PAL Airlines Baggage Policy: Carry-On Allowances, Checked Bag Fees, and Regional Rules
PAL Airlines (Canada, IATA code: PB) operates regional flights across Eastern and Atlantic Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. If you are flying on Philippine Airlines (IATA code: PR), which is also frequently referred to as "PAL," note that it is an entirely separate international airline with different piece-concept and transpacific baggage rules.
PAL Airlines allows each ticketed passenger one free personal item and one free standard carry-on bag, subject to strict regional turboprop weight limits of 13 to 15 lbs (6 to 7 kg). Free checked baggage allowances depend on your purchased fare tier (Basic, Choice, Flex, or Freedom), with standard checked bags capped at 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm). Always confirm your aircraft type and fare family before packing for your flight.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
PAL Airlines (Canada) includes one free personal item and one standard carry-on per passenger, while checked bag fees depend on your ticket fare. Standard checked bags must remain under 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm).
What can change: Checked baggage fees vary based on ticket fare tier (Basic, Choice, Flex, or Freedom), route scope, and aircraft payload limits.
Baggage Size Visual
Use the airline's stated order of dimensions. Measurements should include exterior handles and wheels.
Personal Item
Published limit: 16 x 13 x 6 in / 41 x 33 x 15 cm (max ~11 lbs / 5 kg)
Fits under the seat on all PAL Airlines regional aircraft
Standard Carry-On Bag
Published limit: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in / 55 x 40 x 23 cm (max 13–15 lbs / 6–7 kg)
Cabin overhead bin or retrieved via gate-side Skycheck
Standard Checked Suitcase
Published limit: Max 62 linear inches / 158 linear cm (max 50 lbs / 23 kg)
Cargo hold storage; fees depend on fare class
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 tariffs, aircraft operational manuals, passenger service terms, and aviation authority standards. For regional air carriers like PAL Airlines, our editors review specific fleet characteristics, including cabin storage volumes on De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft.
We monitor seasonal baggage allowances, regional route adjustments across Atlantic Canada and Quebec, and Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) regulations. When third-party sources confuse regional carriers with international airlines sharing similar abbreviations, we verify carrier IATA designators directly against official booking systems.
PAL Airlines Carry-On and Personal Item Size Limits
Every ticketed passenger flying on PAL Airlines (Canada) is allowed to bring cabin baggage on board. However, carry-on allowances on regional turboprop flights differ from those on mainline narrowbody jets operated by larger carriers.
A cabin baggage allowance consists of two distinct categories: a small personal item that stays under your seat and a standard carry-on piece stored in the overhead bin or loaded through gate-side handling.
Personal Item Rules and Under-Seat Dimensions
A personal item is a small luggage piece meant to store personal belongings you need during flight. Examples include a purse, a small backpack, a brief case, or a laptop sleeve.
PAL Airlines specifies that personal items must measure no more than 16 x 13 x 6 inches (41 x 33 x 15 cm). The target weight limit for a personal item is 11 lbs (5 kg).
Your personal item must fit under the seat directly in front of you. It cannot block the footwell or spill into the aisle. If you sit in an exit row or bulkhead seat, you must stow your personal item in an overhead bin for takeoff and landing. You can airline personal item size comparison to see how these dimensions compare with other regional airlines.
Standard Carry-On Size and Regional Weight Caps
A standard carry-on bag includes items such as small wheeled rollaboard suitcases, soft-sided duffel bags, or garment bags. The maximum allowable dimensions for a standard carry-on bag are 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm). These measurements are absolute caps and include all external hardware, such as spinner wheels, side handles, and compressed side pockets.
Because PAL Airlines operates a fleet of regional turboprop aircraft, weight limits are strictly enforced. Standard carry-on bags are capped at 13 to 15 lbs (6 to 7 kg) depending on the specific aircraft variant and flight balance requirements.
Ground crew and check-in agents frequently weigh carry-on bags at regional airports. If your bag exceeds the weight limit, check-in staff will require you to check the item at the ticket counter. You can airline carry-on size comparison to review standard weight limits across major Canadian and North American air carriers.
Regional Fleet Bin Constraints and Skycheck Procedures
PAL Airlines operates a fleet composed primarily of De Havilland Dash 8 series aircraft (including the Dash 8-100, Dash 8-300, and Dash 8-400). The overhead bins on these turboprop aircraft are smaller than bins found on commercial passenger jets like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320.
