Pacific Coastal Airline8P

Pacific Coastal Airlines is a Canadian regional carrier based in Vancouver, British Columbia, serving the unique geography and communities of the British Columbia coast. Founded in 1987, Pacific Coastal has grown into a vital connector for remote and coastal communities throughout BC, the Pacific Northwest, and southwestern Canada.

The airline operates a carefully curated route network focused on destinations that are difficult to reach by road, including floatplane services and remote communities with limited surface transportation. Pacific Coastal is essential infrastructure for BC's coastal economy, connecting tourism, resource industries, and remote population centers to major hubs.

As an independent carrier not part of a major alliance, Pacific Coastal maintains strong partnerships with other Canadian carriers including Air Canada and WestJet, often coordinating schedules for connecting passengers.

Pacific Coastal's baggage policy is designed for regional operations and remote community accessibility. Specific policies are available at pacificcoastal.com, though information is limited for some destinations.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (free on all fares):

• Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 6" (approximately 40 x 30 x 15 cm)
• Must fit under seat in front of you
• Examples: Small backpack, purse, laptop bag

Cabin Bag (limited overhead storage):

• Dimensions: 20" x 10" x 8" (approximately 50 x 25 x 20 cm)
• Weight limit: 20 lbs (9 kg) per bag
• Important: Limited overhead bin space on Saab 340 and Beech 1900 aircraft
• Checked baggage is often preferred on these smaller aircraft

Checked Baggage

Domestic Routes (within Canada):

Category	Standard	Premium Fare
First Bag	Included	Included
Second Bag	CAD $30	Included
Weight Limit (per bag)	50 lbs (23 kg)	50 lbs (23 kg)
Size Limit	Standard checked dimensions	Standard

Remote/Float Plane Routes:

• Weight restrictions may apply depending on aircraft payload
• Crew may impose stricter limits based on aircraft capacity and fuel considerations
• Contact Pacific Coastal directly for specific remote destinations

Excess Baggage Fees (CAD)

Category	Fee
Bag 3+	CAD $35-50 per additional bag
Overweight (51-70 lbs / 24-32 kg)	CAD $50
Overweight (over 70 lbs / 32 kg)	Not accepted
Oversized (exceeds standard checked dimensions)	CAD $50-75 depending on overage

Special Items

Item	Baggage Treatment	Notes
Skis/snowboards	Included or CAD $25 fee	Often accepted as a checked bag
Golf clubs	Included or CAD $25 fee	Must be in protective case
Musical instruments	Contact airline	Some small instruments allowed as carry-on if they fit safely
Fishing equipment	Checked baggage	Standard fees apply
Mobility aids/wheelchairs	Free	Does not count toward baggage allowance
Car seats	Free	Gate-check available when possible
Sporting equipment	Variable	Contact airline for specific items

Remote Community Considerations

For flights to remote communities:

• Weight and balance restrictions are strictly enforced
• Crew may ask passengers to contribute checked baggage weight limits ("deadheading" cargo capacity)
• For float plane service, weight and balance is critical—crew has final authority on passenger/baggage distribution
• Some communities have size/weight restrictions at landing facilities

Recommendations:

• Contact Pacific Coastal before booking remote routes with baggage questions
• Consider packing light for remote community flights
• Arrive early for weight/balance briefing on smaller aircraft

Contact Pacific Coastal

For questions about baggage on specific routes, especially remote destinations, contact:

• Website: pacificcoastal.com/baggage-information
• Phone: Check website for current customer service number
• Email: Available through website contact form

Note: Baggage policies may vary by specific destination and aircraft. Always verify current policies at pacificcoastal.com before traveling.

Pacific Coastal flights offer a functional, no-frills experience on specialized regional aircraft. Expect a distinctly different experience compared to major commercial carriers.

