Boarding by Zone

Flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express are boarded by zone at most airports. The zone corresponding to your seat is clearly printed on your Air Canada-issued boarding pass.

Boarding priority Eligible customers
Pre-boarding Customers who have requested wheelchair assistance or who need more time to board are invited to board first. 
Zone 1

Board with zone 1*:

  • when you travel in Business Class, or in Premium Rouge on a domestic or Caribbean flight
  • as an Aeroplan Super Elite Member
More about zone 1 boarding
Zone 2

Board with zone 2*:

  • Customers travelling in Premium Economy Class, or in Premium Rouge on an international flight
  • As an Aeroplan 75K, 50K, 35K, 25K, or Star Alliance Gold member
  • Primary or Secondary Cardholders on Aeroplan black credit cards:
    • American Express®* Aeroplan® Business Reserve Card
    • American Express®* Aeroplan® Corporate Reserve Card
    • American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
    • American Express® Air Canada®*Card)
    • CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
    • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege

For more complete terms and more information on Air Canada benefits, visit TD benefits, CIBC benefits or AMEX benefits

More about zone 2 boarding
Family Boarding / Musical Instruments

You will be invited to board before general boarding starts if:

  • you are travelling with children under the age of 6 or require additional time to board the aircraft
  • you are travelling with a musical instrument as part of your carry-on baggage
General Boarding –
Zone 3

Board with zone 3, at the very start of general boarding:

  • if your boarding pass displays zone 3
  • when you purchase a Latitude or Comfort fare
  • when you purchase a Preferred seat
General Boarding –
Zones 4 and 5		 Board with zones 4 or 5 on flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, or 4 on flights operated by Air Canada Express.


* Priority guests in zones 1 and 2 may continue to use dedicated lanes, available at most of our gates, to board at any time once general boarding has started.

Other airlines

If you are checking in with another airline and your boarding pass for your connecting flight on Air Canada does not include a zone number, you are invited to board with zone 5 on flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, or zone 4 on flights operated by Air Canada Express, unless you are entitled to board in zone 1 or 2.

Boarding gate deadlines

In order to ensure an on-time departure, we require all customers to be present at the gate at the boarding gate deadline.