April 9, 2018

Because of the planned public sector strike expected to have an impact on operations at airports in Germany, Air Canada has implemented a policy for customers who wish to make voluntary changes to their itinerary.

This policy applies to customers:

• Who purchased an Air Canada ticket no later than April 8, 2018 for travel on April 9 or 10. 2018
• Whose itinerary includes one of the following airports: Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC)

If you are scheduled to travel on the above dates, you may contact Air Canada Reservations to change your flight, free of charge, to another date between now and April 13, 2018, subject to availability in the cabin you originally purchased. Otherwise, any fare difference will apply.

If you purchased your ticket with Aeroplan , or Air Canada Vacations, please contact them directly.

April 10, 2018 - Update

The terrible tragedy in Humboldt has shocked all of us. Words cannot express the heartbreak the families & friends of these young people are going through. Our thoughts & prayers are with everyone.  If you are flying to attend the funerals or memorial services, please contact our call centres at 1-888-247-2262 for further assistance on booking compassionate travel.

On behalf of our employees and the Air Canada Foundation which is dedicated to supporting young people, Air Canada has donated $15,000 to the Humboldt Broncos for affected families and players. Over the month of April we will be collecting additional donations and we encourage others to donate directly through Go Fund Me.

March 20, 2018

In response to a national strike in France, Air Canada has implemented a goodwill policy for customers who purchased an Air Canada ticket no later than March 20, 2018 for travel to or from an airport in France between March 21st and 23rd, 2018.

If you are scheduled to travel on the above dates, you may contact Air Canada Reservations (1-888-247-2262) to change your flight, free of charge, to another date between now and March 28th, 2018, subject to availability in the cabin you originally purchased. Otherwise, any fare difference will apply.

If you purchased your ticket with Aeroplan , or Air Canada Vacations, please contact them directly.

March 12, 2018

Construction at Reagan National Airport (DCA) is expected to cause traffic delays on airport roadways as work crews close lanes in front of Terminal B/C. Passengers should be mindful of changes to pick-up locations and allow extra travel time.

To avoid delays, people who normally drive to the airport should consider using Metrorail instead. The Reagan National Airport Metrorail station is a 10 minutes walk or shuttle bus ride to Terminal A (Gates 1-9) where Air Canada counters are located.

Alternatively, drivers should consider using terminal garages for pick-up or drop-off since they are outside the construction zone.

Visit the Reagan National website for the latest updates.

February 21, 2018

In response to a strike by Air France personnel, Air Canada has implemented a goodwill policy for customers who purchased an Air Canada ticket no later than February 21, 2018 and who connect to/from Air France on February 22th, 2018.

If you are scheduled to travel on the above dates, you may contact Air Canada Reservations (1-888-247-2262) to change your flight, free of charge, to another date between now and February 26th, 2018, subject to availability in the cabin you originally purchased. Otherwise, any fare difference will apply.

If you purchased your ticket with Aeroplan , or Air Canada Vacations, please contact them directly.

February 20, 2018

Introducing Economy Basic, our new lowest fare that offers customers another great travel option at a competitive price.

Available on select flights within Canada, Economy Basic offers all the comfort and amenities of our Economy Class cabin, but with a few important restrictions that you’ll want to review to make sure the fare meets your specific travel needs.

Find out more about Economy Basic.

February 19, 2018

Due to extra security checks in Lyon airport, passengers can expect longer waiting times, particularly during peak travel times such as the winter holidays and at weekends. At these peak travel times, we advise passengers to arrive at the airport 2 and a half hours prior to the departure of their flight.

New policy concerning personal headphones

March 29, 2018

Air Canada is happy to announce that, beginning on April 1, 2018, passengers on our flights will be able to use their personal headphones (of any kind) on our in-flight entertainment system or their personal mobile devices. This service is available from gate to gate at any time, except, of course, while the safety video is being played.

December 22, 2017

Due to potential labour disruptions at Lisbon International Airport (LIS) between December 24, 2017 and December 26, 2017, customers travelling to, from, or via this airport are encouraged to allow for extra travel time so as to arrive at the airport early enough to check in and go through the security screening process before their flight.

Due to multiple road closures in Montreal this weekend, passengers travelling to and from Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) are encouraged to allow for extra travel time so as to arrive at the airport early enough to check in and go through the security screening process before their flight.

December 11, 2017

In response to wildfires in and around Los Angeles, Air Canada has extended its policy for customers who purchased an Air Canada ticket no later than December 6, 2017 for travel to or from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) between December 7 and December 14, 2017. 

