Air Canada’s Holiday Travel Tips

Before Going To The Airport

Authorities are expecting plenty of action in airports over the coming weeks. For example, more than 2.2 million customers will be travelling with Air Canada during the holiday season. The period between December 19 to 23, 2024, is expected to be the busiest.

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 the Air Canada mobile app 24 hours before departure;
• Flight status;
• Allow enough time to meet baggage acceptance deadlines for departure.

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

Tools For Travellers

Install and use the Air Canada mobile application.

It is useful for:

• Checking in your luggage (including your free baggage if you have an Aeroplan credit card);
• Downloading and saving your boarding pass (eliminating the need to print it);
• It enables 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.

Baggage

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 anything 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.

Useful Documents And Applications For International Flights

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 check-in 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 visitors 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

On their return to Canada, time can be saved at the relevant airports by using ArriveCAN online or in the mobile application.

Arrive On Time And With Plenty Of Time

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.

Air Tag (Or Find My) To Keep Track of Your Checked Baggage

Use Apple’s new Share Item Location feature to confidentially and securely share the location of their AirTag or Locate network accessory with Air Canada customer service. If baggage is delayed:

• Generate a Share Item Location link in the Find My app of your iPhone, iPad or Mac and securely share it with the Air Canada Baggage team using the Delayed or Damaged Baggage page of the Air Canada website.
• To protect the privacy and security of our customers, position sharing is automatically terminated as soon as the customer collects their baggage. The customer may also terminate this function at any time. The function will be automatically deactivated after 7 days.

To use this new feature, customers must ensure that their Apple device is running iOS operating system version 18.2, iPadOS 19.2 or macOS 15.2 or higher.

Bottom Line

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 number Aeroplan to your reservation before finalizing your check-in.

On the fly, the entertainment system and menu have been improved, with the addition of Disney+, Audible, Apple TV+, Mattel content for kids, and several appetizing menu items. So your flight will go by faster!