Air Borealis Baggage Policy: An In-Depth Guide

Knowing the airline’s baggage policy is key to a hassle-free trip for passengers flying with Air Borealis. Whether you’re going on a business trip or a holiday in Canada’s most easterly province, knowing what you can carry on, how many bags you can check in, and what fees apply can prevent you from being caught out at the airport. This detailed guide explains all you need to know about Air Borealis’ baggage rules, restrictions, and special requirements.

Air Borealis’ Checked Baggage Allowance

Air Borealis has one of the more liberal baggage allowances among regional Canadian carriers. Passengers on every flight can check two bags at no charge. There are, however, weight and size restrictions to remember before you begin packing.

Weight and Size Limitations

The total weight of your two checked bags should not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg) combined. That’s to say, you might have one heavier bag and one lighter one, provided that in combination they are not greater than 50 pounds. Each bag should also comply with size limits, with maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches (length + width + height).

For instance, if your luggage is 26 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 10 inches in height, the linear measurement would be 54 inches, which is still under the allowed size limit. Exceeding either the weight or size limits doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t carry your luggage, but it will be governed by excess baggage rules and charges.

Air Borealis’ Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

Unlike most large airlines, Air Borealis does not allow for standard carry-on bags because of the aircraft’s size and capacity limitations. This is a reflection of the reality of the smaller planes that are commonly used on regional flights in Newfoundland and Labrador. In place of this, the airline provides two options: personal items and a sky check service.

Personal Items

Every passenger is allowed to bring one free personal item that has to be securely fastened to them while on board. The item may include, but isn’t restricted to: 

• A handbag (max size: 10”×12”×8” or 25cm×30cm×20cm)
• A medication case
• Small personal containers holding life-sustaining equipment like a CPAP machine

Sky Check Service

Instead of the absence of a conventional carry-on allowance, Air Borealis provides a free “Sky Check Service.” Under this service, passengers are permitted to carry one extra item over their item and checked baggage allowance. The sky check item is kept in the front cabin instead of the main cargo hold.

Items generally suitable for sky check are:

• Backpacks with laptops or other fragile/valuable items
• Camera equipment
• Diaper bags

Sky check items are required to meet strict size and weight constraints, which include a maximum of 12″×16″×10″ (30cm×40cm×25cm) in dimension and up to 13 pounds (5.9 kg) in weight.

To avail this service, travellers need to pick up a sky check tag at the gate or check-in counter. You’ll take your sky check item to the plane, where flight attendants will take it and put it onboard. When you arrive at your destination, your sky check item will be easily accessible for instant pickup.

For connecting passengers to PAL Airlines flights, sky check baggage will be transferred free of charge, ensuring a smooth travel experience throughout your trip.

Air Borealis’ Rule for Special Items and Equipment

Most travellers require the transportation of special items that do not fall into typical luggage categories. Air Borealis has particular policies for different types of equipment to cater to these requirements while ensuring safety and operational efficiency.

Air Borealis’ Sporting Equipment Policy 

Most sporting equipment can be included in your free baggage allowance, provided it doesn’t exceed the 50-pound maximum weight. All sporting equipment requires a Limited Release Tag when flying with Air Borealis. Here’s how various sporting items are handled:

Hockey Equipment

Hockey equipment bags are considered a single bag of checked baggage, which qualifies as one of your two pieces of free checked baggage. Neither the bag itself nor its contents can weigh over 50 pounds in total. If you also need to take a second bag of baggage as well as hockey equipment, overage charges could be incurred.

Ski Equipment

Skis and a ski bag are considered a single baggage piece. You can check another baggage piece provided it doesn’t exceed the free allowance. 

Golf Equipment

A golf bag is considered a single baggage piece, and golf clubs have to be covered. 

Fishing Equipment

Fishing equipment constitutes part of your standard baggage allowance, against your two free bags.

Bicycles

Unlike other sporting equipment, bicycles cannot be checked as baggage on Air Borealis flights. Instead, they must be shipped as cargo through the airline’s cargo offices. This policy reflects the size constraints of the aircraft used for regional routes.