If you are scheduled to travel on the above dates, you may contact Air Canada Reservations (1-888-247-2262) to change your flight, free of charge, to another date between now and December 21, 2017, subject to availability in the cabin you originally purchased. Otherwise, any fare difference will apply.

You may also choose to travel to an alternate destination. Any change fees will be waived, provided you are travelling between now and December 21, 2017. However, any fare difference will apply.

If you purchased your ticket with Aeroplan, or Air Canada Vacations, please contact them directly.

November 14, 2017

Effective November 14, 2017, Air Canada is updating its policy for customers travelling with surfboards, paddleboards, kiteboards, wakeboards and wave skis as follows.

• In addition to any applicable additional checked baggage charges, these boards are subject to a handling charge of $100.00 - $118.00* CAD/USD for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian and Exploits Valley Air.
• The handling charge applies per board to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flight.

More on our sports equipment policy.

* Fees are inclusive of the minimum (0%) to the maximum (18%) tax which may apply, based on your itinerary.

Barcelona General Strike

October 4, 2017

In response to the announced General Strike at Barcelona Airport (BCN), Air Canada has implemented a goodwill policy for customers who purchased an Air Canada ticket no later than October 4, 2017 for travel to, from or via that airport between October 2^nd and October 13^th, 2017.

If you are scheduled to travel on the above dates, you may contact Air Canada Reservations (1-888-247-2262) to change your flight, free of charge, to another date between now and December 2, 2017, subject to availability in the cabin you originally purchased. Otherwise, any fare difference will apply.

You may also choose to travel to an alternate destination. Any change fees will be waived, provided you are travelling between now and December 2^nd, 2017. However, any fare difference will apply.

October 2, 2017

In response to the announced General Strike at Barcelona Airport (BCN), Air Canada has implemented a goodwill policy for customers who purchased an Air Canada ticket no later than October 2, 2017 for travel to, from or via that airport between October 2 - 3, 2017.

If you are scheduled to travel on the above dates, you may contact Air Canada Reservations (1-888-247-2262) to change your flight, free of charge, to another date between now and October 9, 2017, subject to availability in the cabin you originally purchased. Otherwise, any fare difference will apply.

You may also choose to travel to an alternate destination. Any change fees will be waived, provided you are travelling between now and October 9, 2017. However, any fare difference will apply.

If you purchased your ticket with Aeroplan , or Air Canada Vacations, please contact them directly.

Beginning October 1^st, Air Canada will serve a selection of Freshii’s nutritious and crave-worthy offerings on flights featuring Air Canada Bistro.

Freshii will be energizing Air Canada customers throughout their journey with delicious menu items like the warm Pangoa Bowl and Fiesta Wrap for lunch or dinner, and Avocado Smash Box for an energy-packed breakfast. See the full Air Canada Bistro menu.

Changes to checked baggage policy

September 25, 2017

Air Canada is revising the checked baggage policy that applies to Star Alliance Gold and Silver members for tickets issued on or after September 25, 2017.

Star Alliance Gold Members

You may check one extra bag free of charge, over and above the number of bags allowed by the fare type purchased. The maximum weight for each bag is as follows:

• Premium Economy / Economy Class: 23 kg / 50 lb
• Business Class: 32 kg / 70 lb

Star Alliance Silver Members

Your checked baggage allowance (i.e. number of bags and maximum weight of each bag) will be equivalent to that of the fare type purchased.

If you are an Altitude member, your checked baggage allowance remains unchanged. The priority baggage services offered to Altitude, Star Alliance Gold and other eligible guests are also unaffected.

We invite you to view our complete checked baggage policy for exceptions and other important information.

Hurricane Maria

October 20, 2017

Air Canada has extended its goodwill policy following hurricane Maria to allow customers travelling to, from or via San Juan (SJU), Puerto Rico to request a full refund.

Please refer to the updated table below for details.

September 27, 2017

Due to extensive damage to airport infrastructures in St. Maarten, Turks and Caicos and San Juan, Puerto Rico, Air Canada has extended its goodwill policy following Hurricane Maria to include customers scheduled to fly to or from those affected areas.

Please refer to the updated table below for details.

September 18, 2017

On Tuesday, Sept 19, Air Canada is operating 5 flights including larger aircraft to bring customers home early from the affected areas in advance of Hurricane Maria, including from Puerto Plata, Punta Cana and Samana.

In response to Hurricane Maria, Air Canada has implemented a goodwill policy for customers whose itinerary includes a flight impacted by the path of the hurricane.

If your travel is affected, you may contact Air Canada Reservations (1-888-247-2262) to change your flight to another date free of charge. Details and a list of airports impacted are available below.

If you purchased your ticket with Aeroplan, or Air Canada Vacations, please contact them directly.

