Stage 1:
Just Landed In Toronto
Book Flights
Arrange Airport Pickup
Housing
Stage 2:
Steps To Follow To Establish A New Life In Toronto
Transportation
Food & Groceries
Bank
Health
Identification Documents
A Guide To Air Canada For Non-Canadians: Everything You Need To Know
Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada and one of the most popular airlines in North America. If you’re a newcomer to Canada or planning a trip, it’s helpful to know how Air Canada operates, what services it offers, and how you can make your journey smooth and stress-free. This guide will walk you through the basics of Air Canada, covering flights, baggage policies, seating, meals, and other services.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s national airline and flies to over 200 destinations around the world. It connects major cities in Canada like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal with international destinations such as New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo. Air Canada is part of the Star Alliance, which is a global network of airlines, making it easier for you to connect to many places worldwide.
Booking a Flight with Air Canada
You can book an Air Canada flight online through their website, mobile app, or a travel agent. Here’s what you need to know:
- Website and App: The Air Canada website and mobile app let you search for flights, compare prices, and book tickets. You can also check in for your flight and get your boarding pass through the app.
- Payment Methods: Air Canada accepts major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. You may also use PayPal or Air Canada gift cards in some cases.
Tip: Book early if you want a cheaper price. The cost of flights can go up the closer it gets to your travel date.
Types of Air Canada Tickets
Air Canada offers several ticket types to suit different budgets and needs. These are the most common:
- Economy Class: This is the most affordable option. You get a standard seat with basic services, such as complimentary snacks and beverages on long flights.
- Premium Economy: Premium Economy provides more legroom, a wider seat, and better meal options than Economy Class.
- Business Class: Business Class offers luxury services, such as lie-flat seats on long flights, priority boarding, and higher-quality meals.
- Air Canada Signature Class: This is the most luxurious service, mainly available on long international flights. It includes lie-flat seats, gourmet meals, and access to Air Canada’s lounges.
Baggage Policy
It’s important to know what you can bring with you, and Air Canada has different baggage rules depending on your ticket and destination.
- Carry-On Baggage: You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) for free. Your carry-on should fit in the overhead bin, and your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Carry-on size limit: 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (21.5 in x 15.5 in x 9 in).
- Checked Baggage: Checked baggage is usually not free, especially in Economy Class. You may have to pay for it. You can check in a bag that weighs up to 23 kg (50 lbs) for a fee. The price depends on your destination and ticket type.
Tip: Be sure to check Air Canada’s baggage policy for your specific flight on their website, as rules can vary based on your destination.
Checking In for Your Flight
There are three ways to check in for an Air Canada flight:
- Online Check-In: You can check in online on the Air Canada website or mobile app starting 24 hours before your flight. Once checked in, you can download your boarding pass to your phone.
- Self-Service Kiosks: If you prefer to check in at the airport, most airports have Air Canada kiosks where you can check in and print your boarding pass.
- Airport Check-In Counter: You can also check in at the Air Canada desk, but this may take longer, so it’s better to use the other options if you want to save time.
Tip: Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight for domestic trips, and at least three hours before international flights.
Seating and Seat Selection
Air Canada assigns seats when you book your ticket, but you can choose your seat for an additional fee. If you don’t want to pay for seat selection, the airline will automatically assign you a seat when you check in.
- Preferred Seats: These seats are located near the front of the plane, giving you quicker access to get off the plane.
- Extra Legroom Seats: If you need more space, you can book a seat with extra legroom for an extra charge.
Meals and In-Flight Entertainment
- Meals: On short domestic flights, you might only get a snack and beverage (like water, coffee, or juice). On longer or international flights, Air Canada provides full meals, with different options depending on your class of service. Special meals (vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) are available, but you must request them when booking your ticket or before your flight.
- In-Flight Entertainment: Every seat on Air Canada flights has an entertainment screen. You can watch movies, TV shows, listen to music, or play games. Many flights also offer Wi-Fi for a fee, so you can stay connected during your trip.
Air Canada Aeroplan Program
Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is their frequent flyer program. It allows you to earn points every time you fly with Air Canada or other Star Alliance airlines. You can use these points for future flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other rewards.
- How to Join: You can sign up for Aeroplan for free on Air Canada’s website.
- Earning Points: You earn points based on how far you fly and the type of ticket you buy. You can also earn points through shopping or using an Aeroplan credit card.
- Using Points: Once you collect enough points, you can redeem them for free flights, seat upgrades, and other benefits.
COVID-19 Precautions
Air Canada follows strict health and safety guidelines to protect passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include:
- Mandatory mask-wearing during the flight.
- Enhanced cleaning procedures for aircraft.
- Contactless check-in and boarding processes.
Make sure to check Air Canada’s website for the latest COVID-19 travel requirements, especially if you are flying internationally.
Customer Service
Air Canada offers several ways to get help if you have questions or issues:
- Call Centers: You can call Air Canada’s customer service at 1-888-247-2262 for help with bookings, flight changes, and other inquiries.
- Live Chat: Air Canada’s website also has a live chat option, where you can talk to a representative online.
Tip: Air Canada’s website has a “Contact Us” page where you can find more details about how to get in touch with customer service.
Final Remarks
Air Canada is a reliable and well-known airline that offers flights across Canada and to many international destinations. Understanding the basics—like how to book a flight, baggage rules, seating options, and in-flight services—will help you have a smooth travel experience. Make sure to check their website for any specific updates or requirements, especially when it comes to international travel or during times of health restrictions like COVID-19.
Whether you’re flying domestically within Canada or exploring a new country, Air Canada offers a variety of options to fit different travel needs. Safe travels!