Hard-shell spinner suitcases or deeper carry-on bags that meet standard length and width dimensions often cannot fit inside a Dash 8 overhead bin. To handle this fleet constraint, PAL Airlines uses a gate-side check procedure known as Skycheck (or retrieve-at-bridge service).
When you arrive at the boarding gate or tarmac steps:
- Airport staff evaluate cabin overhead space and bag shape.
- Bags that meet carry-on dimension rules but cannot fit in the overhead bin receive a specialized Skycheck gate tag.
- You carry your bag to the aircraft stairs or boarding bridge and hand it directly to ground handlers.
- Ground crew stow your bag in the aircraft cargo hold free of charge.
- Upon landing, handlers unload Skycheck bags immediately and place them on the bridge or tarmac steps for you to collect as you deplane.
Always remove laptops, lithium-ion power banks, car keys, passports, and essential medications from your carry-on bag before handing it over for Skycheck service.
| Bag Type | Max Imperial Dimensions | Max Metric Dimensions | Weight Threshold | Storage Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | 16 x 13 x 6 in | 41 x 33 x 15 cm | Max 11 lbs (5 kg) | Under the seat in front |
| Standard Carry-On | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 13–15 lbs (6–7 kg) | Overhead bin / Gate Skycheck |
Checked Baggage Allowances and Dimension Limits
Checked baggage travels in the primary cargo compartment of the aircraft. PAL Airlines regulates checked luggage through strict piece, weight, and linear measurement caps to maintain flight safety and balance on regional routes.
Standard Checked Bag Dimensions and Linear Inch Calculation
A standard checked bag on PAL Airlines must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) in total weight. The maximum size permitted for a standard checked piece is 62 linear inches (158 linear cm).
Linear dimensions are calculated using a simple arithmetic sum:
Linear Inches = Length + Width + Height
Linear Centimeters = Length + Width + Height
When measuring your suitcase, extend the built-in trolley handle down completely, lay the bag flat, and measure from the furthest exterior points, including wheels, feet, handles, and bulging pockets. If you are debating whether to pack a carry-on or pay for a checked suitcase, read our full analysis on checked bag vs. carry-on to calculate total travel expenses.
Baggage Inclusions by Fare Tier (Basic, Choice, Flex, Freedom)
PAL Airlines structures checked baggage allowances around branded ticket fare families. Purchasing a higher fare tier includes checked baggage in your ticket price, whereas lower fare tiers require paying a separate checked bag fee per direction.
- Basic / Choice Fares: Designed for passengers traveling light. These low-cost fares include one personal item and one carry-on bag, but zero free checked bags. First and second checked bags require separate fee payments.
- Flex Fares: Aimed at standard regional business and leisure travelers. Flex fares include 1 free checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm).
- Freedom Fares: Fully flexible ticket options. Freedom fares include 2 free checked bags up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm) each.
| Fare Tier | Free Personal Item | Free Standard Carry-On | Included Checked Bags | Max Weight per Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic / Choice | Yes | Yes | 0 (Fee applies) | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Flex | Yes | Yes | 1 Bag | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Freedom | Yes | Yes | 2 Bags | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your luggage exceeds standard weight limits, linear size thresholds, or free piece allocations, PAL Airlines charges extra baggage fees. All baggage fees are processed in Canadian Dollars (CAD) per direction (one-way). Applicable federal and provincial taxes (GST, HST, or PST based on your Canadian departure province) are added at the time of payment.
Fee Structure Breakdown in Canadian Dollars (CAD)
For ticket fares that do not include checked luggage (such as Basic or Choice fares), checking a bag incurs standard piece charges:
- 1st Checked Bag: Typically ranges between $30 and $35 CAD plus tax per direction when paid prior to departure.
- 2nd Checked Bag: Typically ranges between $50 and $60 CAD plus tax per direction.
- 3rd and Additional Bags: Charged at $100 to $150 CAD plus tax per piece per direction. Additional bags are accepted strictly on a space-available basis. On fully loaded regional turboprop aircraft, excess bags beyond two pieces per passenger may be placed on a subsequent available flight.