Update: resumption of service to Turks and Caicos

September 27, 2017

Air Canada is planning to resume service as follows:

Toronto to Turks and Caicos – starting Nov. 1 with flights three times weekly on Wed/Sat/Sun ramping up to daily flights beginning Dec. 16.

Montreal to Turks and Caicos – starting Dec. 15 with flights twice weekly on Fri/Sat.

Flights and schedules are subject to change. Customers may also contact Air Canada Reservations for more information and assistance.

If you purchased your ticket with Air Canada Vacations or with Aeroplan, please contact them directly for assistance.

Air Canada had temporarily withdrawn service to Turks and Caicos following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma.

LaGuardia Airport Construction

August 25, 2017

Because of the airport redevelopment project that is currently underway at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), terminal roadways are more congested than normal. 

We therefore encourage customers travelling from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to allow for extra travel time so as to arrive at the airport early enough to check in and go through the security screening process before their flight.

Find out more

Changes to checked baggage policy - Mexico

April 3, 2017

Air Canada is revising its checked baggage policy for tickets issued on or after April 1, 2017 for customers with an Economy Class ticket as follows:

• Check one bag for $25 CAD/USD (per direction) and a second bag for $35 CAD/USD (per direction) when you travel between Canada/the United States and Mexico.

We invite you to view our complete checked baggage policy for exceptions and other important details.

Holiday travel tips

December 21, 2017

Since the holidays are an important time for everyone, and a very busy period for airlines, we would like to give you some advice on keeping your travel as relaxed as possible.

Planning:

• When booking, make sure that you or your travel agent provide Air Canada with your full contact information, particularly your telephone numbers and email address, so that we can reach you before and during your trip.
• Plan to arrive at the airport one hour earlier than the typically recommended check-in and boarding times to avoid the holiday rush.
• Consult our travel alerts for the latest information on flights that may be disrupted.
• Check the status of your flight regularly: 
  • online,
  • using your mobile device, or
  • by contacting the Air Canada Flight Information System at 1-888-422-7533; TTY (service for the hearing impaired): 1-800-361-8071.
• Register for the Flight Notification Service at aircanada.com and receive real-time updates about your flight by email or directly to your mobile device (including possible delays or cancellations).
• Download our mobile applications free of charge.
• Make sure you have all the travel documents you and your family will need to travel.
• Consider subscribing to Air Canada’s On My Way service, which offers priority services, such as accommodations and other protections, to clients whose trips are disrupted.
• Parents travelling with children:
  • If passports are required, all children must have their own passport.  Remember that parents/legal guardians DO NOT sign their child’s Canadian passport, as doing so invalidates it.
  • Visit IATA Travel Centre and Travel and Tourism Canada or contact the embassy high commission or consulate of all countries you and your child will be visiting to confirm all entry and exit document requirements.
• Is your flight delayed or cancelled?
  If Air Canada informs you that your flight has been cancelled or your flight is expected to be cancelled or delayed due to severe weather conditions:
  • You may be able to access our Self Service Rebooking Tool using your booking reference number and passenger last name.
  • Be patient. Once the storm has passed, it still takes some time to return to normal operations.
  • We will increase capacity as needed if we have the necessary crew and equipment to absorb the delay for passengers.
  • If you do not immediately find an available flight, check back frequently because our schedule may change or spots may become available.
  • In some cases, you may be eligible for free accommodations, especially in the event of an extended delay caused by a situation for which the airline is responsible or for clients who purchased the On My Way service in situations where the airline is not responsible. During circumstances outside the airline's control (e.g. a storm), accommodations are generally not provided (with some exceptions), and you can contact our hotel room provider, who will offer you reduced rates (subject to availability). This policy is consistent with what most North American airlines offer for travel in Canada or between Canada and the United States. Our Airport and Call Centre Agents can provide this type of information.
• Are you travelling to, from or via the United States?
  The Secure Flight Program in the United States requires passengers to provide certain additional information at least 72 hours before their flight or at the time of booking. Read the details on how to provide this information.

  United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint lines can be longer during busy periods. The TSA recommends arriving at the airport two hours before departure if your flight is in the early morning or evening, when wait times for screening can be up to one hour. Members of Known Traveler Programs, such as Nexus or Global Entry, may experience normal wait times. Learn more.

  Eligible Air Canada customers enjoy the benefits of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s TSA Pre✓™ program which provides accelerated security screening at most U.S. departure airports by allowing customers to keep shoes, belts and light outerwear on, and laptops and liquids in carry-on baggage. Learn more about TSA Pre^✓ and how it applies to Air Canada flights.

