Cheap Air Canada Flights

Air Canada, established in 1937 as Trans-Canada Air Lines, rebranded to its current name in 1965. It operates from multiple hubs, with its primary bases located at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport. These strategic hubs support its extensive global network, spanning six continents and over 180 destinations. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, enhancing its connectivity and global reach.

In 2024, Air Canada continued to demonstrate its strength, with first-quarter revenues reaching CAD 5.2 billion, marking a 7% increase year over year. The airline transported over 11 million passengers while achieving improved punctuality and operational efficiency. Despite rising costs due to increased capacity and workforce expenses, Air Canada maintained robust liquidity and progressed toward its sustainability goals, targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. Its diverse fleet, including Airbus and Boeing models, supports its commitment to operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

Air Canada, like other airlines, offers various methods for check-in. You can complete your check-in online via the Air Canada website or through your smartphone within 24 hours prior to your flight. If you miss this window, you can still check in using kiosks available at many airports up to 12 hours before your flight.

Airport Check-In

For check-in at the counters, you need to arrive at least 1 hour before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights. If you’re flying to the United States, arriving 1.5 hours before your flight will suffice. Passengers with special circumstances, such as medical conditions, expectant mothers, or those traveling with pets, may not be able to check in online or at kiosks. These passengers are advised to use the counters for check-in so they can receive the necessary assistance.

Self Check-In

With self-service kiosk devices available at airports, you can complete your check-in in just a few minutes. All you need is your reservation number, ID, and a credit card.

Mobile Check-In

Using your smartphone, you can access Air Canada’s official website to receive an electronic boarding pass. Through your phone, you can also select seats, change flight dates, pay baggage fees, or cancel your reservation. Mobile check-in allows you to obtain boarding passes for up to 4 passengers. For flights to Canada, mobile check-in is available until 45 minutes before departure. For flights to the United States and other countries, it is available up to 60 minutes prior to departure.

When you travel with Air Canada, knowing their baggage rules is key. Air Canada lets you bring carry-on luggage on board. But, there are size and weight limits that change based on your ticket and where you're going.

Hand Luggage

Passengers are allowed one standard carry-on item and one personal item. The carry-on bag must not exceed dimensions of 55 cm x 23 cm x 40 cm (21.5 in x 9 in x 15.5 in) and should fit in the overhead compartment. Personal items, such as a laptop bag or small backpack, must fit under the seat and can be no larger than 33 cm x 16 cm x 43 cm (13 in x 6 in x 17 in).

There is no weight limit for carry-on luggage, but it must be light enough to handle unassisted. Strict enforcement applies, and non-compliant bags may need to be checked for a fee. 

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage allowances vary by route, fare type, and frequent flyer status. Always check your specific allowance when booking. You might need to pay extra for bags that are too big or too heavy.

Special Luggage

Air Canada accommodates special items like sporting equipment, musical instruments, and fragile goods. These must be declared in advance and may require special packaging.

Fees and restrictions vary, but items like skis, golf clubs, or bikes often fall under specific allowances if they meet size and weight limits. Musical instruments are accepted either as carry-on or checked luggage, depending on size.

Choosing the right seat can greatly improve your flight experience. Air Canada offers various seat selection options to meet different passenger needs.

In Economy Class, seats are free. But, for a better experience, Air Canada has Preferred Seats for $19 per person, one way. These seats offer extra legroom and more.

Those with Aeroplan 50K, 75K, or Super Elite status and their travel companions get free seat selection. This helps families and groups stay together without extra cost.

You can pick your seat when booking, up to 2 hours before the flight. Or, during online check-in within 24 hours of the flight. Remember, seat upgrade fees are non-refundable, except in certain situations.

There are rules for exit row seats. You must be of a certain age and able to help in an emergency. Air Canada focuses on safety and comfort, making seat selection easy and flexible.

