Swoop Airlines Baggage Policy

When booking flights, one thing travellers often overlook is the airline’s baggage policy. This is especially true for low-cost airlines like Swoop, which have a reputation for strict baggage regulations. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the Swoop Airlines baggage policy for cabin and checked bags, including information on fees for oversized baggage, personal items, carry-on bags, and checked baggage. 

Additionally, we’ll provide tips on how to save money on baggage fees, when to purchase bags, and advice on military baggage information. Traveling can be stressful, but understanding an airline’s baggage policy can help ease some of that anxiety. Let’s dive into the Swoop Airlines baggage policy and make your travel experience a little smoother.

Swoop Airlines baggage policy is similar to that of other ultra-low-cost airlines. Passengers are allowed to carry only 1 free personal item like a small backpack, laptop bag, purse, tote bag, or briefcase. If you want to travel with a carry-on bag and/or checked baggage, you must pay for it. 

The major highlights of Swoop Airlines baggage policy are as follows: 

• Only 1 free personal item is permitted per passenger as part of the free baggage allowance. There’s no weight limit for the free personal item, but the size of the bag should not exceed 41cm x 15cm x 33cm. 
• Any extra baggage, such as a carry-on bag and/or checked bag, must be purchased. 
• Your carry-on bag can be up to 52cm x 23cm x 38cm in size. Swoop does not place a weight limit, but the carry-on bag must fit in the airport’s sizing device and your overhead compartment.
• A standard checked bag on Swoop Airlines:
  • Can measure up to 157cm/62in combined linear dimensions.
  • Can weigh up to 50lb/23kg.
• An overweight checked bag, i.e., a bag weighing more than 50lb/23kg and less than 100lb/45kg will attract overweight baggage charges. 
• An oversized checked bag, i.e., a bag measuring more than 157cm/62in and less than 203cm/80in in combined linear dimensions will incur oversize baggage charges.

Swoop allows up to 4 checked bags per passenger. 

• The baggage fees increase closer to the departure date and are lowest at the time of initial booking. 
• Lap infants are allowed 1 car seat/booster seat plus 1 diaper bag free of charge. 
• Mobility aids/devices (incl. wheelchairs and batteries) can be carried free of charge (if using). 
• Canadian military personnel (active and veterans) are allowed a free baggage allowance of 2 checked bags and 1 carry-on bag in addition to the free personal item that all passengers are allowed. 

Swoop Airlines Baggage Allowance

Swoop Airlines baggage allowance is limited to just 1 free personal item. You must purchase the rest of your baggage allowance, i.e., 1 carry-on bag and up to 4 checked bags of 50lb/23kg each. 

Any additional bags that you bring will incur an additional baggage fee, depending on your route, as well as the time and mode of purchase (online at the time of booking, later, or at the airport). 

As indicated in the table above, Swoop Airlines baggage allowance includes one free personal item, like a purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, or tote bag. The maximum size of the free personal item should not measure more than 41cm x 15cm x 33cm, i.e., 16in x 6in x 13in. Other baggage items, such as carry-on and checked baggage must be purchased.

Swoop Airlines Baggage Allowance for Carry-on Baggage (Paid)

Swoop Airlines charges baggage fees for all luggage, including carry-on bags. The low-cost carrier offers the best price when purchasing bags online during reservation. Paying for bags during online check-in or at the airport is more expensive than purchasing online. It is recommended that you check the airline policies (below) before making reservations, as the baggage fees may vary depending on the flight distance.

Swoop flights have independent baggage fees, and they differ from WestJet flights as they operate separately. You need to be aware that baggage policies are subject to change, so you must stay informed and updated to avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport.

According to Swoop Airlines baggage policy for carry-on bags:

• You’re allowed only 1 carry-on baggage item, but you must pay for it. 
• Your carry-on bag must not exceed 52cm x 23cm x 38cm (21in x 9in x 15in) and it must fit into the sizing device at the airport so that it fits in the overhead bin of the aircraft.
• The baggage fees are lowest at the time of booking and increase as the departure date gets closer. Bag prices increase by $10 at check-in and by $20 at the airport. 
• The baggage fees increase by $2 during the peak summer season (June 29, 2023 – September 4, 2023) and peak winter season (December 15, 2023 – January 3, 2024).

