Pacific Coastal Airlines Baggage Policy Baggage Fees and Size Limits
Pacific Coastal Airlines (IATA: 8P) operates regional passenger, charter, and cargo services across British Columbia, connecting major hubs like Vancouver (YVR), Victoria (YYJ), and Kelowna (YLW) with coastal and interior communities. Baggage allowances on Pacific Coastal depend directly on your purchased fare tier (Bravo, Classic, Encore, or QuikPass) and the aircraft operating your route, which ranges from land-based turboprops like the Saab 340 and Beechcraft 1900 to Wilderness Seaplanes floatplanes.
Pacific Coastal Airlines allows one complimentary personal item per passenger, while standard carry-on baggage and checked bag allowances depend on your fare tier. Due to compact overhead bins on regional aircraft, larger carry-on suitcases are collected at the boarding gate under the complimentary Skycheck valet service. Standard checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm) or 50 lbs (23 kg). All baggage fees are charged in Canadian Dollars (CAD) plus applicable GST/PST.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Pacific Coastal Airlines enforces strict size and weight thresholds due to regional aircraft space constraints. Carry-on limits are uniform across routes, while checked bag inclusions vary by fare class.
What can change: Allowances vary based on ticket fare, aircraft payload availability, destination taxes, and floatplane vs. land-based operation schedules.
Baggage Size Visual
Pacific Coastal Airlines measures luggage using outside dimensions including handles, straps, pockets, and wheels.
Personal Item
Published limit: 15 x 11 x 6 in (38 x 28 x 15 cm)
All passengers and fare classes. Must fit under the seat ahead.
Standard Carry-On
Published limit: 20 x 15 x 9 in (51 x 38 x 23 cm) | Max 22 lbs (10 kg)
Subject to gate-side Skycheck drop-off on Saab 340 and Beechcraft flights.
Standard Checked Bag
Published limit: Max 62 linear in (158 cm) | Max 50 lbs (23 kg)
Allowance determined by fare tier. Excess weight fees apply above 50 lbs.
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 audits regional airline baggage policies by reviewing domestic tariff documents filed with regulatory bodies like the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), official airline fare structures, and fleet operational limits.
When published rules do not address specific aircraft variations or combined route limits, we highlight the limitation directly. Travelers can deciding between checking a bag or using carry-on only by checking their specific fare class and aircraft type before departing for the airport.
Personal Item Rules and Under-Seat Fit
Every ticketed passenger on Pacific Coastal Airlines is permitted one complimentary personal item. This bag must fit completely under the seat directly in front of you.
- Maximum Dimensions: 15 in x 11 in x 6 in (38 cm x 28 cm x 15 cm)
- Weight Cap: Must be light enough for the passenger to manage without assistance.
- Permitted Items: Small backpacks, purses, laptop cases, camera bags, or small diaper bags.
Under-seat storage space on Pacific Coastal’s turboprop aircraft (such as the Saab 340 and Beechcraft 1900) is tighter than on standard mainline jets. Structural support bars under regional cabin seats can narrow the clear width. If your personal item exceeds 15 x 11 x 6 inches, ground staff will require it to be handled with your larger carry-on luggage. You can compare Pacific Coastal's personal item dimensions against other carriers to prepare for small regional cabins.
Carry-On Allowance and Small Aircraft Realities (Skycheck Program)
Pacific Coastal Airlines allows one standard carry-on bag per passenger, but overhead storage constraints on regional aircraft alter how these bags travel.
| Carry-On Metric | Published Limitation | Operational Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Max Dimensions | 20 in x 15 in x 9 in (51 cm x 38 cm x 23 cm) | Includes handles, outer pockets, and wheels |
| Max Weight | 22 lbs (10 kg) | Strictly enforced during check-in and gate boarding |
| Handling Method | Skycheck Valet Drop-off | Gate-checked at boarding ramp; retrieved planeside |
| Base Fee | Included in fare | No extra fee for standard carry-on within limits |
The Skycheck Gate Check System
Pacific Coastal operates a fleet composed primarily of Saab 340 and Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. Overhead bins inside these cabins cannot accommodate standard roll-aboard suitcases.
