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Boarding by zone
Boarding by zone
Flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express are boarded by Zone at most airports. The zone corresponding to your seat is clearly printed on your Air Canada-issued boarding pass.
| Boarding priority | Eligible customers |
|---|---|
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Pre-boarding
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Customers who have requested wheelchair assistance or who need more time to board are invited to board first. |
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Zone 1
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Board with Zone 1*: When you travel in Business Class, or in Premium Rouge on a domestic or Caribbean flight As an Aeroplan Super Elite Member |
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Aeroplan or Star Alliance members may invite immediate family members (including spouse, common-law partner and dependent children) and one travel companion to board with them even if not travelling on the same reservation. And, as per usual, travel companions of Aeroplan Members and Star Alliance Gold customers as well as select TD and CIBC Aeroplan Credit Cardholders booked on the same reservation and checking in at the same time will receive the same boarding zone as the Aeroplan Member or credit cardholder (excluding group bookings). |
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Zone 2
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Board with Zone 2*: Customers travelling in Premium Economy Class, or in Premium Rouge on an international flight As an Aeroplan 75K, 50K, 35K, 25K, or Star Alliance Gold member Primary or Secondary Cardholder of Premium Aeroplan credit cards:
For more complete terms and more information on Air Canada benefits, visit TD benefits, CIBC benefits or AMEX benefits |
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Aeroplan or Star Alliance members may invite immediate family members (including spouse, common-law partner and dependent children) and one travel companion to board with them even if not travelling on the same reservation. And, as per usual, travel companions of Aeroplan Members and Star Alliance Gold customers as well as select TD and CIBC Aeroplan Credit Cardholders booked on the same reservation and checking in at the same time will receive the same boarding zone as the Aeroplan Member or credit cardholder (excluding group bookings). |
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Family Boarding / Musical Instruments
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You will be invited to board before general boarding starts if:
You’re travelling with children under the age of 6 or require additional time to board the aircraft
You’re travelling with a musical instrument as part of your carry-on baggage
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Zone 3 – General Boarding
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Board with Zone 3, at the very start of general boarding:
If your boarding pass displays Zone 3
When you purchase a Latitude or Comfort fare
When you purchase a Preferred seat
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Zones 4, 5 and 6 – General Boarding
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Board with Zones 4, 5 or 6 on flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, or 4 on flights operated by Air Canada Express.
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* Priority guests in Zones 1 and 2 may continue to use dedicated lanes, available at most of our gates, to board at any time once general boarding has started.
Other airlines
If you are checking in with another airline and your boarding pass for your connecting flight on Air Canada does not include a Zone number, you are invited to board with Zone 5 on flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, or Zone 4 on flights operated by Air Canada Express, unless you are entitled to board in Zone 1 or 2.
Boarding gate deadlines
In order to ensure an on-time departure, we require all customers to be present at the gate at the boarding gate deadline.