Swoop Airlines Baggage Allowance for Checked Bags (Paid)

Being a low-cost airline, Swoop does not provide any free checked baggage allowance, meaning that you must purchase your Swoop Airlines checked baggage allowance. You should check the baggage policies before booking your tickets, as the baggage fees can vary. It’s best to purchase baggage online while making the flight reservation, as it is the cheapest option. Remember that Swoop Airlines has its own independent baggage rules and fees that are not connected to WestJet Airlines. To avoid any surprise fees or inconvenience, it’s recommended that you thoroughly review the Swoop Airlines baggage policy before travelling.

The major highlights of Swoop Airlines checked baggage policy are as follows:

• Maximum number of bags: You can carry up to 4 checked bags, but the applicable fees will be charged.
• Swoop Airlines baggage size: The maximum size of a single checked bag (L + W + H) must not exceed 157cm/62in, or you’ll be charged additionally for oversized baggage. 
• Swoop Airlines baggage weight: The total weight of a single checked bag (without paying additional fees) must not exceed 50lb/23kg.
• Swoop Airlines baggage fees: are best at the time of initial booking and will increase by:
  • CAD 10 if paid at check-in. 
  • CAD 20 when paid at the airport. 
  • CAD 2 in peak summer season (June 29, 2023 – September 4, 2023) and peak winter season (December 15, 2023 – January 3, 2024).

Swoop Airlines Baggage Fees

Swoop Airlines baggage fees for checked bags will depend on your flight distance (short, medium, or long) and how many bags you’re carrying, as shown in the tables below.

Oversized and Overweight Baggage 

If you’re traveling with oversized or overweight bags on Swoop, you may have to pay additional fees of CAD 105-$115. This applies to bags exceeding 157cm/62in or weighing between 50lb/23kg – 100lb/45kg. While Swoop reserves the right to discount bag fees on occasion, prices can vary depending on the day of departure and applicable taxes. It’s important to check these fees ahead of time to avoid any surprises at the airport.

If your bag exceeds the weight or size limit, additional charges will apply at the airport.

Your checked bag will be considered:

1. Oversized if it exceeds 157cm/62in but is less than 203cm/80in in combined linear dimensions (L + W + H).
2. Overweight if it exceeds 50lb/23kg but is less than 100lb/45kg.

An oversized bag will incur an (additional) oversized baggage fee (payable at the airport) of: 

• CAD 105 for domestic flights within Canada
• CAD 115 for international flights 

An overweight bag will incur an (additional) overweight baggage fee (payable at the airport) of: 

• CAD 105 for domestic flights within Canada
• CAD 115 for international flights 

Note 

• If your flight originates from the United States, the prices will be in USD. 
• The baggage prices will vary, based on the departure date, flight distance, and taxes.
• Baggage fees cannot be refunded or transferred. 

How to Save Money on Baggage Fees

To save money on baggage fees, it’s important to pay for baggage (carry-on or checked) when booking your flight. Unlike other airlines, Swoop does not offer any free checked or carry-on baggage allowance except for a small personal item. Baggage fees vary, depending on the flight distance and are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The cost of checked baggage will depend on whether it’s purchased at the time of booking or later, as well as the flight distance. It’s highly recommended that you calculate your baggage fees when booking your tickets. This way, you can avoid any unexpected fees at the airport and ensure that you are getting the best value for your trip.

When to Purchase Bags

To avoid higher fees, it’s best to purchase bags as early as possible—ideally at the time of initial booking. Bag fees at the airport are higher and purchasing bags at the airport or gate increases the closer you get to your departure date or during the peak winter or summer season. 

Swoop Airlines Baggage Policy for Sporting Goods

The regular baggage weight and size limits apply to sporting equipment. If your sporting equipment does not fit inside a regular suitcase or requires special handling, the rules, baggage fees, and guidelines below will apply.

