Before You Go: A ‘To-Do’ List



The following checklist was created with you in mind: whether you are a seasoned traveller, or going on your first plane trip. Its purpose is to ensure that you are able to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.


While preparing for your trip…
Be sure to pick up Travel Insurance. The comparative expense is negligible in exchange for the peace of mind you will have when travelling far from home.
Check your itineraries for seat assignment, and make any other date, time, fare family, or any other changes you may need to make at this time.
Be sure to read through the general information on passports, visas, and travel documents you may require ahead of time.
If you did not add your frequent flyer number to your reservation at the time of booking, you may do so now to accumulate any points for which you may be eligible.
Book any required hotel stays and car rentals well in advance.
If you will be requiring any special meals (on select international flights only), please let us know a minimum of 24 hours before departure.
Flying within Canada?
Remember to bring 1-2 pieces of photo ID - for children and teens as well - where the name on the ID matches the name on the ticket, as Air Canada is now checking ID for all passengers appearing to be 12 years of age or older, at the request of the Canadian government.
International travel
Check with your doctor 6-8 weeks before travelling for any advice about the vaccinations required for the places you’re visiting.
Apply for and take care of passports, visas, and any important papers you might need well ahead of time. Photocopy the identification page in your passport, and keep a copy separate from the passport. Leave another copy with someone at home.
Make sure to learn about important rules, details, and documents with regards to Customs and Immigration.

Provide Advance Passenger Information. The governments of various countries (including the US) require that Air Canada collect Advance Passenger Information (API) from all passengers prior to air travel. Examples of countries that require API include (this list is not complete) Barbados, the UK, the US, and Japan.
Be aware of any security requirements in effect for the places and times you’re travelling.
Bring with you the address and phone number of your home country’s Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for each country you plan to visit.
Travelling with a medical condition, disability, or reduced mobility?
Be sure to call Air Canada Reservations—whether or not you book online at aircanada.com—and allow the Medical Assistance Desk 48 hours to clear you for travel.
Handle any special needs—such as special meals, wheelchair access, or other facilitated travel for passengers with disabilities--you might have before you get to the airport.
Children, Infants
Read up on information for passengers travelling with infants, toddlers, and children - information is provided on, for example, foreign visas, identification, safety and comfort, as well as Transport Canada regulations for car seats, among other things.
Children aged between 5 and 11 travelling alone, must register for the Unaccompanied Minors service.
When packing your baggage
Do NOT pack valuables such as money, travel documents nor items such as car keys, medication, etc. in your checked baggage. Carry them instead in your carry-on, or hand baggage, where they are closer at hand. In the unlikely event that your checked baggage is lost, you may be without these things for 3 or more days.

NOTE: Medication must be properly labelled or accompanied by a prescription.
Check that your baggage fits the allowances for checked and carry-on baggage. Be aware that excess fees are charged for baggage that is oversized, overweight, or over item count.
Please take a moment to print up and fill out a baggage ID card for the inside of each piece of your checked baggage. When you place your contact information inside your baggage, if it is delayed, it will be easier to identify and return it via an Air Canada employee.
Some items or goods—no matter how ‘common’ they may seem to you, i.e. gas-canister curling iron refills—may require special treatment and/or carriage to make them acceptable for flying.
Gifts should be left unwrapped. Their contents may need to be inspected.
Just before you leave for your trip
Passengers must be familiar with and respect check-in and boarding times. It is essential that passengers present themselves at the gate with respect to the boarding times outlined.

NOTE: Failure to meet these deadlines may result in the reassignment of any pre-reserved seats, the cancellation of your reservations and/or ineligibility for denied boarding compensation.
Familiarize yourself with the Conditions of Carriage.
Check your flight status online. Alternately, you can register with aircanada.com’s Mobile Services Notification to be alerted via SMS to your cell phone of any schedule changes with regards to your flight.
Check if there are any travel advisories on the aircanada.com homepage that you should be aware of (i.e. weather or security alerts).
Make checking in faster and almost effortless by using our online web check-in.