How to check in Air Canada Airlines: What You Need to Know

The Canadian flag carrier is Air Canada, and probably one of the two most well-known airlines of that country. It serves more than 230 destinations worldwide. It is an Alliance member and is known for its customer-friendly policies internationally. However, the check-in is an important part of the Air Canada flight procedures, and it carries out crucial details. In this guide, we will cover everything related to the check-in policy and how to check in with Air Canada. 

Traveling with Air Canada involves more than just boarding a flight. The passengers should understand the process from picking a seat and dropping bags to following check-in deadlines. If you are checking in online or checking in at the airport, let's discuss both processes so that you can check in as per your requirements. 

Types of Check-ins Available With Air Canada Airlines 

A.Online Check-In (Via Web & Mobile App)

1.Opening Window: The check-in window opens 24 hours before the flight departure, and you can check-in on the official website of Air Canada or the mobile app. 

2.Requirements: In order to check-in, you will want your booking references or ticket number and the last names of passengers. 

3.Process: You can make seat selections, indicate your baggage, and enter travel documents and following that, you can opt for your boarding pass. 

4.Deadlines: The window will close 60 minutes prior to the departure of the booked flight, it applies for domestic and international flights. 

5.Benefits: This is especially great for passengers who are only travelling with personal accessories, as they can go directly to security.

B. Airport Kiosk Check-In 

1. Opening Window: It is available 12 hours before the departure of the booked flight. 
2. Process: You should scan your booking or passport, confirm the seat, pay the baggage fees, and print the boarding pass and bag tags. 
3. When to Use: It is best if you have already checked in online, and you can drop your checked baggage and board the flight. 

C. Counter Check-In

 The travelers who need to have special assistance, fly with pets, are unaccompanied minors, have oversized baggage, or have medical devices. 

1. Opening Time: The counter is open 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights.
2. Ideal For: The passengers should arrive 3 hours ahead for international flights and 90 minutes ahead for domestic flights. It is ideal if you have baggage to check. 

Understanding Air Canada's Baggage Policy 

A Carry-On vs Personal Item 

Standard Allowance: The one carry-on item should be max 55x40x23 cm, and the one personal item (Max 43x33x16 cm. 

Economy Basic Fare Restriction 

The basic fare on the flight within Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean only includes one personal item. 

Checked Baggage Fees 

Domestic and US flights:

• First Bag: C$40
• Second Bag: C$55

International Flights

• First Bag: Fees vary (it can range between $80 - C$90)
• Second Bag: Fees can range from C$100 - C$130)

Seat Selection and Fare Class Rules 

Air Canada is introducing changes to Basic fare seat selection:

1. The seat will be automatically assigned to the passenger at check-in. 
2. If you want to change any selected seat, it requires a selection fee. 
3. The preferred seat and additional legroom are available for purchase across all fare types. 
4. The Elite members and passengers who have premium Aeroplan credit cards can also enjoy the free seat selection, even the basic fares. 

Tips to Save Time and Avoid Extra Costs

To streamline your check-in and avoid late fees, keep the following tips in mind:

1.  Book the Right Fare: If you are planning to carry on, you should consider Standard or Flex fares. The Basic fares are restricted and can lead to higher costs later. 
2.  Check in Early: You can increase your seat options and avoid cutoff stress by checking in exactly 24 hours before the departure of your flight. 
3.  Download the Mobile App: you can download the boarding passes, flight alerts, and last-minute updates easily access on the mobile app. 
4.  Use Kiosks If You Are in a Hurry: If you are at the airport and you have not checked in yet, the self-service kiosk is the faster alternative to the counter. 
5.  Weight Your Bags at Home: if you have overweight or oversized bags it can cost more to pack smart than pay at the gate. 
6.  Upgrade Smartly: sometimes the upgrade to comfort or Latitude fares cover the cost of the two checked bags, seat selection, and lounge access. 
7.  Know Your Bag Dimensions: You can carry-on and personal items should meet the guidelines of the Air Canada size. 
8.  Family Seating: The families with children are still seated together at no additional charge, even, on Basic fares. 

Important Check-In Deadlines With Air Canada Airlines 

If you are missing a check-in or baggage drop, the deadlines can mean you are not allowed to board. Here are the key deadlines you should follow:

Aeroplan Elite Status and Benefits at Check-in

If you are an Aeroplan Elite Status Member or Star Alliance Gold traveler, the passengers can receive the valuable benefits:

• Priority check-in counters
• Extra baggage allowances
• Free seat selection 
• Lounge access at eligible airports
• Early boarding 

Aeroplan Credit Card Holder:

• One free checked bag 
• Priority boarding 
• Access to select the upgrade

Final Thoughts 

Navigating the Air Canada check-in process is easy when you know what to expect. If you are flying in domestic or international, Basic, Business class is key to plan. You should understand the baggage fees to meet the check-in deadlines and leverage mobile tools to make your flight check-in easy. A little preparation can save you time, stress, and money. 

You can choose the right fare class, enjoy the check-in and arrive on time to get the most enjoyable travel experience with Air Canada.