• Archery Equipment
  • One set comprises a bow/crossbow, a quiver of arrows, plus a maintenance kit. 
  • Must be packed in a rigid/hard shell container capable of being shipped safely.
  • Will be subject to the standard oversized and overweight baggage fees. 
• Baseball Equipment 
  • A single set comprises 1 helmet, baseball bats, baseballs, and baseball equipment.
  • Will be subject to the standard oversized and overweight baggage fees. 
• Bicycle
  • A bicycle set comprises a bicycle and a helmet. 
  • Only 1 bicycle is permitted per passenger. 
  • Must be packed in a bicycle box/bag in a flat state, with the tires partially deflated, handlebars lined with the wheels, and the pedals removed.
  • The length, incl. box/bag, must not exceed 118in. 
  • Will be subject to the standard oversized and overweight baggage fees. 
• Bowling Equipment
  • One set comprises bowling balls, a bowling bag, and bowling shoes. 
  • All items should be packed in a bowling bag. 
  • Will be subject to the standard oversized and overweight baggage fees.
• Fishing Equipment 
  • One set comprises fishing rods (in a container) plus a tackle box. 
  • Permitted in carry-on baggage if the fishing rods are collapsible. If part of checked baggage, be sure to pack in a rigid/hard-shell box. 
  • A single container can contain multiple fishing rods. 
  • Oversized baggage fees are waived but overweight fees will still apply. 
• Football Equipment 
  • One set comprises a football, knee pads, shoulder pads, and a football helmet.
  • Both overweight and oversized baggage fees will be waived if the main purpose is to transport the equipment.
• Golf Equipment
  • One set includes golf clubs, balls, and shoes. 
  • Must be packed in a specially designed container or a bag with a hood attached to it. 
  • The legs of the golf bags should be taped or properly secured to the golf bag. 
  • Overweight will still apply but oversize fees are waived if the main purpose is to transport the equipment. 
• Hockey/Lacrosse/Ringette Equipment
  • One set includes a ring/puck/ball, sticks, pads, shoes/cleats/skates, and a helmet.
  • Overweight and oversized fees are waived if the main purpose is to transport the equipment. 
• Parachutes 
  • Only acceptable without a compressed/explosive-type activation device. 
  • Will be subject to the standard oversized and overweight baggage fees.
• Racquets 
  • Can be carried on, checked, or shipped. 
  • Will be subject to the standard oversized and overweight baggage fees.
• Scuba Diving Equipment 
  • One set comprises a diving lamp (provided it meets the dangerous goods acceptance criteria for heat-producing articles), mask, fins, tank harness, snorkel, regulator, scuba tank/aqua-lung cylinder or scuba tank (if it meets the dangerous good acceptance criteria for cylinders, gaseous oxygen (O2) or air. 
  • Spear guns are not permitted. 
  • Will be subject to the standard oversized and overweight baggage fees.
• Non-Motorized Skateboards, Fold-up Scooters, and Longboards 
  • One set comprises a skateboard, a longboard, or a scooter, plus a helmet. 
  • A skateboard can be carried on as part of carry-on luggage. 
  • Longboards must be checked in. 
  • If transported as checked items, must be securely packed to prevent damage. 
  • Will be subject to the standard oversized and overweight baggage fees.
• Snow Ski Equipment 
  • One set comprises one pair of each: skis, poles, boots (the latter may be checked in a separate boot bag); and one helmet.
  • Be sure to pack the skis to prevent damage. 
  • Oversized baggage fees are waived but overweight will still apply. 
• Snowboard Equipment 
  • A single set comprises a snowboard, a pair of boots (may be checked in a separate boot bag), and a helmet.
  • Be sure to pack the snowboard securely to prevent damage. 
  • Oversized baggage fees are waived but overweight will still apply. 
• Sports Balls 
  • Can include soccer balls, basketballs, recreation balls, and other types of inflated balls.
  • Must be partially deflated. 
  • Will be subject to the standard oversized and overweight baggage fees.
• Water Ski Equipment 
  • One set comprises 2 water skis.
  • Must be packed to prevent damage. 
  • Oversize fees are waived but overweight will still apply.

Exceptions: The Swoop Airlines baggage policy does not permit the carriage of the following sporting equipment on flights:

• Javelin equipment
• Vaulting poles 
• Kayaks
• Paintball equipment
• Self-balancing scooters (hoverboards)
• Surfboards/windsurfing boards

Child/Infant Equipment on Swoop Airlines

According to Swoop Airlines baggage policy:

1. Passengers travelling with a lap infant or a child are allowed to bring a child restraint system, such as a car seat/booster seat free of charge. Strollers and playpens will incur a baby equipment fee. If the weight limit of 50lb is exceeded, the standard baggage will still apply. 
2. Passengers travelling with a lap infant or child on a paid seat are allowed to bring a car seat (child restraint system). Additionally, they can bring either a playpen or a stroller by paying the baby equipment fee (below).
3. Passengers travelling with infants are allowed to bring up to 1 diaper bag per infant for free as carry-on baggage, provided that the diaper bag contains only an infant’s items and is stowed under the accompanying passenger’s front seat. 

Swoop Airlines Musical Instruments Policy

According to Swoop Airlines baggage policy for musical instruments, you can bring your musical instrument as part of your purchased carry-on baggage or checked baggage (if it’s larger).

