Air Canada Check In Policy

Checking in is the first step toward the official confirmation of your airline reservation. This has to be done with utmost care and on time. To ensure this, the Air Canada check in policy has clear rules. Additionally, it comprises region-wise guidelines and the relevant procedures involved.

Highlights of Air Canada Flight Check In

Confirming your check-in means a passenger’s intent to board the flight on the scheduled departure date. The information mentioned in Air Canada flight check-in policy guidelines will be promptly reflected on the official website. To proceed with the check-in process,

• You will have to carry your flight tickets with the booking reference.
• No passenger will be issued a boarding pass without the appropriate travel documents. 
• Boarding passes can only be obtained when all the size restrictions are duly followed. 
• Passengers can check in using different available options. 
• You will be allowed to select your desired seat while your boarding pass is being issued. 
• The baggage fees will have to be paid during the process itself. 
• On completing Air Canada check-in at least 24 hours before take-off, you will not be required to repeat it. 
• Air Canada flight changes or upgrades to seats will have to be requested during this process. 
• Submission of any health documents is sometimes mandatory. 
• At this time, you can also request a change in your aircraft. 
• Frequent flier passengers can modify their reservations while marking their arrival. 
• No passenger will be allowed on board when not obeying the required legal necessities. 
• In case you fail to check in before your flight, you might be charged a penalty. 
• The above applies even when you are late for the procedure.
• The check-in time is extended when flights are affected by emergencies like COVID.
• If you cross the given time:
  • Your seats will either be rearranged. 
  • Air Canada cancels flights, subject to its terms.
  • Denied boarding compensation won’t be given.
• Every passenger can only check in once on a continuous flight.
• The boarding gate will close about 15 to 30 minutes before the departure

Air Canada Checked in Baggage Rules

Certain guidelines are available to follow while you check-in your luggage:

• During the process, maintain the Air Canada checked in baggage weight limit. 
• Drop off your luggage and complete the screening process prior to the procedure. 
• Since the check-in process with bags may take a while, arrive at the airport early. 
• You will have to drop off your bags at the baggage counter before it closes. 
• An additional fee will have to be paid for overweight luggage. 

What are Air Canada Check In Times?

You will have to mark your presence before the deadline given based on the country you are flying to. Accordingly, the Air Canada check in times get determined.

Air Canada Flight Check in deadlines for luggage drop-off 

Check-In Rules for Flights from Toronto Pearson

The Air Canada check-in regulations are slightly different on flights traveling from Toronto. These are as given below: 

• If a flight is set to take off before 9.00 A.M., arrive at least 3 hours before the departure. 
• Before checking in, you are required to submit a COVID-19 test result. 
• The deadline for check-in is 90 minutes before the take-off. 
• In case you have an extra baggage allowance, deposit it before the deadline. 
• No exceptions will be made for Priority or Nexus customers. 
• Once the check in is completed, you should wait in the signage line. 

Are there any Check-in Rules for Flights to the US?

When you are traveling from any country to the US, you are required to follow the given regulations for check in for Air Canada: 

• The gates open at 4:30 A.M. Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) for customs check-in. 
• They open at 5:00 A.M. for security screening. 
• You will have to check in before the gates close at around 8:00 P.M. 

Note: You can do so 24 hours in advance online or 12 hours in advance through a self-service kiosk. 

How to Check in Air Canada?

Air Canada offers multiple ways to check-in, Some of these are as follows:

• Using the website 
• Through a self-service kiosk 
• Mobile App
• Via airport agents 

How to Check in Online Air Canada?

Air Canada boarding pass check in can be done online using the main website of the site. It can be done at any time before you board the flight. 

• Open Air Canada Official Website.
• Select the Check-In Options from the Homepage.
• Enter your, “Booking Reference” and “Last Name”.
• After that, click on the “Check-in” button.
• You will now be able to view your booking. 
• Read the on-screen directions and follow along.
• Once it is done, you will receive a confirmation mail to your registered address. 

Exceptions to Air Canada Online Check in

The following exceptions apply to online/web check-ins: 

• When the booking contains more than 9 passengers, you cannot use it. 
• Flights operated by another carrier cannot avail of this feature. 
• It is unavailable when the airport you are traveling from has no online service.
• Connecting flights can be checked into through the Air Canada check in online method. 

How to Check in Air Canada Kiosk?

Passengers with confirmed reservations can utilize the self-service kiosks located at most airports for check-in procedures. Check-in commences 12 hours before departure and concludes at the designated check-in deadline.

Air Canada’s self-service kiosks offer the following functionalities:

• You will simply have to go to the self-service kiosk at the departure airport. 
• Select the check-in feature. 
• Submit the necessary details. 
• Confirm your reservation through the correct booking number. 
• Follow the instructions given on the kiosk. 
• Obtain your boarding pass and get it printed as well. 

You can also use the kiosk for performing other activities like paying the fee for Air Canada checked in baggage, managing your booking, etc

Air Canada Mobile App Check-in

Check-in through a mobile App is a useful and time-saving option for passengers who are traveling with Air Canada. Passengers can check-in for their flight by using the Air Canada app or by visiting mobile.aircanada.com.

How to Check in Air Canada App?

• Download the Air Canada App.
• Sign in to your Air Canada account.
• Select the “Check-in” option.
• Enter your Reservation Number and Last Name.
• Select the flight that you want to check in for.
• Check your boarding pass and select the “Check in” button.

Air Canada Check-in with Travel Agents

It is mandatory for some of the passengers to check in via agents:

• When flying with pets on Air Canada in baggage
• All the children traveled alone as unaccompanied minors on Air Canada.
• Those who need medical services and supporting devices like wheelchairs.
• Travelers who have a special request. 

To contact the airline’s agents, you can use any of the contact numbers given here: 

To find more numbers associated with other areas, go to the “Contact Information” page on the carrier’s website. 

Air Canada Check In Time for Connecting Flights 

When your itinerary involves connecting flights, you must be extra careful owing to the time constraints for Air Canada check in. 

The following table gives the minimum connection time between different regions:

Note: The time mentioned in the above table applies to Air Canada Rouge and Express flights. 

During this minimum time between the flights, the airline will: 

• Perform security checks
• Conduct the transfer of baggage and changes in the terminal.

Air Canada Check-in Guidelines for Transition Flights

• For connecting flights, you may be required to repeat the process twice. 
• If the second flight is operated by another carrier, the Air Canada online check-in rules will only apply to the first one. 
• On long-distance flights, the connection time provided will at least be an hour. 

Consequences of Late Check-in for Connecting Trips

You will only be entitled to compensation when you fail to check in due to a delay from the carrier’s end. Otherwise, you will have to forego your booking and pay a penalty if required. 

How to get an Air Canada boarding pass?

To get your Air Canada boarding pass effortlessly through these convenient options:

• Online check-in: Access the Air Canada website or mobile app 24 hours before your flight to check in seamlessly.
• Self-serve kiosks: Self-service kiosks available at most airports, are utilized to check in swiftly.
• Airport check-in counters: Go to the Air Canada check-in counters at the airport for assistance.

What are Air Canada Boarding Zones?

Air Canada boarding zones are boarded by zone for

• Air Canada
• Air Canada Express
• Air Canada Rouge

On a priority basis, the zones and classes are as follows:

Air Canada Social Media Handles 

Reaching out to the airline for minor queries can be time-consuming. Hence, you can use the carrier’s social media platforms for small questions about the Air Canada check-in policy. 

The check-in policy of this airline discloses all the important details regarding time limits, deadlines, and different options. Notably, it is also designed to cater to all types of passengers traveling to various countries. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)