To manage this, Pacific Coastal utilizes the Skycheck valet system:
- You carry your standard carry-on bag through security and to the boarding gate.
- At the aircraft boarding ramp or stairs, ground crew collect your carry-on suitcase and issue a Skycheck claim tag.
- The bag is stowed in the aircraft cargo hold for the flight free of charge.
- Upon arrival, airport staff unloads Skycheck bags directly onto the tarmac or jetway ramp, allowing you to retrieve your bag immediately upon stepping off the plane.
Because your Skycheck bag is stowed in the cargo hold during flight, you must remove key personal items before handing it over at the ramp. Never leave lithium-ion batteries, spare power banks, laptop computers, medication, car keys, passports, or fragile valuables inside a bag handled via Skycheck. Review our airline carry-on size comparison guide to see how regional valet programs compare to mainline overhead policies.
Checked Baggage Rules, Fees, and Fare Classes
Checked baggage allowances on Pacific Coastal depend on the fare class purchased: Bravo, Classic, Encore, or QuikPass.
Standard checked bags must conform to the following dimensions:
- Maximum Weight per Bag: 50 lbs (23 kg)
- Maximum Size per Bag: 62 linear inches (158 cm), calculated as Length + Width + Height.
All base baggage fees are stated in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Applicable Canadian sales taxes (GST, PST, or HST depending on your departure province) are added to these base fees at the time of payment.
| Fare Tier | 1st Checked Bag Fee | 2nd Checked Bag Fee | 3rd & Additional Bags | Max Weight per Piece |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bravo | $35.00 CAD + tax | $50.00 CAD + tax | $100.00 CAD + tax per bag | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Classic | Included (Free) | $50.00 CAD + tax | $100.00 CAD + tax per bag | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Encore | Included (Free) | Included (Free) | $100.00 CAD + tax per bag | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| QuikPass | Included (Free) | Included (Free) | $100.00 CAD + tax per bag | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
Note: Checked bag fees apply per one-way flight segment. Additional bags beyond the second piece are accepted on a space-available basis depending on total aircraft payload capacity.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
Bags that exceed standard weight or dimension limits incur excess fees. On small regional aircraft, overweight and oversized items are strictly regulated to maintain flight weight and balance limits.
| Excess Condition | Measurement Threshold | Additional Fee (CAD) | Policy & Acceptance Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overweight Tier | 51 lbs to 70 lbs (23.1 kg to 32 kg) | $100.00 CAD + tax | Applied in addition to any base checked bag fee |
| Oversized Tier | 63 to 80 linear in (159 to 203 cm) | $100.00 CAD + tax | Subject to cargo hold door dimensions and payload limits |
| Absolute Maximum Weight | Over 70 lbs (32 kg) | Not Accepted as Checked Bag | Must be re-packed or shipped via Pacific Coastal Freight |
| Absolute Maximum Size | Over 80 linear in (203 cm) | Not Accepted as Checked Bag | Requires prior freight booking and authorization |
If a bag is both overweight and oversized, both excess surcharges may apply simultaneously. Acceptance of excess luggage remains strictly subject to available payload capacity at flight departure.
Fare, Cabin, and Regional Fleet Differences
Pacific Coastal Airlines operates scheduled regional routes and specialty wilderness charters. Luggage handling rules differ between standard airport operations and floatplane routes.
Land-Based Regional Turboprops (Saab 340 & Beechcraft 1900)
Scheduled passenger flights between airports (such as YVR, YYJ, YLW, YBL, YZT) utilize land-based turboprops. Standard baggage policies, Skycheck procedures, and checked fee tables apply directly to these routes.
Wilderness Seaplane Operations
Operations flown under coastal floatplane services (such as Wilderness Seaplanes or Grumman Goose routes connecting remote coastal camps and logging operations) enforce tighter payload restrictions:
- Total combined passenger and baggage weight limits are strictly calculated prior to flight.