• Musical Instrument as Part of Purchased Carry-on Baggage

You can bring your musical instrument as part of your paid carry-on baggage, as long as it does not exceed 113cm/45in in combined linear dimensions (L + W + H). If your musical instrument exceeds the permissible carry-on baggage size, it must be checked and must comply with the weight and size requirements for checked bags.

• Musical Instruments as Part of Paid Checked Baggage

Musical instruments can be carried as part of paid checked baggage, as long as the total combined dimensions (L + W + H) do not exceed 203cm/80in. Musical instruments measuring up to 80in in total combined dimensions will not be charged an oversized baggage fee. They must, however, comply with the weight restriction of 50lb/23kg for checked bags. If they exceed the regular weight limit of 50lb, they will incur an overweight baggage fee. 

• Mobility Aids/Devices and Wheelchairs

Mobility aids/devices and wheelchairs (incl. batteries) are allowed free of charge for passengers using them. This is in addition to whatever checked baggage items they may be carrying. 

Swoop Airlines Military Baggage

Both active and veteran Canadian military personnel are entitled to a free baggage allowance of:

• 2 checked bags 
• 1 carry-on bag

Note: The free military baggage allowance (above) does not extend to family members or others travelling on the same reservation.

How to claim the free military baggage allowance: Active-duty and veterans travelling for business or personal reasons must follow the steps below to claim their free baggage allowance: 

• Do not purchase your bags online. If you do, the fees are non-refundable.
• Reach the airport on time with your baggage on the day of travel.
  • If you’re travelling on a domestic flight, reach the airport at least 90 minutes before departure. The bag drop counters for domestic flights close 45 minutes before departure.
  • If you’re travelling on an international flight, reach the airport at least 2 hours before departure. The bag drop counters for international flights close 1 hour before departure. 
• Present your valid military ID at the check-in counter. Remember, only a Swoop representative at the check-in counter can grant you your free military baggage allowance. 
• If your military baggage is overweight or oversized, you will be charged the regular overweight and/or oversized baggage fees. However, if you’re travelling on active deployment duty, you may be permitted free additional baggage. 

Swoop Airlines Lost Baggage: Delayed Baggage or Missing Contents

According to Swoop Airlines lost baggage policy, if your baggage is delayed: 

• You must report it to Swoop Airlines immediately at the airport—but no later than 21 days after arrival. 
• A Delayed Baggage Report will be created for you, containing your full contact information, along with your baggage description and its contents.
• You will be informed of the next steps. 
• If your bag cannot be recovered within 5 days, the search for your bag will be taken over by Swoop’s Central Baggage Team.
• If your bag is lost, Swoop Airlines lost baggage policy will kick in and you will be reimbursed your baggage fee in addition to receiving a settlement for the loss of your bag.

If you find that items are missing from your checked bag(s), you must report it to a Swoop Airlines agent immediately at the airport and ensure that a report is created within 21 days after your flight arrives.

If your baggage and/or its contents are damaged on arrival, you must report it immediately to a Swoop agent at the airport and have your bag inspected for damages. Be sure to have your bag assessed for damage within 7 days of your flight’s arrival, or it will be assumed that you received your baggage in a proper condition. 

Maximum Liability for Damaged or Baggage 

The maximum limit for loss or damage to a bag is limited to CAD/USD 2,100 per bag for domestic flights. For international flights, the maximum liability is set by the Montreal or the Warsaw Convention and is also limited to CAD/USD 2,100 in most cases. 

Special Baggage Items

If you’re travelling with any of the special items below, you must check the Canadian Air Transport Security Agency’s What Can I Bring? page. Also, if you’re travelling to a destination outside of Canada, be sure to check the relevant website of the country you’re travelling to. 

