Air Canada’s holiday travel tips

Authorities are expecting a lot of action at airports in the coming weeks. For example, over 3.25 million customers will travel with Air Canada during the holiday season.

Before leaving home for the airport, don’t forget your passport!

Then, to avoid trouble before departure, check the details of the reservation:

• Spelling of names, travel dates and passport expiry date;
• Provide an e-mail address and cell phone number in the Air Canada mobile application;
• Check in online at aircanada.com or via theAir Canada mobile app 24 hours before departure;
• Flight status;
• Allow enough time to meet baggage acceptance deadlines for departure.

If you’re departing fromMontreal-Trudeau International Airport, we also suggest you book a time to go through security checkpoint A. Thanks to YUL EXPRESS, there’s one less stress for many destinations.

Install and use the Air Canada mobile application.

It is useful for:

• Check in your baggage (including free baggage if you have an Aeroplan credit card);
• Download and save your boarding pass (eliminating the need to print it);
• Enable Air Canada to communicate any itinerary and boarding pass updates directly;
• Monitoring of flight schedules, gate changes and inbound flight status
• Directions to boarding gates at 12 of Air Canada’s most frequently served airports:
• In the event of a delay, you will receive notifications sent by email or text message, updated flight information, new scheduled times and information on how to change your reservation;
• Obtain information on the tracking of checked baggage and on the carousel used to retrieve baggage after the flight.

When you pack, update yourself on what you can and cannot bring. All liquids, gels and aerosols in the carry-on must be in containers of 100 ml or less. Then, they must be in a transparent bag that closes of one liter or less.

Also, every carry-on and checked bag has a limit and all the details are here.

Just in case something goes wrong, keep a carry-on bag that can be stowed under the seat in front of you:

• necessary medications ;
• keys and valuables such as money;
• electronic devices ;
• and jewelry.

Check the baggage allowance for :

• Know and respect the limits (number, dimensions, weight) of checked or carry-on baggage;
• Write your name and contact details on a label inside your checked baggage and on an outside baggage tag;
• Don’t forget to check pre-boarding checkpoint requirements, such as restrictions on liquids, keeping gifts unwrapped, etc.

Also, a good tip is to attach a sturdy identification tag and add a business card or a card with your contact information, in each checked or unchecked bag.

As is often the case, excess cabin baggage can delay boarding and the flight. Air Canada encourages passengers to limit carry-on baggage and to comply if a gate agent requests that a carry-on bag be checked at the gate. This will speed up the process for everyone.

If you want to save on baggage fees, a good tip is to have an Aeroplan credit card.

Check the latest foreign entry requirements, as they vary from country to country, especially when it comes to visas:

• The name on the ID must match the name on the ticket;
• Valid government-issued identification is required for boarding;
• Find out about the services offered by airports, such as the possibility of reserving your checkpoint time (as with YUL Express) or taking advantage of an accelerated security check during pre-boarding (thanks to a Visa Infinite Privilege card);
• Visit Air Canada’s Ready to Travel portal;
• Check the appropriate travel documents, visas or health certificates for the destination;
• Visit the Government of Canada site on Travel Reports and Warnings.

For those traveling to the United States:

• the Mobile Passport Control application allows you to submit your passport and customs declaration to simplify the process of entering the country

Upon their return to Canada, time can be saved at the appropriate airports by using ArriveCAN online or in the mobile app.

It’s important to arrive early, just in case there’s a lot of traffic or construction around the airport.

The Air Canada app provides recommended arrival times and terminal information, as well as three key steps to get you to your destination quickly:

• Step 1 – Go to a self-service kiosk to print your label and attach it to your baggage.
• Step 2 – Check in your baggage at the drop-off point.
• Step 3 – Head for the security checkpoint and boarding gate (or a Maple Leaf Lounge) to relax before boarding.

To make airport passage easier and reduce stress before you leave, it’s important to be well prepared.

Don’t forget that in-flight text messaging is free for Aeroplan Members! This is available on all Wi-Fi enabled devices. To use it, be sure to add your Aeroplan number to your reservation before finalizing your check-in.

In flight, the entertainment system was enhanced during the year, with the addition of Disney+, Audible, Apple TV+, Mattel content for kids and the addition of several appetizing menu items. So your flight will go by faster!