Overweight and Oversized Surcharges
When a single checked bag exceeds 50 lbs (23 kg) or 62 linear inches (158 cm), specific surcharges apply:
- Overweight Bags (51 lbs to 70 lbs / 23.1 kg to 32 kg): Incur an overweight surcharge ranging from $75 to $100 CAD plus tax per direction, in addition to any base checked bag fee.
- Oversized Bags (63 linear inches to 80 linear inches / 159 cm to 203 cm): Incur an oversized surcharge ranging from $75 to $100 CAD plus tax per direction, in addition to base checked bag fees.
- Cumulative Fees: If a suitcase is both overweight (e.g., 60 lbs) and oversized (e.g., 70 linear inches), PAL Airlines applies both the overweight fee and the oversized fee to that single piece.
Absolute Refusal Limits
To protect baggage handling staff from occupational injury and ensure aircraft weight limits remain safe, PAL Airlines enforces strict maximum limits:
- Weight Cap: No single checked piece weighing more than 70 lbs (32 kg) is accepted as passenger baggage.
- Dimension Cap: No single checked piece measuring more than 80 linear inches (203 cm) is accepted as passenger baggage.
Items exceeding 70 lbs or 80 linear inches cannot be checked at the passenger terminal desk. They must be booked, processed, and shipped separately as commercial air cargo through PAL Cargo.
| Fee Category | Condition / Specification | Fee Range (CAD + Tax) | Acceptance Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | Basic/Choice fare tier | $30 – $35 CAD | Max 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| 2nd Checked Bag | Basic/Choice/Flex tiers | $50 – $60 CAD | Max 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| 3rd+ Additional Bag | Space-available basis | $100 – $150 CAD | Subject to cargo load limits |
| Overweight Bag | 51 lbs to 70 lbs (23.1–32 kg) | $75 – $100 CAD surcharge | Refused over 70 lbs (32 kg) |
| Oversized Bag | 63 to 80 linear in (159–203 cm) | $75 – $100 CAD surcharge | Refused over 80 linear in (203 cm) |
Special Items, Infant Equipment, and Exemptions
Certain categories of equipment and qualifying passengers receive special baggage handling, fee waivers, or unique allowances when flying on PAL Airlines.
Military Allowance Exemptions
Active personnel serving in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) receive expanded baggage privileges on PAL Airlines domestic flights.
Upon presenting valid Canadian Forces identification (NDI 20 card or Military ID) at the check-in desk, active CAF members are eligible for up to 2 free checked bags. Each checked bag must remain within standard weight limits of 50 lbs (23 kg) and maximum size limits of 62 linear inches (158 cm).
Infant and Child Baggage Allowances
Passengers traveling with infants or small children receive specific equipment exemptions:
- Lap Infants (under 2 years old): Lap infants traveling without a purchased seat do not receive a separate cabin carry-on or checked baggage allowance.
- Child Equipment Exemption: For every traveling infant or young child, parents or guardians can check 1 stroller and 1 car seat free of charge.
- Gate Handling: Strollers and car seats can be checked at the main airport counter or brought to the boarding gate for gate-check delivery. Strollers gate-checked via Skycheck will be returned at the aircraft steps upon arrival.
Medical Devices and Mobility Aids
PAL Airlines accepts qualified medical and mobility equipment free of charge. These items do not count toward your standard cabin carry-on allowance or checked baggage piece limits:
- Mobility Equipment: Manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches are carried in the cargo hold without extra fees. Advance notification is required for battery-powered wheelchairs to ensure safe transport of spillable or non-spillable batteries.
- Respiratory & Medical Devices: CPAP machines, portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), and daily prescription medications are permitted in the cabin free of charge. Medical devices must meet safety requirements for inflight use.
Sports Gear, Hunting Equipment, and Musical Instruments
Travelers transporting sporting goods, hunting equipment, or musical gear across Eastern Canada must adhere to specialized packing rules:
- Golf Equipment & Skis: Standard golf bags or ski/snowboard bags are accepted as checked baggage. One golf bag or one set of skis/snowboards counts as one checked bag piece. Oversized fees are typically waived for standard sports bags, but overweight fees apply if the bag exceeds 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Hunting Equipment & Firearms: Rifles, shotguns, and ammunition are accepted only on select routes under strict Transport Canada safety guidelines. Firearms must be unloaded, encased in a locked hard-sided container, declared at check-in, and accompanied by proper documentation. Ammunition must be packed separately in small quantities.