• Alcohol
  • You’re allowed to carry duty-free alcohol that you purchase after passing through security as part of your carry-on baggage, provided you don’t consume it on the flight. 
  • If you’re carrying non-duty-free alcohol over 100ml, you must pack it in your checked bag. 
  • All duty-free liquids, incl. alcohol purchased before security and comprising over 100ml, are allowed if packed in a Secure Tamper-Evident Bag. 
  • Duty-free alcohol must bear a receipt and must be in original, unopened packaging. Although Canada, the U.S., and EU countries accept Secure Tamper-Evident Bags for transfers, airports in other countries may require you to place your duty-free alcohol in your checked baggage, otherwise it may be confiscated.
  • Homemade alcohol will not be accepted. 
  • Alcohol produced commercially in containers will be accepted in checked baggage if packed in original retail packaging. Beverages containing 24 – 70% alcohol by volume should not be more than 5 liters per passenger. Alcohol content exceeding 70% by volume is not permitted on Swoop Airlines.
• Camera films must be packed in carry-on bags to prevent damage from screening machines for checked bags. Although films below ISO 800 will not be damaged by carry-on baggage screening machines, you should request a hand inspection.
• Electrical devices
  • Portable Electronic Devices like cellphones, gaming devices, and tablets are allowed but in airplane mode. 
  • The use of AM/FM transmitters, remote-controlled toys like drones, CB radios, and two-way portable radio communication devices is not permitted onboard.
  • Any laptop computer or electrical item will need to be removed from its carrying case at the security gate before being X-rayed.
  • You can use the following electrical devices on board: calculators, laptops, voice recorders, calculators, MP3 players, computer games, cameras, and similar hand-held electronic devices.
• Identification Papers, Travel Documents, Jewelry, and Keys should be carried in your personal carry-on item or person.
• Souvenirs, such as certain items made out of wood, natural products, etc., may be confiscated, so do check the import restrictions at What you can bring home to Canada or the concerned agency of the country you’re travelling to.
• Televisions can be taken as checked baggage and could require you to pay an overweight and/or oversized baggage fee if they exceed 50lb/23kg and/or 157cm/62in in combined linear dimensions. However, the weight and size of your TV set must not exceed 100lb/45kg and/or 202cm/80in in combined linear dimensions respectively. 
• Wedding attires are permitted as part of your carry-on baggage for the applicable baggage fee. However, Swoop does not have special closets for storage, so you’ll have to stow the items in the overhead bins. 
• Wrapped items carried onboard will be opened and inspected, so you should either leave such items unwrapped or check them in your checked luggage.

Medications and Medical Equipment

Medications and certain types of medical equipment are permitted on Swoop, as explained below.

Medications

• Medications (incl. over-the-counter medications) must be in original packaging and clearly labeled along with the name of the manufacturer. 
• Always carry your medication in your personal carry-on item to ensure they are always accessible.
• Swoop will not refrigerate or administer medication.
• Always ensure that the medication you’re carrying is legal in your destination country.

Medical Equipment

• Needles and Syringes: Swoop will only accept needles and syringes as part of your personal carry-on item if you need to administer medication, subject to the following conditions:

• The medication must be accompanied by a pharmacy-dispensed label bearing the passenger’s name. 
• Syringes must be carried in medical containers and must have protective needle guards.
• Use needles must be disposed of in the aircraft’s sharps containers.  For the onboard location, ask the aircraft crew. 
• Medical professionals travelling with medical kits must pay the applicable carry-on baggage fee for the kits.

Portable Medical Electronic Devices (PMEDs)

• Batteries must be brought in carry-on baggage because they are not allowed in checked baggage. Be sure to protect the battery terminals by recessing or packaging them to protect against contact with metallic objects or other battery terminals.
• Be sure to check with the concerned department of the country you’re travelling to that your medical device is approved for travel. If you’re travelling to or within Canada, refer to the What Can I Bring tool.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

Swoop Airlines accepts the carriage and use of portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), subject to the following conditions:

• The POC must bear the manufacturer’s label stating in red that:
  The manufacturer of this POC has determined this device conforms to all applicable FAA acceptance criteria for POC carriage and use onboard aircraft.
• The following POC models are accepted even if not labeled:

• VBox Trooper
• SeQual – Eclipse (all), SAROS, eQuinox (Claire)
• Respironics – EverGo, Simply Go
• Precision Medical EasyPulse
• Oxywell (model 400)
• Oxus RS – 00400
• Oxlife LLC Independence
• Invacare – Solo2, XPO2, XPO100
• International Biophysics LifeChoice
• Inova Labs – LifeChoice, LifeChoice Activox
• Inogen – One, One G2, One G3
• DeVilbiss Healthcare iGo
• Delphi RS-00400 (EVO Central Air)
• AirSep – FreeStyle, FreeStle 5, Focus, LifeStyle

• Portable oxygen concentrators not listed above can be carried onboard but can only be used during the cruise portion of the trip. 
• POCs can only be used in battery mode. Extra batteries can only be carried on as part of the carry-on baggage, provided that the battery terminals are securely packaged or recessed to prevent any chances of short-circuiting. Be sure to carry enough extra batteries, keeping in mind the total travel time and unexpected delays.

Frequently Asked Questions on Swoop Airlines Baggage Policy

It is important to carefully review Swoop Airlines baggage policy before your flight to avoid any surprises or unexpected fees. The FAQs below will help you plan your trip better, so do take a look.