How To Check In For Air Canada Flight​?

air canada check in policy

By Flying Rules Editorial Team Updated on 16 Jan 2026, 12:29 PM

In the past days, passengers had no choice but to stand in airport lines to complete check-in. But today, as the technology evolves, many airlines offer simple and easy check in options. Hence, if you are traveling with Air Canada soon, and want to know all the easy ways of Air Canada check in for flight​. You are in the right place.

Whether you prefer checking in online from home, using the Air Canada app, or doing it at the airport. Your journey can go a lot more smoothly if you are aware of your options. Knowing how to check in to Air Canada​ flight on time also helps you avoid long queues and extra fees. In this blog, we are going to discuss about check in policy, baggage rules, and common mistakes to avoid. Hence, read this blog till the end.

What Is Air Canada Check In For Flight​ Policy?

After buying your ticket, you must complete the check in flight Air Canada​ process to confirm your travel. This process will confirm your seat on the flight and generate your boarding pass. You will require your boarding pass before entering the security area or boarding the plane.

However, checking in early also allows you to:

  • Select or confirm your seat
  • Pay or add checked baggage
  • Avoid long airport wait times
  • Access digital boarding passes

Different Methods To Complete Air Canada Check In For Flight​

There are multiple methods that can be used if you want to complete your Air Canada check in for flight​. However, to complete each method, you will have to follow some steps. Hence, read each process carefully:

1- Air Canada Flight Check In Online​

You can request to complete your Air Canada web check in​ process before 24 hours of flight departure. Follow the steps mentioned below to complete the process swiftly:

  • Visit the official website of Air Canada and click on the check in option.
  • Enter your “Aeroplan Number/Booking Reference” and last name.
  • Click on the check-in option and make sure to look at the two check in tips below, which state:
    • You will have to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you are travelling via/to Canada.
    • The language you are using to complete the Air Canada flight check in online​ process will be marked as your preferred language. You will have to change the language if you want French you will have to change the language selection.
  • After that, confirm or select your seat and add checked baggage if needed.
  • At last, download or print your boarding pass.

2- Air Canada App Check In​

For smartphone users Air Canada app check in is the most convenient method. Follow the steps below to complete the check in process before 24 hours of flight departure:

  • Install the official Air Canada app on your device (Android/iOS).
  • Enter your credentials to log in and select the check in option.
  • After that, enter your last name and booking reference code to access the booking.
  • Tap on check in and select your preferred seat.
  • You can also save your mobile boarding pass.

3- Air Canada Check In At The Airport

You will have 2 options for completing the Air Canada check in for flight​ process at the airport. You can check in at the airport ticket counter or select the kiosk option. However, for both the options, you will have to visit the airport on the day of flight departure. 

You can also use these services if you are unable to check in thorugh website or app. Even if you are travelling from Algeria, Cuba, or Morocco, you will have to visit the airport to receive a boarding pass from a representative.

3. A- Air Canada Check In Via Airport Ticket Counter

If you want special assistance, such as document verification, an eTA-related query, or are traveling with infants in Air Canada, or require any additional services. Checking in through the Air Canada ticket counter can be beneficial. Follow the steps to complete the process:

  • Visit the nearest airport and head towards the Air Canada ticket counter.
  • Submit the documents and the booking related informations.
  • After completing the verification process, the representative will guide you through the check in process.
  • Get your boarding pass after completing the check-in procedure.

3. B- Air Canada Check In Through Kiosk

Other than visiting the airport ticket counter, you have the option to complete the check in flight Air Canada​ through a kiosk. However, kiosks are not available at all the airports, but you can follow the steps below if you have found one:

  • Make sure you have booked your flight ticket directly from Air Canada to start the process.
  • Head towards the airport and navigate to the kiosk machine.
  • Enter your credentials and choose the option to check in.
  • Get your boarding pass after choosing your favorite seat.

Places Where The Self Service Kiosks Are Available

Below we have mentioned the airports where you can find the self service kiosks for check in:

  • In Canada
    • Calgary
    • Deer Lake
    • Edmonton
    • Fort McMurray
    • Fredericton
    • Grande Prairie
    • Halifax
    • Kelowna
    • London, ON
    • Moncton
    • Montreal Trudeau
    • Ottawa
    • Prince George
    • Quebec City
    • Regina
    • Saint John, NB
    • St John's
    • Thunder Bay
    • Toronto City
    • Toronto Pearson
    • Vancouver
    • Victoria
    • Winnipeg
  • USA
    • Boston
    • Chicago O'Hare
    • Dallas Fort Worth
    • Fort Lauderdale
    • Las Vegas
    • Los Angeles
    • Newark NJ
    • Maui Kahului Airport, Hawaii
    • New York LaGuardia
    • Orlando
    • San Francisco
    • Washington Ronald Reagan
  • International
    • Beijing
    • Bermuda
    • Brussels
    • Buenos Aires
    • Cancun
    • Copenhagen
    • Frankfurt
    • Geneva
    • Hong Kong
    • Kingston, Jamaica
    • London Heathrow
    • Montego Bay, Jamaica
    • Osaka Kansai
    • Paris
    • Santiago, Chile
    • Sao Paulo
    • Shanghai Pudong
    • Tokyo Haneda
    • Tokyo Narita
    • Zurich

Note: While completing the check in process, you will be allowed to select your preferred seat. You can click here to read about the Air Canada seat selection policy, fees, and more.