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments (such as violins, flutes, or small ukuleles) can be brought into the cabin as your standard carry-on item if they fit within overhead storage bins or under-seat spaces. Larger instruments (such as cellos or double basses) require either purchasing an extra passenger seat or checking the instrument in a heavy-duty, hard-shell flight case.
PAL Airlines Baggage Preparation Checklist
Follow these six steps before heading to the airport for a PAL Airlines regional flight.
- Verify the operating carrier entity. Confirm your ticket is issued for PAL Airlines (Canada - IATA code PB) and not Philippine Airlines (IATA code PR), which operates under separate international baggage rules.
- Weigh your carry-on luggage at home. Ensure your cabin bag remains within the strict 13–15 lbs (6–7 kg) limit to prevent mandatory check-in at the counter.
- Check your fare tier inclusions. Review whether your ticket is Basic/Choice (no free checked bags), Flex (1 free checked bag), or Freedom (2 free checked bags).
- Pack essential items in your personal item. Keep medication, travel documents, keys, and laptop in your small under-seat bag in case your carry-on requires Skycheck gate tagging.
- Pre-pay baggage fees online. Pay for required checked bags during web check-in to avoid longer lines and counter processing delays at the terminal.
- Arrive early for regional departures. Complete check-in and baggage drop at least 45 to 60 minutes prior to regional flights, or 90 to 120 minutes at major airport hubs like Montreal (YUL) or Halifax (YHZ).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PAL Airlines (Canada) and Philippine Airlines carry-on limits?
PAL Airlines (Canada - PB) is a regional Canadian carrier operating turboprop aircraft with carry-on weight caps of 13–15 lbs (6–7 kg). Philippine Airlines (PR) is an international carrier based in Manila operating widebody jets with transpacific weight and piece policies. Always check your ticket's two-letter IATA carrier code before traveling.
How many carry-on bags can I bring on a PAL Airlines Dash 8 flight?
Each ticketed passenger is allowed one free personal item (under-seat) and one standard carry-on bag. Carry-on allowance is subject to cabin overhead space and strict regional payload limits.
What happens if my carry-on bag is too large for a Dash 8 overhead bin?
If a standard carry-on bag (up to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches) cannot fit into a smaller turboprop bin, ground crew will process it using Skycheck. Your bag is tagged at the gate, loaded into the cargo hold free of charge, and returned to you on the tarmac steps or bridge upon arrival.
What is the maximum weight limit for checked luggage on PAL Airlines?
Standard checked bags must weigh no more than 50 lbs (23 kg). Bags weighing between 51 and 70 lbs (23.1–32 kg) trigger overweight surcharges. No single bag weighing over 70 lbs (32 kg) is accepted as checked baggage.
Are strollers and car seats free to check on PAL Airlines?
Yes. Parents or guardians traveling with infants or young children can check one stroller and one car seat free of charge. Equipment can be checked at the main ticket counter or gate-checked at the aircraft bridge.
Do Canadian Armed Forces members get free baggage on PAL Airlines?
Active Canadian Armed Forces personnel showing valid military ID receive up to two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs / 23 kg each) on domestic PAL Airlines flights.
How are overweight and oversized baggage fees calculated on PAL Airlines?
Overweight fees ($75–$100 CAD) apply to bags weighing 51 to 70 lbs. Oversized fees ($75–$100 CAD) apply to bags measuring 63 to 80 linear inches. If a bag is both heavy and oversized, both surcharges apply to that single piece.
Final Decision Framework for PAL Airlines Travelers
When preparing for a flight on PAL Airlines (Canada), start by reviewing your confirmed ticket fare tier. Passengers holding Basic or Choice fares should pre-pay for checked bags during web check-in to ensure faster terminal processing, whereas Flex and Freedom fares automatically include one or two checked bags up to 50 lbs (23 kg) each.
Because PAL Airlines operates regional turboprop aircraft across Eastern Canada, cabin space is constrained. Keep your standard carry-on bag within 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches and under 13–15 lbs (6–7 kg), and prepare for gate-side Skycheck handling on full flights. Pack all crucial medications, identification papers, and electronic devices in your small personal item so they remain under your seat throughout the flight.
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.
