Air Canada Policies
The Ultimate Guide for a Smooth Travel Experience
Air Canada Baggage Policies
Everything You Need to Know
- One standard carry-on bag, and
- One personal item.
- Maximum dimensions: 55 cm x 23 cm x 40 cm (21.5 x 9 x 15.5 inches), including wheels and handles.
- Must fit in the overhead bin.
- Laptop bag
- Purse or small backpack
- Briefcase
- First checked bag: $30 CAD
- Second checked bag: $50 CAD
- First checked bag: Usually $30 CAD/USD
- Second checked bag: $50 CAD/USD
- Maximum weight: 23 kg (50 lbs) for Economy; 32 kg (70 lbs) for Business and Premium Economy.
- Maximum linear dimensions: 158 cm (62 inches).
Overweight and Oversized Bags
Overweight fees:
- 23-32 kg (50-70 lbs): Additional $100 CAD/USD.
Oversized fees:
- Bags exceeding 158 cm (62 inches) but within 292 cm (115 inches): $100 CAD/USD.
- Bags larger than 292 cm (115 inches) not accepted.
Sports Equipment and Special Items
Air Canada accepts most sports equipment, such as skis, snowboards, bicycles, and golf clubs. Fees vary depending on size and route. Musical instruments can be carried as part of the standard baggage allowance if they fit in the cabin or checked otherwise.
Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Air Canada offers services to ensure children traveling alone are safe and well cared for throughout their journey.
Eligibility
- Mandatory for children aged 8 to 11 traveling alone.
- Optional for children aged 12 to 17, though many parents choose to use it for peace of mind.
Children under 8 must travel with a person who is at least 16 years old.
Restrictions
- Only available on non-stop or direct flights.
- Not available on connecting flights involving different airlines or partner carriers.
- Certain regional or international flights may not offer the service.
Fees
- $100 CAD/USD per direction, per child, in addition to the ticket price.
Services Provided
- Assistance through check-in and security.
- Priority boarding and escort to the gate.
- Supervision during the flight.
- Handoff to the authorized adult upon arrival.
- Special wristbands for identification.
Parents or guardians must stay at the airport until the flight has departed.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Air Canada’s refund and cancellation options depend on fare type and route. Understanding these distinctions is crucial before booking.
Non-Refundable Tickets
- Can be canceled before departure.
Value retained as a future travel credit, generally valid for 24 months from the date of issue.
Refundable Tickets
- Fully refundable to the original payment method if canceled before departure.
- Higher upfront cost but offers flexibility.
Basic Economy
- Lowest price but non-refundable and non-changeable.
- No travel credit issued if canceled voluntarily.
Involuntary Refunds
- If Air Canada cancels your flight, you may request a refund to the original form of payment or opt for a future travel credit.
- Applicable also for significant schedule changes.
Requesting a Refund
- Refund requests can be initiated online via “My Bookings” or by calling Air Canada customer service.
- Refunds to credit cards are usually processed within 7 business days; other payment methods may take up to 20 business days.
Date Change Policy
Flexibility is increasingly important for travelers. Air Canada offers a range of options depending on fare type.
Basic Economy
- Changes are not allowed.
Standard Economy and Higher
- No change fees on most domestic and international Standard Economy, Flex, Comfort, Premium Economy, and Business tickets.
- You must pay any fare difference.
Same-Day Changes
- Available on select domestic and transborder flights for a fee starting at $150 CAD/USD.
- Subject to availability and must be requested on the day of travel.
Aeroplan Members
Higher-tier Aeroplan members (e.g., Aeroplan 75K and Super Elite 100K) may receive reduced or waived change fees on certain fares.
Check-In Policy
Online and Mobile Check-In
- Opens 24 hours before departure.
- Closes 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights.
Airport Check-In
- Recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights, 2 hours before U.S.-bound flights, and 3 hours before international flights.
- Check-in counters close 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights.
Self-Service Kiosks
Available at major Canadian and international airports, allowing passengers to:
- Print boarding passes.
- Check bags.
- Change seats.
- Pay baggage fees.
Identification
- Government-issued photo ID for domestic flights.
- Passport and applicable visas for international travel.
- Additional documentation (e.g., ESTA for U.S.) as required.
Seat Selection Policy
Air Canada offers various options for seat selection.
Advance Seat Selection
- Available at booking or any time before departure.