  Traveling to the USA:
  Air Canada customers flying to the U.S (from or via Canada) will clear US Customs at Canadian airports before their flight. Our operations at all four Canadian hubs, Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR) and Calgary (YYC) are all under one roof with no terminal transfers, meaning connections are easy, comfortable, seamless, and smooth.

  Traveling from the USA:
  For our customers travelling from the U.S. through our hubs and onwards to any international destination, the seamless connection process and quick passport check means passengers never have to wait in customs lines, pick up bags or transfer terminals. Simply walk to the next departure gate!

Check-in:

• Take advantage of online check-in or mobile check-in at any time within 24 hours of your flight's departure.
• You can have an electronic boarding pass sent to your mobile device or print it in the comfort of your home or at one of our Self-Service Kiosks at the airport.
• Do you need to check your baggage?
  Self-tagging enables you to print your own checked baggage tags. Once you have attached the tags to your baggage, you simply need to visit the Baggage Drop-off counter to give them to one of our agents. This service is available at the Air Canada Self-Service Kiosks at the following airports: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Québec, St John's, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Boston, Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco and London Heathrow.

Baggage:

• Check size and weight allowances when packing at aircanada.com/carryon as carry-on baggage will be screened and tagged. Information on checked baggage allowance is available at: aircanada.com/checked. 
• Take a few moments to read the checked and carry-on baggage policies and restrictions on liquids, gels and aerosols. Remember that medications and valuables must always be packed in carry-on baggage.
• Leave your gifts unwrapped. All items in your possession must be unwrapped and easily accessible to facilitate inspection by security agents or customs.
• Attach a tag with your contact information on each of your bags to make them easily identifiable.
• Are you planning outdoor activities?

Our page on special items will tell you how to pack your skis, snowboard, skates and many other special items.

Air Canada wishes you a happy holiday season and a fun and safe winter.

Travelling with a 'smart bag'?

December 5, 2017

Due to the potential safety hazard that lithium batteries pose when transported in an aircraft's cargo hold, special precautions apply if you are travelling with a bag that has built-in charging, location tracking or other battery-powered technology. This type of bag is commonly known as a 'smart bag'.

Carry-on baggage

• You may bring your 'smart bag' onto the plane with you, provided it meets carry-on baggage size restrictions.
• On smaller aircraft where carry-on bags must be placed in the cargo hold, you will need to remove the battery and bring the battery into the cabin with you.

Checked baggage

• You may check your bag but will first need to remove the battery and bring the battery into the cabin with you. We will not be able to accept your bag as checked baggage if the battery cannot be removed.

New Primary Inspection Kiosks at Canadian Airports

November 28, 2017

Primary Inspection Kiosks are now available at Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), Ottawa (YOW), Edmonton (YEG), Halifax (YHZ), and Toronto – Terminal 3 (YYZ) Airports.

These kiosks allow you to verify your travel documents, complete an on-screen declaration, and confirm your identity through facial recognition, which simply compares a photo taken by the kiosk with the one on your passport.

In addition, with the CanBorder – eDeclaration mobile app, you can reduce processing time by 50% when you go through Customs. This app also allows you to create and save your traveller profile, answer questions in advance and create a quick response (QR) code that you can then scan at a Primary Inspection Kiosk upon your arrival at the airport.

To learn more about Primary Inspection Kiosks.

Travel to Lebanon

November 9, 2017

Because of the Government of Canada’s travel advisory regarding travel to Lebanon, Air Canada has implemented a policy for customers who purchased an Air Canada ticket no later than November 9, 2017 and whose itinerary includes a flight to, from or via an airport in Lebanon between November 9 and November 30, 2017.

If your travel is affected, you may contact Air Canada Reservations to change your flight, free of charge, to another date between now and December 15, 2017, subject to availability in the cabin you originally purchased. Otherwise, any fare difference will apply.

You may also choose to travel to an alternate destination. Any change fees will be waived, provided you are travelling between now and December 15, 2017. However, any fare difference will apply.

If you purchased your ticket with Aeroplan, or Air Canada Vacations, please contact them directly.

Accepted forms of payment at Ottawa Int. Airport

October 26, 2017

Starting November 1^st, 2017, cash payments will no longer be accepted at Air Canada counters located at Ottawa’s Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). Customers will have the option of paying tickets as well as baggage and other fees with any major credit or debit card.

Prepaid MasterCard credit cards are also available for purchase at ReadySTATION™ kiosks located at the airport. If you do choose this option, please make sure to keep your prepaid credit card (even if its value has reached zero) until all travel associated with the card has been completed. This is because, in the event of a refund, the amount will be returned to your original form of payment.