Skip to content
Flight Deals

Air Canada

Canada's flag carrier, connecting Canada with six continents

  • CanadaCountry
  • ACIATA Code
  • ACAICAO Code
  • Star AllianceAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, flying from Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver to six continents. New bag fees from April and May 2026 mean the first bag is free on Flex fares everywhere and on Standard fares to Europe, Asia and beyond. This guide covers bag fees by fare and route, fare types, US preclearance, power banks, Aeroplan and how Air Canada compares with United and Delta.

Air Canada began in 1937 as Trans-Canada Air Lines and took its current name in 1965. It is based in Montréal, was a founding member of Star Alliance in 1997, and also flies under the Air Canada Rouge (leisure) and Air Canada Express (regional) brands.

Air Canada flights to Toronto
Photo: Jochem Raat / Unsplash

Check-In and US Preclearance

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on the website and app, and most passengers can use a mobile boarding pass.

For US flights from major Canadian airports, you clear US border checks in Canada before departure, so allow extra time. For long-haul flights, arrive at least three hours early.

Power Banks on Air Canada

Under the 2026 international (ICAO) rules that airlines worldwide are adopting:

  • Carry a maximum of two power banks, in the cabin only.
  • Do not charge power banks on board or use them to charge your phone during the flight.
  • Up to 100 Wh is fine; 100–160 Wh needs airline approval.

Check Air Canada’s dangerous goods page before you fly, as airline rules can be stricter.

How to Find Cheap Air Canada Flights

Air Canada flights to Montréal
Photo: Grant Van Cleemput / Unsplash
  • Pick the right fare for bags: on long-haul trips, Standard includes a bag; on North American trips, only Flex does.
  • Compare hubs: Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver departures can differ a lot.
  • Check nearby US airports: some international routes are cheaper from Buffalo or Seattle.
  • Book peaks early: winter sun and summer Europe trips sell out.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Air Canada next to United, Delta and others.

Air Canada vs United vs Delta

All three fly between Canada, the US and the rest of the world.

Air CanadaUnitedDelta
Main hubsToronto, Montréal, VancouverChicago, Denver, NewarkAtlanta
AllianceStar AllianceStar AllianceSkyTeam
LoyaltyAeroplanMileagePlusSkyMiles
First bag, North America (cheapest fare)$45$50$45

See our United Airlines guide and Delta guide to compare.

Arriving in Toronto

Toronto Pearson is about 25 km from downtown. The UP Express train runs to Union Station in about 25 minutes, and taxis and rideshares are widely available.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Air Canada a Good Airline?

Yes. Air Canada has a large global network, Star Alliance connections, a strong business class and the valuable Aeroplan programme. With the 2026 bag fee changes, choose your fare based on the bags you need.

For more options, see our Lufthansa guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against the Air Canada baggage fee changes page. Fees change, so check the official Air Canada website before you travel.

Star Alliance & Airline Partnerships

Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance (1997). That means through-checked bags, easier connections and Aeroplan earning and redemption on airlines such as United, Lufthansa, Swiss and ANA.

Learn more about Star Alliance

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Across the Atlantic, Air Canada runs a joint venture with United and the Lufthansa Group, so schedules and fares are coordinated on many Canada–Europe routes. It also codeshares with a wide range of partners in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Toronto Pearson is Air Canada's main global hub, with Montréal–Trudeau serving Eastern Canada and Europe and Vancouver acting as the gateway to Asia and the Pacific. Calgary is a key focus city in the West.

Popular Air Canada Routes

Air Canada's busiest routes link its hubs with each other and with the United States, plus long-haul flights from Toronto and Montréal to Europe and India. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Air Canada Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Air Canada sells Economy in five fare types: Basic, Standard, Flex, Comfort and Latitude. The further up you go, the more flexible the ticket. Basic can't be changed at all, Standard can be changed for a fee, and Flex, Comfort and Latitude can be changed without a change fee. You always pay any difference in fare when you switch to a more expensive flight.

Premium Economy and Signature Class (business) are sold in their own fare types with more generous rules. If you're not sure your plans will hold, Flex is usually the cheapest fare that lets you change dates freely.

  • Economy Basic No changes. If you cancel, the fare is generally lost, though some taxes can be refunded.
  • Economy Standard Changes allowed for a fee, plus any fare difference.
  • Economy Flex and Comfort Changes with no change fee; you pay only the fare difference.
  • Economy Latitude Free changes and fully refundable.
  • Free 24-hour cancellation Tickets bought directly from Air Canada can usually be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking.
  • Same-day changes You can often move to an earlier or later flight on the day of travel, free for some fares and Aeroplan elites or for a fee.
  • If Air Canada cancels or long-delays your flight You'll be rebooked or refunded, and Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations may entitle you to compensation when the cause is within the airline's control.
  • How to change or cancel Use My Bookings on aircanada.com or the Air Canada app. If you booked through a travel agent or website, contact them.

Air Canada Seat Selection & Additional Services

Seat selection depends on your fare. On Economy Basic you can't choose a seat in advance; one is assigned at check-in. Standard fares can pay to pick a seat, while Flex and higher include standard seat selection, and Comfort and Latitude can choose preferred seats near the front.