- Hard-shell luggage is strongly discouraged on floatplanes due to irregularly shaped cargo holds; soft duffel bags are preferred.
- Baggage on seaplanes may be weighed alongside passengers at check-in.
- Excess luggage on wilderness routes is frequently sent on standby status or shifted to subsequent flights.
Special Items: Infant, Medical, Sports Equipment, and Pets
Pacific Coastal accommodates specialized items under specific regional transport rules.
Strollers and Child Equipment
- Allowance: Parents or guardians traveling with infants can check up to two qualifying infant items (stroller, car seat, or booster seat) free of charge.
- Gate Delivery: Lightweight strollers and car seats can be checked at the boarding gate and delivered planeside upon arrival via the Skycheck program.
Medical and Mobility Devices
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, walkers, and mobility scooters are checked free of charge and do not count toward standard baggage allowances. Advance notice is required for battery-powered mobility units.
- CPAP & Medical Supplies: Approved CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and essential medical supplies are permitted in the cabin free of charge as additional medical items.
Sports Equipment (Skis, Golf Clubs, Fishing Gear)
Pacific Coastal frequently transports outdoor recreation gear across British Columbia:
- Ski & Snowboard Equipment: One pair of skis or one snowboard plus one boot bag count as one single piece of checked baggage. Standard weight limits (50 lbs / 23 kg) apply.
- Golf Equipment: One standard golf bag containing clubs, balls, and shoes counts as one checked bag. Bags must be properly secured in hard or soft travel cases.
- Fishing Tackle: Fishing rods packed in hard protective tubes and tackle boxes count as regular checked baggage.
Firearms and Hunting Gear
Because Pacific Coastal flies to prominent hunting regions in British Columbia, strict regulations govern firearms transport:
- Declaration: All firearms must be declared to check-in agents at the airport counter.
- Container Requirements: Firearms must be unloaded and encased in a locked, hard-sided container that cannot be easily opened during transport.
- Ammunition: Ammunition must be packed in original manufacturer packaging or a secure box designed for small arms ammo, capped at a maximum of 11 lbs (5 kg) per passenger. Ammunition cannot be packed inside the same container as the firearm.
Pet Transport Policies
Pacific Coastal permits small pets in the cabin and larger pets in the cargo hold under specific conditions:
- Pets in Cabin (PETC): Small dogs or cats inside approved soft-sided carriers (max 17 in L x 10 in W x 10 in H) can travel under the seat. A fee of $50.00 CAD + tax per direction applies. Advance reservations are mandatory due to limits of one to two pets per cabin.
- Pets in Cargo (AVIH): Larger animals must travel in rigid, ventilated hard-shell kennels in the temperature-controlled cargo hold. Fees range from $100.00 CAD + tax per direction depending on kennel dimensions and total combined pet/kennel weight.
What Happens if Your Bag Exceeds Limits at the Airport
When luggage exceeds weight, size, or cabin quantity limits at check-in, ground staff enforce operational rules to protect safety and aircraft balance.
- Repacking at the Counter: If a checked bag exceeds 50 lbs (23 kg), agents will offer you the opportunity to transfer items into another bag or carry-on item to avoid the $100.00 CAD overweight fee. Bags over 70 lbs (32 kg) will not be checked under any circumstances.
- Skycheck Refusal: Standard carry-on bags measuring over 20 x 15 x 9 inches will not be accepted for valet Skycheck handling. They must be registered as checked luggage at the main check-in counter and billed according to standard checked bag fee rates.
- Standby Baggage (Payload Offloading): On fully loaded regional turboprops operating under high temperatures or short runways, aircraft performance limits may restrict cargo weight. In these rare instances, third or fourth checked bags (and low-priority excess luggage) may be held and transported on the next available flight.
Pacific Coastal Baggage Checklist
Follow these steps before heading to the airport to ensure your luggage meets regional flight standards.
