required | Official verification required |
| Additional Bags (3+) | Add-on (Space-Available) | Official verification required | Official verification required | Official verification required |
Note: Due to regional payload calculations, specific maximum weight thresholds per bag (such as 30 lbs / 13.6 kg versus 50 lbs / 23 kg) must be confirmed directly on your itinerary.
Air Liaison Overweight, Oversized, and Excess Baggage
Flying regional routes in northern or coastal Quebec involves strict weight distribution calculations. Total passenger weight, cargo volume, and fuel loads determine whether excess luggage can travel on your specific departure.
Overweight and Oversized Charges
If a checked suitcase exceeds the standard weight or size allowance specified on your ticket, additional fees apply:
- Overweight Bags: Charged per excess pound or kilogram in CAD up to an absolute maximum weight limit.
- Oversized Bags: Bags exceeding standard linear dimensions (length + width + height) incur an oversized handling surcharge in CAD, provided the item can physically pass through the aircraft cargo doors.
| Penalty Condition | Weight / Size Threshold | Additional Fee Scope | Operational Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overweight Bag | Exceeds standard limit | Charged per lb/kg in CAD | Accepted space-permitting |
| Oversized Bag | Exceeds max linear limits | Fixed regional fee in CAD | Subject to cargo door clearance |
| Excess Pieces | 3rd bag or higher | Per-bag rate in CAD | Handled on standby payload basis |
| Extreme Overweight | Exceeds 70 lbs / 32 kg | Commercial Cargo Rate | Refused as passenger luggage; sent via cargo |
The Regional Payload Standby Rule
On small turboprop aircraft, maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is a legal safety limit. If a flight reaches its maximum payload limit due to passenger counts, weather conditions, or required fuel loads, excess or overweight luggage may be placed on standby status.
If your excess bag is placed on standby, Air Liaison will transport it on the next available scheduled flight with available cargo space. To avoid being separated from vital belongings, review our checked bag vs. carry-on guide to decide how best to streamline your gear.
Special Baggage, Outdoor Gear, and Specialized Cargo
Air Liaison services regions famous for outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing, mining, and seasonal construction. Special rules apply when transporting specialized gear across Quebec.
Hunting Equipment and Firearms
Routes serving areas like Anticosti Island, Schefferville, and the Côte-Nord frequently accommodate hunters. Firearms and ammunition are strictly regulated under Canadian Aviation Security Regulations and RCMP guidelines:
- Advance Declaration: You must declare all firearms to Air Liaison staff at check-in.
- Locking Hard Case: Rifles and shotguns must be unloaded and encased inside a locked, rigid, hard-sided container that cannot be easily pried open.
- Ammunition Rules: Ammunition must be securely packaged in its original manufacturer container or a specialized hard box, separated from the firearm, and kept within allowable weight limits (typically max 11 lbs / 5 kg per passenger).
- Documentation: Passengers must present valid Canadian firearms licenses (PAL) upon request.
Fishing Tackle and Outdoor Gear
Fishing rods must be packed in rigid, cylindrical protective rod tubes to prevent breakage in the cargo hold. Hooks, lures, knives, and filleting tools are strictly prohibited in cabin baggage and must be safely stowed in checked luggage.
Winter Sports Equipment
Skis, snowboards, snowshoes, and ski boots are accepted as checked luggage. A pair of skis or a snowboard packed with poles and boots counts as one checked bag piece. Oversized bag fees may be waived for sporting equipment if it fits within standard weight limits, subject to aircraft hold dimensions.
Infant and Child Equipment
Passengers traveling with infants or young children are permitted to check up to two items free of charge, regardless of ticket class:
- One stroller (collapsible or umbrella style)
- One car seat or booster seat
Strollers can be gate-checked at the aircraft steps and returned plane-side upon arrival.
Medical Devices and Mobility Aids
In compliance with Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) regulations, mobility aids such as manual wheelchairs, crutches, and CPAP machines are carried free of charge and do not count against your checked baggage allowance.
Important Notice for Powered Mobility Aids: Air Liaison must be notified at least 48 hours before departure when traveling with electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Airline staff must verify battery types (dry-cell, wet-cell, or lithium-ion) and confirm that the physical dimensions of the mobility device allow it to fit upright through the aircraft cargo door.
Pet Travel Policy
Air Liaison permits pet travel (cats and small dogs) on select routes, subject to space availability and strict container rules:
- In-Cabin Pets: Small pets inside an approved soft-sided carrier may travel under the seat in front of you if reserved in advance.
