No matter whether you're a first-time flyer or a seasoned traveller, the following checklist will help ensure your journey is safe and comfortable.
Verify the date and time of your flight, as well as your seat assignment, and make any necessary changes.
The government issued identification you present at the boarding gate must be valid for the duration of your travels, and must include your name, date of birth and gender
And remember that the name on your ID must match your name as it appears on your ticket.
For international travel and flights between Canada and the U.S., identification must also include a photo.
Ensure that you accumulate any points you may be entitled to through Aeroplan or another frequent flyer program.
Enjoy extra peace of mind when travelling away from home.
Book on Air Canada to take advantage of special offers and booking bonuses.
Purchase Air Canada Bistro vouchers in advance and pre-order Duty-free items for your next international flight, or wait and make your selection on board.
Just remember that Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz have credit card only cabins.
Read useful information provided by the Aerospace Medical Association, or consult your doctor if you have a medical condition.
Are you travelling with a guide dog? Do you need wheelchair access? For any special needs, please let Air Canada Reservations know 48 hours or more before your flight.
Check aircanada.com to see if there are any travel updates such as weather or security alerts that you should be aware of. The updates are also posted on our homepage.
Read up on the latest safety regulations that apply to travel with an infant or child, and learn how to organize travel for an unaccompanied minor.
Obtain or renew all required documentation well ahead of time, and make copies.
Find useful customs and immigration information and links for Canada, the United States and European Union countries.
Learn more about the Advance Passenger Information System and view a list of countries for which API is required. Provide your APIS information before you arrive at the airport to save time.
Find out about special meal availability on international flights and flights within North America.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor 6-8 weeks before travelling for vaccinations that are recommended or required for the places you plan on visiting. Visit the Public Health Agency of CanadaOpens in New Window for more information.
Bring the address and phone number of your home country's Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for each country you plan to visit. View a list of Canadian government offices abroadOpens in New Window.
This way, they’ll know to expect out-of-country charges on your credit card, and telling them may help avoid issues with international transactions.
Familiarize yourself with the latest carry-on and checked baggage size and weight restrictions and other regulations.
Always pack valuable items such as money, travel documents car keys and medication in your carry-on baggage so that, in the unlikely event that your checked baggage is misrouted, you will not be without them.
Medication must be properly labelled or accompanied by a prescription. Learn more about how to pack sports or hunting equipment and musical instruments.
We also encourage you to read important information on travelling with cannabis (marijuana) for medical or recreational use.
In the event that security and/or customs 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.
For Economy Basic fares, you still have the choice to check in online, via the Air Canada mobile app, an airport kiosk, or in person at the check-in counter.
If you’re checking in online, in the app, or at a kiosk:
- You’ll need to provide a credit card to receive your boarding pass.
- This will pre-authorize a CA/US $65-$78 (tax inclusive) gate handling fee.
- The pre-authorized fee will only be charged if you bring a carry-on to the gate and don’t check/pay for it before security.
- If you arrive at the gate with an additional bag, it will be checked for the pre-authorized fee.
- If you don’t bring an additional bag to the gate, your card won’t be charged, and the pre-authorization will be removed from your account in 5 to 7 business days.
If you’re checking in with an agent at our check-in counter:
- No credit card pre-authorization is required.
- An agent will review your baggage allowance, confirm what you can bring on board, and let you know which bags you need to check, if any.
- If you need to check any bags, you can pay any applicable baggage fees via credit card, debit, prepaid credit card, Visa Debit, or Air Canada Gift Card. Cash is not accepted.
- If you’re only bringing a personal item, you won’t be charged any additional baggage fees.
- Our agents will complete your check-in and issue your boarding pass.