aircanada.com - Before You Go: A ‘To-Do’ List

Before You Go: A ‘To-Do’ List

Whether a first-time flyer or a seasoned traveller, the following checklist will help ensure your journey is safe and comfortable.

Prepare

	Check your itinerary Verify your date, time, fare and seat assignment, and make any necessary changes.
	Check your photo IDs By law, each passenger appearing to be 12 years of age or older must have at least one photo ID. The name on the ID must match the passenger name as it appears on the ticket. Be sure your identification is valid for the full duration of your travels. Allow adequate time to obtain/renew any identification and/or other travel documentation your travels may require.
	Add frequent flyer number Ensure that you accumulate any points you may be entitled to through Aeroplan or another frequent flyer program.
	Buy travel insurance Enjoy extra peace of mind when travelling away from home.
	Book hotel stays and car rentals Book on Air Canada to take advantage of special offers and booking bonuses.
	Tell us about your special needs Travelling with a guide dog? Need wheelchair access? For any special needs, please let Air Canada Reservations know 48 hours or more before your flight.
	Follow travel advisories Be informed about special destination-specific travel advisors by checking on aircanada.com before you travel.
	Read rules and restrictions for travel with a child or infant Read up on the latest safety regulations for travelling with a child or infant, and learn how to organize travel for an unaccompanied minor.

Additional steps for international travel (including the U.S.)

	Obtain passports, visas and other travel documentation Obtain/renew all required documentation well ahead of time, and make copies.
	Familiarize yourself with customs and immigration information Learn about important rules, details and documents for travel to/from Canada, the United States and all the countries on your itinerary.
	Provide Advance Passenger Information (APIS) Some of the countries requiring Air Canada to collect Advance Passenger Information are the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Barbados. Provide your APIS information before you arrive at the airport to save time.
	Request special meals Available on select international flights only, 24 hours notice required.
	Get vaccinated Schedule an appointment with your doctor 6-8 weeks before travelling for vaccinations that are recommended or required for the places you're visiting.
	Be aware of security requirements Be aware of any security requirements in effect for the places and times you're travelling, and be sure the items you are travelling with respect these requirements.
	Bring contact information for your embassy and/or consulate abroad Bring the address and phone number of your home country's Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for each country you plan to visit. Canadian government offices abroad.

Pack

	Pack your carry-on baggage Familiarize yourself with the latest carry-on restrictions and regulations.
	Pack your checked baggage Familiarize yourself with the latest checked baggage restrictions and regulations, and learn how to pre-register and pack additional baggage, sports and hunting equipment, oversized and overweight baggage, and other special items.
	Pack valuables in your carry-on baggage NOT in your checked baggage Valuables such as money, travel documents nor items such as car keys, medication, etc. should be kept in your carry-on baggage so that in the unlikely event that your checked baggage is misrouted, you will not be without them. NOTE: Medication must be properly labelled or accompanied by a prescription.
	Leave gifts unwrapped In the event that security and/or customers agents need to inspect the contents of your baggage, all the items in your possession should be unwrapped and easy to access so that the inspection process can be conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible.
	Tag your bags Follow our guidelines for labelling your baggage.
	Read about security requirements and dangerous goods Read the latest guidelines for packing safely and avoiding items that are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.

Before you go

	Check in Check online or using your mobile device up to 24 hours before departure. Now you can print your own boarding pass from the comfort of your home, receive an electronic one on your mobile device, or use one of our self-serve kiosks at the airport.
	Get to the airport on time Familiarize yourself with official deadlines for check-in and boarding. Failure to meet them may result in reassigned seating and cancellations.
	Check your flight status Check your flight status online. You can also register with aircanada.com's Mobile Services Notification to be alerted via SMS to your cell phone of any schedule changes with regards to your flight.
	Look for travel advisories Check if there are any travel advisories such as weather or security alerts on aircanada.com you should be aware of. These are also posted on our homepage.

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