- Cargo Hold Pets: Larger animals must travel in a rigid, ventilation-approved hard kennel in the climate-controlled cargo hold.
- Pet transport incurs a dedicated regional fee in CAD each way.
Gate Check Procedures and Regional Airport Operations
Navigating regional airports in Quebec (such as Baie-Comeau, Havres-Saint-Pierre, or Blanc-Sablon) differs significantly from traveling through major international hubs like Montreal-Trudeau.
Airport Check-In Cutoff Times
Regional airport counters are staffed by smaller teams. Check-in and baggage drop counters typically close strictly 45 to 60 minutes before scheduled departure. If you are checking special equipment, firearms, or multiple excess bags, arrive at the airport at least 60 to 90 minutes before flight time to complete manual tagging and security inspections.
Pack Soft-Sided Luggage for Regional Flights
When traveling on Beechcraft or King Air planes, choose soft duffel bags or unstructured suitcases over large hard-shell luggage. Soft-sided bags compress easily, allowing ramp agents to maximize cargo hold space and reducing the chance that your bag is left behind due to physical volume constraints.
Pre-Departure Checklist: Air Liaison Baggage
Follow these practical steps to avoid baggage delays, excess fees, or gate-check surprises on regional Quebec routes.
- Verify Your E-Ticket Allowance: Check your official booking confirmation to verify exact checked bag counts and weight limits for your fare tier.
- Pack a Soft-Sided Personal Bag: Choose a flexible backpack or tote that compresses easily under small turboprop seat frames.
- Prepare for Plane-Side Gate Checks: Pack essential medications, electronics, keys, and documents in your personal item so you can hand over your carry-on bag at the aircraft steps.
- Weigh Bags at Home: Keep checked luggage under standard weight thresholds to avoid per-pound or per-kilogram excess fees in CAD.
- Reserve Special Cargo in Advance: Call Air Liaison customer service early if traveling with firearms, hunting gear, bulky sports equipment, or pets.
- Arrive Early at Regional Terminals: Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes at regional Quebec airstrips when dropping checked luggage or declaring specialized equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the carry-on baggage limits for Air Liaison flights?
Passengers are generally permitted one personal item and one carry-on bag. Because Air Liaison operates small regional turboprop aircraft, standard carry-on suitcases rarely fit inside cabin overhead bins and must be gate-checked plane-side upon boarding.
Does Air Liaison include free checked baggage on all tickets?
Free checked baggage allowances depend on your purchased fare class. Flexible and higher-tier tickets often include a checked bag allowance, whereas promotional or basic fares require purchasing checked luggage slots separately in CAD.
What happens if my checked bag is overweight on Air Liaison?
Overweight bags incur additional per-pound or per-kilogram excess charges in Canadian Dollars (CAD). On flights with strict weight restrictions, overweight or additional bags are accepted on a space-available basis and may be shipped on a subsequent flight.
Can I travel with hunting gear or firearms on Air Liaison?
Yes, hunting gear and firearms are permitted on Air Liaison flights. Firearms must be declared at check-in, completely unloaded, locked inside a rigid hard-sided case, and accompanied by valid licenses in accordance with Canadian regulations.
Are strollers and car seats checked for free on Air Liaison?
Yes, parents traveling with infants or young children can check a stroller and a car seat free of charge. Strollers can be used through the airport terminal and gate-checked at the steps of the aircraft.
What currency is used for Air Liaison baggage fees?
All Air Liaison excess baggage charges, overweight fees, pet travel costs, and special equipment surcharges are calculated and collected in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Why was my carry-on suitcase taken at the aircraft stairs?
Air Liaison flies small turboprop aircraft with minimal cabin overhead storage. Items that cannot fit beneath the seat in front of you are tagged for plane-side drop, stowed in the aircraft cargo hold, and returned directly to the steps when you deplane.
Summary and Final Guidance
Air Liaison provides essential regional connectivity across Quebec, but its small turboprop fleet requires disciplined baggage preparation. To ensure a smooth journey:
- Expect Plane-Side Gate Checks: Standard cabin suitcases will likely be collected at the aircraft steps due to small cabin bins. Keep all critical items in a compact under-seat personal bag.
- Review Your Fare Rules: Confirm whether your ticket includes a checked bag or if add-on fees apply in CAD.
- Notify the Airline for Special Gear: Declare firearms, hunting equipment, oversized tools, or pets well in advance of flight day to reserve space in the aircraft cargo hold.
Check your official Air Liaison e-ticket confirmation and contact the airline directly if traveling with specialized cargo or maximum payload limits.
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.