On Saab 340 Aircraft

Cabin Features:

• Single-aisle turboprop aircraft with 34-37 seat capacity
• Narrow cabin (approximately 10.5 feet wide)
• Tight seat pitch: approximately 28-30 inches
• Noisy environment: turboprop engines create considerable cabin noise
• Limited climate control on some aircraft
• Windows small and positioned between seats

Comfort:

• Seats are functional and basic—no padding or recline
• Overhead storage extremely limited
• Aisle narrow—wide shoulders will encounter tight fit
• No in-seat power or USB charging
• No in-flight entertainment system
• Air stairs only at some destinations (jet bridges not available at remote locations)

Experience: Expect a no-nonsense regional flying experience. These are utilitarian workhorses connecting communities, not comfort-focused aircraft. The trade-off for remote accessibility is reduced comfort.

On Beech 1900 Aircraft

Cabin Features:

• High-wing twin-engine turboprop, 19 seat configuration
• Single-aisle with wider seat pitch than Saab 340
• Excellent visibility out of windows
• Unpressurized: maintains cabin altitude below 10,000 feet for passenger comfort
• Noise level even higher than Saab due to open fuselage design
• Very intimate cabin environment

Comfort:

• Basic regional seats with modest padding
• Overhead storage limited but somewhat better than Saab
• High-wing design provides excellent sightseeing views
• Most sociable small-aircraft experience
• No amenities

Experience: Flying on a Beech 1900 feels like chartering a private plane with 18 other passengers. Expect conversation to be difficult during cruise due to engine noise. Bring headphones or earplugs.

Food & Beverage

Service on most flights: None. Pacific Coastal does not provide complimentary food or beverage service on most regional flights.

What to bring:

• Bring your own water bottle (fill after security)
• Pack snacks for longer flights
• Lunch is not provided even on flights over 3 hours

Long-term partnerships: Some flights may offer basic beverages on certain routes—check with your booking.

Entertainment & WiFi

• WiFi: Not available on regional aircraft
• Entertainment: Bring your own (e-reader, book, music)
• Phone service: No cellular connectivity at altitude
• Connectivity: Limited or unavailable between communities

Booking

• Book direct when possible: Ensure Pacific Coastal flights are clearly identified in your booking
• Check aircraft type: Know whether you're flying Saab 340 or Beech 1900 before booking
• Remote routes: Book as early as possible—capacity is limited and flights fill quickly
• Weather considerations: Winter flying to coastal communities has high cancellation risk—consider flexible dates

Preparing for Flight

• Dress in layers: Aircraft cabins can be cold, especially turboprops
• Bring earplugs or headphones: Turboprop noise is significant
• Pack snacks: No food service on most flights
• Arrive early: Small airports may have limited staff and slower check-in processes
• Flexible plans: Weather delays are normal in BC—don't book tight connections

During the Flight

• Enjoy the views: Lower altitude flights offer spectacular scenery on clear days
• Expect movement: Turboprops experience more turbulence than jets in rough air
• Request window seat: Views of BC's coast and mountains are exceptional
• Bring entertainment: No WiFi or in-flight entertainment
• Bring water: Dehydration is common on pressurized turboprop flights

Remote Community Travel

• Contact accommodation ahead: Small communities may have limited lodging—book before flying
• Weather planning: Don't overplan your itinerary with tight connections
• Return flights: Confirm return flights with crew when you land—schedules in remote areas are sometimes adjusted
• Cash requirement: Some remote communities have very limited services and may not accept cards

Best Seats

On Saab 340 (scenic routes):

• Window seats (right side): Best views of BC landscape on northbound flights
• Left side: Good views on southbound flights depending on time of day
• Forward cabin: Less turbulence than rear
• Aisle seats: Easier to move around on narrow-cabin aircraft

On Beech 1900:

• Window seats: Exceptional views on high-wing aircraft
• Forward rows: Less engine noise
• Aisle seats: Easier access on cramped aircraft

Flying Remote Routes Safely

• Follow crew instructions: Weight/balance is critical on small aircraft
• Expect reassignment: Crew may move you for aircraft safety—comply without resistance
• Float plane operations: Crew has absolute authority; follow all instructions exactly
• Respect weather decisions: If crew cancels due to weather, they have good reason

Understanding Operations

• Single daily flights: Many remote routes operate only once per day
• Weekly schedules: Some communities may have 2-3 flights per week only
• Cargo integration: Freight and passengers often share aircraft
• Direct impact of weather: Coastal BC weather can change rapidly