- Fees depend on seat type and fare class.
Preferred Seats
- Seats with extra legroom, closer to the front, or in exit rows.
- Available for a fee or complimentary for Aeroplan Elite Status members.
Upgrades
- Passengers can bid for upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class through the “AC Bid Upgrade” program.
- Upgrade using Aeroplan points or cash.
Pet Policy
Air Canada accommodates pets in-cabin and as checked baggage or cargo.
In-Cabin Pets
- Cats and small dogs allowed.
- Carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Maximum weight including carrier: 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Fee: $50 CAD/USD for domestic; $100 CAD/USD for international flights.
Checked Pets
- Larger pets can travel as checked baggage on the same flight.
- Must be booked in advance and subject to seasonal restrictions due to weather.
Cargo (Air Canada Cargo)
- Available for larger pets or when traveling unaccompanied.
- Must meet specific crate and health requirements.
Special Assistance Services
Air Canada is committed to accessible travel for all.
Wheelchair Assistance
- Available from curb to aircraft seat and upon arrival.
- Can be requested during booking or added later via “My Bookings.”
Assistance for Visual or Hearing Impairments
- Priority boarding.
- Onboard safety briefings in alternative formats.
- Accessible seat selection.
Service Animals
- Allowed at no extra charge in-cabin.
- Must meet country-specific import requirements and provide supporting documentation.
Traveling with Medical Devices
- CPAP machines and portable oxygen concentrators are allowed but must meet airline and Transport Canada regulations.
- Advance notification is recommended.
Traveling with Children and Infants
Air Canada provides services and amenities to make traveling with young children easier.
Lap Infants
- Infants under 2 years may travel on an adult’s lap at no charge within Canada.
- On international flights, a fee (usually 10% of adult fare) applies even if traveling on a lap.
Child Restraint Devices
- FAA- and Transport Canada-approved car seats are allowed in cabin if a separate seat is purchased.
Strollers and Car Seats
- Checked at no cost.
- Strollers may be gate-checked for convenience.
🍽️ Onboard Services
Meals and Snacks
- Complimentary meals on international and long-haul flights.
- Buy-on-board menu on most North American flights.
- Special meals (vegetarian, kosher, halal, etc.) available by request at least 24 hours before departure.
Beverages
- Complimentary soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee.
- Alcoholic beverages free in Premium Economy and Business Class; available for purchase in Economy on North American flights.
In-Flight Entertainment
- Personal screens with hundreds of movies, TV shows, music, and games.
- Available on most aircraft.
Wi-Fi
- Available on most North American and international flights.
- Paid service; packages can be purchased onboard or in advance.
Contract of Carriage and Passenger Rights
Air Canada’s contract outlines passenger rights and airline responsibilities.
Delays and Cancellations
- Rebooking on the next available flight.
- Meals and accommodations provided for delays within airline’s control.
- Refunds or alternate travel arrangements offered for long delays.
Denied Boarding
- Compensation provided in case of involuntary denial due to overbooking.
- Priority given to volunteers first.
Tarmac Delays
- Passengers receive food, water, and access to restrooms.
- Allowed to deplane if delay exceeds three hours (subject to safety and operational constraints).
Aeroplan Loyalty Program
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, offering points for flights and other purchases.
Earning Points
- Earn on Air Canada flights, Star Alliance partners, hotels, car rentals, and credit card spend.
Status Tiers
- Aeroplan 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, and Super Elite 100K.
- Benefits include priority services, complimentary upgrades, lounge access, and waived fees.
Redeeming Points
- Flights on Air Canada and partners.
- Hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and more.
- Dynamic pricing model (points required vary based on demand).
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Air Canada follows Transport Canada and international safety regulations.
Prohibited Items
- Explosives, flammable substances, and corrosive materials.
- Large lithium batteries outside permitted devices.
Restricted Items
- Liquids over 100 ml in carry-on bags.
- Sharp objects and certain sporting equipment (must be checked).
Final Tips for Traveling with Air Canada
- Book early for best fares and seats.
- Review baggage rules and prepay online to save time and money.
- Use online check-in and download your boarding pass before arriving at the airport.
- Check travel documents carefully, especially for international destinations.
- Understand fare rules, especially if booking Basic Economy.
- Enroll in Aeroplan to start earning points and enjoy additional perks.
- Plan special services like pet travel or unaccompanied minor assistance well in advance.