Through My Bookings you can also add checked bags, buy a preferred seat or bid for an upgrade. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on aircanada.com and in the Air Canada app.

  • Economy Basic No advance seat selection; a seat is assigned at check-in.
  • Economy Standard Standard seats can be chosen for a fee.
  • Economy Flex Standard seat selection included.
  • Comfort and Latitude Preferred seats near the front included.
  • Preferred seats Rows near the front and extra-legroom seats are available to buy on most flights.
  • Upgrades Bid for Premium Economy or Signature Class, or use Aeroplan points or eUpgrade credits.
  • Online check-in Opens 24 hours before departure.
  • Meals Buy-on-board food on most North American flights; complimentary meals on international long-haul flights.
  • Special assistance Wheelchairs, travel with medical devices and unaccompanied minors should be requested in advance.

Air Canada Baggage Allowance

Air Canada changed its Economy checked bag fees for tickets bought from April 2026 (North America and sun routes) and May 2026 (long-haul). Within Canada and to the US, Mexico and the Caribbean, Basic and Standard pay for the first bag and Flex includes one. On long-haul flights to Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America, Standard and Flex include one free bag, but Basic does not.

Every Economy bag can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lb) and measure up to 158 cm (62 in) in total. Fees are in Canadian or US dollars before tax; buy extra bags online before you fly. Aeroplan elite members and eligible Aeroplan credit cardholders often get free bags.

  • Carry-on 1 standard bag up to 23 × 40 × 55 cm plus 1 personal item up to 16 × 33 × 43 cm.
  • Economy Basic (North America and sun routes) Personal item only on some fares, so check your booking.
  • North America and sun routes Basic and Standard pay about $45 for the 1st bag and $60 for the 2nd; Flex includes the 1st bag.
  • Long-haul (Basic) About $90 for the 1st bag and $120 for the 2nd.
  • Long-haul (Standard and Flex) 1st bag free; 2nd bag about $120.
  • Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy and Signature Class Checked bags included (Signature Class: 2 bags up to 32 kg each).
  • Economy bag limits Up to 23 kg (50 lb) and 158 cm (62 in) per bag.
  • Heavier items Bags over 32 kg (70 lb) are not accepted as checked baggage and must go by Air Canada Cargo.

Aeroplan: Air Canada Loyalty Programme

Aeroplan is Air Canada's loyalty programme and is free to join. You earn points on Air Canada and Star Alliance flights, with partner hotels and car rentals, and with Aeroplan credit cards, then redeem them for flights on more than 45 airlines, upgrades and travel extras. Points stay active as long as you earn or redeem at least once every 18 months.

Frequent flyers can reach Aeroplan Elite Status: 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K and Super Elite. Status is based on how much you fly and spend with Air Canada in a calendar year.

  • 25K Priority check-in and boarding, a free extra checked bag and Star Alliance Silver status.
  • 35K Adds Star Alliance Gold status, with lounge access on international Star Alliance flights and priority baggage.
  • 50K and 75K Higher upgrade priority, more eUpgrade credits and free same-day standby and changes.
  • Super Elite The top tier, with the highest upgrade priority, dedicated phone support and extra benefits each year.
  • Family Sharing Up to eight people can pool their Aeroplan points.
  • Star Alliance Earn and redeem points on all Star Alliance airlines.
Join or log in on the Air Canada website

Air Canada: Frequently Asked Questions

01Where is Air Canada headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Montréal, Canada.

02When was Air Canada founded?

The airline was founded in 1937.

03What are Air Canada’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Toronto (YYZ) – Main Hub; Montréal (YUL) – Hub; Vancouver (YVR) – Hub; Calgary (YYC) – Focus City.

04What is Air Canada’s frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Aeroplan. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

05How many free checked bags do you get with Air Canada?

It depends on your fare and route. Within North America, Economy Basic and Standard pay for the first bag and Flex includes one. On long-haul international flights, Standard and Flex include one free bag of up to 23 kg. Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy and Signature Class include more.

06What size carry-on bag does Air Canada allow?

Most fares allow one standard carry-on up to 23 × 40 × 55 cm plus one personal item up to 16 × 33 × 43 cm. Economy Basic within North America and to sun destinations allows the personal item only.

07Can I cancel an Air Canada flight within 24 hours?

Yes. Tickets bought directly from Air Canada can usually be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking. After that, what you get back depends on the fare: Latitude is refundable, while Basic is generally not.

08When does Air Canada online check-in open?

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on aircanada.com and in the Air Canada app.

09Can I choose my seat for free on Air Canada?

Flex, Comfort and Latitude fares include seat selection. Standard fares can pay for a seat, and Economy Basic seats are assigned at check-in.

10What is Air Canada Rouge?

Air Canada Rouge is Air Canada's leisure airline. It flies mainly to sun and holiday destinations in the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, and you book it through Air Canada like any other flight.

11Is Air Canada in an airline alliance?

Yes. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance (1997). That means through-checked bags, easier connections and Aeroplan earning and redemption on airlines such as United, Lufthansa, SWISS and ANA.

12What are Air Canada's IATA and ICAO codes?

Air Canada's IATA code is AC and its ICAO code is ACA. You'll see the IATA code (AC) in flight numbers and on boarding passes.

Air Canada, its logo and trademarks are the property of Air Canada and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Air Canada unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.