Documents & Details That Will Be Required For Air Canada Check In For Flight​

To complete the check in to Air Canada​ flight, you will have to identify yourself by providing some information. You will be required to provide:

  • Your booking reference.
  • Your payment card to prove your identity.
  • Your Aeroplan or Star Alliance™ frequent flyer card.
  • Barcode that appears on your itinerary receipt.
  • Your passport.
  • If you are travelling to the USA, you will have to provide an address where you will be staying.

How To Complete Air Canada Check In If Travelling In A Group?

You can complete the Air Canada check in for flight​ if you are travelling in a group. However, you will have to follow specific instructions, such as:

  • Check in can be done in increments of 9 passengers.
  • If a group has 27 members, you will need to complete 3 check-in sessions, each with 9 passengers.

You will have to submit some essential details while requesting for Air Canada web check in​:

  • Booking reference code or Air Canada reference number.
  • First and last names of each passenger will have to be entered individually for security reasons.
  • At last, you will have to provide the ticket number to complete the process.

Note: Sometimes you may face check-in issues if the name on the flight ticket does not match the name on your passport. To correct the name, you can look for the Air Canada name change policy.

What Are The Check-In, Baggage Drop-Off And Boarding Gate Deadlines?

You will have to follow the timelines mentioned in your itinerary for a comfortable travel experience. However, below we have created a table to help you with the check-in, baggage drop-off, and boarding gate deadlines. These timelines mentioned below are prior to your flight departure time:

  Within Canada To/From USA International
(Including Mexico and the Caribbean)
Check-in and baggage drop-off open 240 Minutes 240 minutes 180 minutes
Check-in and baggage drop-off close 60 Minutes 60 Minutes 60 Minutes
Boarding gate deadline 30 Minutes 30 Minutes 45 Minutes
Boarding gate closes 15 Minutes 15 Minutes 15 Minutes
  • Arriving after the boarding gate close time may lead to your reserved seats being reassigned, your booking being canceled, or you becoming ineligible for denied boarding compensation.

Air Canada Check In Baggage Fee​ & Related Policy

Understanding baggage rules during Air Canada check in helps avoid delays and extra fees. Below, we have mentioned the dimensions in a table:

  Height Depth Width
Standard carry-on bag 55cm (21.5in) 23cm (9in) 40cm (15.5in)
Personal item 33cm (13in) 16cm (6in) 43cm (17in)

Tips: Air Canada no longer includes carry-on baggage on economy basic fares. Hence, you will be allowed to carry one personal item on board when travelling within Canada and to/from the USA (including Hawaii and Puerto Rico). This Air Canada carry on baggage allowance policy will apply if you are travelling to/from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

If you want to carry other bags, then you will have to pay an Air Canada check in baggage fee​. Refer to the table for your free baggage allowance:

 

Maximum Overall Measurement

(Length + Width + Height)

Maximum Weight
Economy Class 158 cm (62 in) 23 kg (50 lb)

Business Class

Up to 3 bags

158 cm (62 in) 32 kg (70 lb)

However, you can carry extra baggage, but for that,t you will have to calculate the fees from the Air Canada baggage calculator.

Wrapping Up!

Knowing how to check in for Air Canada flight​ makes your travel experience easier and stress-free. You can complete your check in with options, such as web check in, app check in, kiosks, and counter check in. To get more information, call the official helpline number at 1(888)-247-2262 or dial +1-800-506-7805 (24/7 Available Number) to talk with a consolidation desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I check in online if my name is slightly misspelled on the ticket?

No, Air Canada does not allow passengers to check in if their name on the flight ticket mismatches with the name on their passport. To complete the Air Canada flight check in online,​ your details will have to match the ID you have provided.

Q2. Will Air Canada cancel my seat if I check in late but arrive before boarding?

Yes, Air Canada may cancel your seat if you fail to complete the Air Canada check in for flight​, even if you arrive at the airport before boarding begins. Air Canada will mark you as a no-show if you do not complete the check in process on time.

Q3. Can I change seats after checking in online Air Canada?

Yes, under the Air Canada web check in​ policy, if you have not selected your preferred seat, then a seat will be assigned to you. However, if you want to change the assigned seat, you can do it via the “Manage Booking” section.

Q4. Can I check in with Air Canada if I booked through a travel agency or third-party site?

Yes, you can check in to Air Canada​ even if you have booked your flight ticket with a travel agency or a third party. You will have to submit your booking number on the app, or at the airport to complete the check in process.

Q5. Can I check in online if my booking includes multiple passengers with different seats?

Yes, you can complete the Air Canada flight check in online​ process even if your booking includes multiple passengers with different seats. However, you will have to select each seat individually, and also you will have to enter their name individually.

Q6. Can I check in online in Air Canada if I’m traveling with pets?

No, for special assistance, such as travelling with pets, you will have to complete the Air Canada check in for flight​ process from the airport ticket counter. To start this process, you will have to visit the nearest airport and head towards the Air Canada ticket counter.

Q7. Is check-in required even if I already have a boarding pass?

You will get a boarding pass after completing the Air Canada check in for flight​. After getting your boarding pass, you don’t have to check in again. However, you may have to visit the counter for document verification if you are travelling internationally.

Q8. What is the best time to check in for Air Canada flights?

There is no best time for check in to Air Canada​ flight, as you should do it as soon as possible to avoid the last minute hassel. The check in window for Air Canada flight check in online​ opens 24 hours before the flight departure.

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