Air Borealis’ Rule for Carrying Musical Instruments

Musicians travelling with Air Borealis have several options for transporting their instruments:

1. Carry-on: Instruments can be brought onboard if they are within the personal item size and weight limits described above.

2. Sky Check: Instruments that are within the sky check size restrictions can utilise this service, which offers more delicate handling than regular checked luggage.

3. Checked Baggage: Larger instruments can be accepted as checked baggage if they are adequately packed in a hard-sided case and meet size limits. Air Borealis will transport instruments in soft-sided cases as checked baggage only when the passenger signs a Limited Release Tag releasing the airline from liability for damage.

Firearms and Ammunition

According to Transport Canada regulations, firearms are accepted as checked luggage only, never as carry-on or sky check. Air Borealis has strict policies regarding the transportation of firearms:

• All firearms need to be unloaded and have a secure locking device on the mechanism.
• Checked luggage with firearms needs to be marked with both a “Firearm” tag and a “Priority” tag.
• Up to 5 kg (10 lbs) of ammunition for each passenger is allowed.
• Ammunition should be properly packed in a tough container of fiberboard, metal, or wood. This way, you can prevent the firearm from functioning accidentally or shifting. 
• The suitcase or container containing ammunition should be labelled with a “Priority” tag and have an Ammunition sticker attached.
• Both hard-sided and soft-sided gun cases are accepted, as long as the case is locked and all safety requirements are fulfilled.

Passengers carrying guns are required to fill out a Firearms Declaration Form after these conditions are met.

You May Read More: Air Blue Baggage Policy

Does Air Borealis Charge for Excess Baggage?

If you have more than two bags to travel with or if your bags are more than the weight and size limits, Air Borealis is willing to support your requirements. But there will be extra charges, and extra bags depend on space availability.

When bags are labelled “excess,” Air Borealis does its best to have them fly on the same flight as the passenger. But if the room is limited, these packages can be transferred to the next available flight. Passengers may either pick up their bags at the airport upon arrival or arrange with the departure station for delivery.

For Air Borealis Twin Otter flights, certain rates of excess baggage are charged. For other aircraft (Dash-8, Metro, and Beech 1900), which are operated by PAL Airlines, a charge of $100.00, plus provincial taxes, is applicable per bag.

Lost or Damaged Baggage

In instances of loss or damage in transit due to mishandling by Air Borealis, the highest liability is CAD 2,100.00. Proof of original receipt or professional appraisal is required for compensation. For items of greater value than this liability limit, Air Borealis suggests shipping through their Cargo service, where a greater declared value can be placed.

Liability and Compensation

Air Borealis’ maximum liability for missing, delayed, or damaged luggage is $2,100.00 CAD per individual, per occurrence. This is paid when luggage has been lost or damaged more than normal wear and tear.

Claim Process

To process claims correctly:

1. For damaged luggage, claims need to be filed within 7 days from receipt of the luggage.
2. For potentially missing baggage, claims should be filed within 21 days since it was due to arrive.
3. In case you believe your baggage has been lost or damaged, inform a customer service representative at your destination within one hour of flight arrival.

For filing baggage claims, passengers may call Air Borealis at 1-800-345-0444 or email at customer.service@palairlines.ca.

Conclusion

Air Borealis’ baggage policy is designed to accommodate the realities of regional air travel in Newfoundland and Labrador while providing passengers with reasonable allowances for their belongings. The airline’s two free checked bags policy is generous compared to many other carriers, and the sky check service offers a practical solution to the carry-on limitations imposed by smaller aircraft.

By knowing these policies before your trip, you can pack smart, steer clear of surprise fees, and enjoy a smoother journey with Air Borealis. Whether traveling on business or vacation, proper planning on the issue of baggage needs will pay big dividends for the overall success of your visit to or in one of Canada’s most picturesque provinces.

Frequently Asked Questions