MONTREAL — Air Canada has put together a list of time-saving travel tips and useful links, for passengers flying Air Canada over the holidays.

“With more than two million customers expected to travel on Air Canada over the holidays, we know that airports will be busy and our aircraft full. In anticipation, we’ve made extensive preparations to transport our customers safely and conveniently, including hiring people to bring staffing above pre-Covid levels, readying equipment for winter weather, and prudently scheduling flights. Customers can further ensure smooth travels by preparing in advance with a few simple measures. We want all our customers to have a great holiday, particularly as they travel, and we wish everyone the best for the season,” says Kevin O’Connor, Vice President of Air Canada’s Systems Operational Control, which oversees the carrier’s daily operation.

BEFORE GOING TO THE AIRPORT

At the time of booking make certain all details, including name spellings and travel dates, are correct and provide an e-mail address and mobile phone number. Customers can check-in online at aircanada.com or on the Air Canada Mobile App beginning within 24 hours of their flight, which saves time at the airport. Check the flight’s status before going to the airport and allow enough time to meet the check-in cut-off deadlines. Many airport websites have information and services to ease the process, such as posted wait times for check-in and security, the ability to pre-book screening and reserve parking.

TOOLS FOR TRAVELLERS

The Air Canada Mobile App delivers all needed mobile tools and services directly to any Apple or Android device. It can be used to check-in, to securely store customer contact information, preferences and payment details, arrange for checked baggage, and to obtain a boarding pass (eliminating the need for a paper boarding pass). The app also allows Air Canada to communicate directly to customers any updates to their itineraries. Customers can also enroll in Aeroplan, which can be synched with the app.

BAGGAGE

Packing tips can be found at aircanada.com, including information about baggage allowances, including carry-on limits. Required medication, keys and valuables – including money, electronics, and jewelry – should be kept in a carry-on bag. For information on government security screening of carry-on items, click here. Attach a sturdy identification tag to all checked baggage and tuck inside each piece a business card or similar item with contact details. Customers should be mindful that excess carry-on baggage can result in boarding and flight delays, so are asked to limit carry-on and kindly comply if a gate agent makes a request for carry-on baggage to be gate-checked.

DOCUMENTS & APPS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Air Canada’s Travel Ready hub has international entry requirements. Customers are responsible for meeting all entry requirements, including holding the correct travel documents, visas, or health certificates, for any flights they purchase. Additional information is available from IATA and advice on travelling abroad is available at www.travel.gc.ca. Travellers going to the U.S. can use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s MPC app to submit their passport and customs declaration information to streamline the entry process into the U.S. When returning to Canada, customers can save time by using the ArriveCAN web or mobile app to make their customs and immigration declaration to the Canada Border Services Agency up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival at select airports. Government requirements may change with little notice.

MORE HELPFUL INFO

Air Canada’s website contains a great deal of other useful information. This includes details on its family friendly travel programs, with helpful tips for flying with children. Customers with special needs should contact the airline’s Medical Desk in advance to ensure accessibility assistance is provided. People taking skis, golf clubs, musical instruments or other over-sized items can find information on packing. For those interested in how Air Canada transports its customers safely in winter there is a winter travel page.