- Measure under-seat personal items. Verify your small bag fits within 15 x 11 x 6 inches to ensure it stays in the cabin with you.
- Pack essential items in your personal item. Put medicines, travel documents, keys, laptops, and lithium batteries in your under-seat bag in case your main carry-on is gate-checked via Skycheck.
- Weigh checked bags at home. Keep checked luggage under 50 lbs (23 kg) to prevent the steep $100.00 CAD overweight penalty.
- Confirm your fare class allowance. Remember that Bravo fares do not include free checked bags, while Classic, Encore, and QuikPass fares include checked allowances.
- Calculate Canadian taxes. Budget for local GST/PST taxes, which are added to all base baggage fees paid at Canadian airport counters.
- Book pets and special gear early. Call Pacific Coastal in advance if traveling with pets, firearms, or large sports equipment due to limited cargo hold space on small turboprops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags can I take on Pacific Coastal Airlines for free?
All passengers are allowed one complimentary personal item (max 15 x 11 x 6 inches) and one standard carry-on bag (handled via the complimentary gate-side Skycheck program). Free checked baggage allowances depend on your ticket class: Bravo fares include 0 checked bags, Classic fares include 1 checked bag, and Encore or QuikPass fares include 2 free checked bags.
What is the Pacific Coastal carry-on size limit?
Standard carry-on luggage on Pacific Coastal must not exceed 20 in x 15 in x 9 in (51 cm x 38 cm x 23 cm) and must weigh 22 lbs (10 kg) or less. Because regional overhead bins are small, standard carry-ons are gate-checked for free using the Skycheck program.
What is the Pacific Coastal Skycheck program?
Skycheck is a complimentary valet service for carry-on luggage on regional turboprop flights. Passengers drop off standard carry-on suitcases at the aircraft boarding ramp or gate, ground crew stow them in the cargo hold, and bags are handed back to passengers planeside immediately upon arrival.
How much does a checked bag cost on Pacific Coastal Airlines?
For Bravo fare tickets, the first checked bag costs $35.00 CAD + tax, and the second checked bag costs $50.00 CAD + tax. On Classic fares, the first bag is free and the second is $50.00 CAD + tax. On Encore and QuikPass fares, both the first and second checked bags are free.
What is the maximum weight for checked baggage on Pacific Coastal?
The standard weight limit for checked baggage is 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag. Bags weighing between 51 lbs and 70 lbs (23.1 to 32 kg) incur a $100.00 CAD + tax overweight surcharge. Pacific Coastal does not accept checked bags weighing more than 70 lbs (32 kg).
Do baggage fees on Pacific Coastal include Canadian taxes?
No, published baggage fees are base rates in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Applicable Canadian provincial and federal taxes (GST/PST/HST) are added at the time of payment depending on your flight's origin airport.
Can I bring hunting gear or firearms on Pacific Coastal Airlines?
Yes, firearms are accepted as checked baggage if declared at check-in, completely unloaded, and secured inside a locked hard-sided container. Ammunition must be packed separately in secure packaging up to a maximum weight of 11 lbs (5 kg).
What happens if my bag is delayed due to aircraft weight limits?
If aircraft payload limits prevent extra luggage from taking off on a full flight, excess or standby checked bags are placed on the next available scheduled flight and dispatched to the destination airport terminal.
Final Decision and Packing Strategy
When flying with Pacific Coastal Airlines, your packing strategy should revolve around aircraft space reality and ticket selection. If you intend to fly with checked luggage, choosing a Classic or Encore fare tier often provides better overall value than buying a base Bravo ticket and paying a la carte baggage fees at the airport.
Always keep essential travel items, medicines, electronics, and keys in your small personal item under the seat. Expect your main carry-on suitcase to be tagged and loaded into the cargo hold at the boarding ramp under the Skycheck valet program. Weigh your luggage before leaving for the airport to stay under the strict 50 lbs (23 kg) threshold and avoid heavy $100.00 CAD excess fees.
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.