Air Canada’s loyalty program, **Aeroplan**, offers members the opportunity to earn and redeem points for flights, upgrades, and various travel-related benefits. Points can be earned through flights with Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners, purchases with Aeroplan-affiliated credit cards, shopping through the Aeroplan eStore, and spending at partnered hotels and car rental services. The program allows members to redeem points for award flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and even retail items, with no carrier-imposed surcharges on reward tickets. Aeroplan also offers a family sharing feature, enabling up to eight people to pool points for more flexible rewards.

Aeroplan has an elite tier system with five levels: 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, and Super Elite 100K. Benefits increase with higher tiers, including perks like Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority services, and bonus points on flights. Members at the highest levels gain exclusive privileges such as concierge services, access to any unsold economy seat, and a significant boost in mileage earnings. Elite status is earned annually through flight activity and spending, with added perks for frequent travelers.

Air Canada offers a refreshed and diverse food and beverage program that caters to various preferences across all cabin classes. Economy passengers can enjoy new meal options like red Thai chicken and rice or chicken cacciatore with roasted potatoes on international flights, while lighter meals, including vegan Mediterranean hummus wraps and hearty sandwiches, are available on the upgraded Bistro menu for shorter journeys. In premium cabins, the airline emphasizes global flavors and Canadian ingredients, offering dishes such as roasted salmon with teriyaki sauce or chicken with Emirati bzar spice blend. Seasonal recipes and pre-ordering options enhance the dining experience for premium travelers.

To complement the meals, Air Canada features wines selected by its sommelier Véronique Rivest, including premium sparkling options for international and North American routes. Additionally, Canadian touches like maple-infused breakfast dishes and locally produced snacks are incorporated into the service. Passengers traveling in premium cabins also benefit from elevated offerings like charcuterie plates and flatbread with arugula, ensuring a luxurious in-flight experience.

Air Canada offers a robust in-flight entertainment system that has earned it accolades, including the 2024 APEX Best in Entertainment Award in North America. Passengers can enjoy over 1,400 hours of movies, 1,900 hours of TV shows, and 600+ hours of music and podcasts, with content available in multiple languages. Partnerships with platforms like Apple TV+, Disney+, and Audible expand its library, offering everything from new releases to classics and niche content for various age groups. Special features include live TV and exterior camera views on select aircraft, providing a unique perspective during the flight.

The airline's entertainment system, supported by providers like Anuvu, constantly updates its content, ensuring access to the latest TV shows and movies shortly after release. Additionally, passengers on certain flights can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enhancing their ability to stream content or stay connected. This comprehensive entertainment approach underlines Air Canada's commitment to creating an enjoyable and connected travel experience for all passengers.

Air Canada allows passengers to travel with pets under specific guidelines. Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin, provided they fit comfortably within a soft or hard-sided carrier that meets the airline's size limits: 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm (9" x 15.5" x 21.5"). The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs). Pets must remain in their carriers under the seat throughout the flight, and the carrier counts as one carry-on item. Fees for in-cabin pets range from $50 to $100 CAD/USD depending on the destination.

Larger pets or those traveling as checked baggage must be in a hard-sided carrier that allows the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Checked baggage pet fees are $105 CAD/USD for one-way travel within Canada and the U.S. Documentation, including a health certificate and proof of vaccinations, is required for all pet travel. It's crucial to check the destination country's specific requirements, as international regulations can vary widely.

Air Canada provides a top-notch travel experience through its Maple Leaf Lounges. These lounges are found at major airports in Canada and the United States. Travelers in Premium Rouge get free access to these lounges on flights within Canada, to the U.S., and to other destinations.

Aeroplan elite members, like Super Elite, 75K, and 50K, can bring one partner, one guest, and up to five dependent children for free. This is to the Maple Leaf Lounge.

Aeroplan 35K members can get into certain Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges for free. But starting June 1, 2023, they need to use a One-Time Guest Pass, buy a Business Class fare, or have an Aeroplan credit card. Star Alliance Gold members can bring one guest for free. More guests can join for a fee.

Customers can buy lounge access on certain fares, costing from $49 to $79. This doesn't include airport purchases. Aeroplan Business and Corporate Credit Cardholders, and Aeroplan premium credit cardholders, can get into specific Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada and the U.S. The latter group can invite one guest for free for a short time.