How to prepare for travel

Debido a que la información sobre COVID-19 cambia constantemente, partes del contenido de esta página se encuentran disponible en inglés y francés únicamente.

How to prepare for travel

1

View entry requirements

Trip type
Connection type
Nationality Passport: CAN

Departure

Return

Already have a reservation? Review requirements for your trip.

2

Enjoy a touchless travel experience

Download the Air Canada mobile app for touchless travel, from check-in to takeoff.

Learn more

3

Day of travel

Before you travel

Tips on how to pack and prepare to get through airport security efficiently.

Understand your carry-on limitations:

  • Each customer can carry-on one standard article and one personal item. Learn More.

Organize your bags:

Make your airport outfit easy and functional:

How to check in

We offer several simple ways to quickly check in to your upcoming flight, including the Air Canada app.

When to arrive at the airport

Review check-in and boarding times for your itinerary. Arriving less than 2 hours prior to departure for domestic travel and less than 3 hours prior to international/transborder travel could result in a delay to your travel plans.

Expedite your security screening

There are a few things that you can do to make your airport experience more efficient.

  • Keep your boarding pass easily accessible for scanning as you go through security touchpoints.
  • Have your liquids, aerosols or gels stored in a clear plastic bag.
  • Take your liquids bag and electronic devices out and ready to put into separate plastic bins.
  • Remove any belts or items that could be flagged by the metal detector.
  • Put your change, keys and cellphone in your carry-on and other personal items such as your coat in the plastic bins.

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Testing solutions

Some countries require a negative COVID-19 test, so make sure you’re Travel Ready by familiarizing yourself with these important steps:

Know what type of test you need

Know when to take your test

Get your test from an approved testing entity

Allow enough time to get the results

Not sure which test type you need? Review the testing requirements for your destination.

Easy and affordable travel testing with Switch Health

Take a COVID-19 test from the comfort of home or abroad

Cue Health Test

The Cue Health Monitoring System makes testing easier with a fast, PCR-quality molecular COVID-19 test that can be self-administered at home or abroad, accompanied by virtual supervision. As a part of Cue Health’s solution, receive a reusable Cue Cartridge Reader and single-use test cartridges with sample wands.

  • Meets Entry Requirements: Meets entry requirements for Canada, the U.S., and countries that accept molecular tests
  • Portable & Convenient: Self-administer anywhere* with a virtually supervised session through the Cue Health App
  • Results in 20 minutes: Get results in about 20 minutes with an official digital report suitable for travel (check requirements if outside of Canada or the U.S.)
  • Reusable: Use the Cartridge Reader unlimited times, perfect for frequent travellers or families
  • For every stage of your journey: 3-Packs or 10-packs keep you or your family for round trips

Important information for your test:

So that your test is accepted for travel, make sure that you complete your test with supervised proctoring. To do so, select “Yes” under the “Supervised Test for Work, School, or Travel?” section on the Cue Health App

*A stable internet connection or access to data is required for virtual proctoring

Not an Aeroplan Member? Join before you purchase your COVID-19 test to start earning points! Join now.

Learn more about the entry requirements.
**Results typically take less than 45 minutes but are subject to variability. There are some countries that require a lab-based molecular test and therefore do not accept an RT-LAMP test. Ensure your destination accepts a rapid molecular test like an RT-LAMP test. The RT-LAMP test kit meets the testing requirements for entry into Canada.
***Access to internet and a mobile device with a camera is required to join the telehealth session to complete your test. Telehealth sessions are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Molecular test: Switch Health RT-LAMP Test Kit

Aeroplan Members will receive a discounted retail price and earn 500 Aeroplan points per RT-LAMP test kit purchased online through Switch HealthSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas.. In order to be eligible to earn Aeroplan points, members must enter their Aeroplan number in the appropriate field on the Switch Health websiteSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas. before purchasing their test kit. The discounted retail price and Aeroplan points per molecular test is subject to change. Standard shipping costs are included in the price. Express shipping is available for an additional $15. Points will be credited to the member’s account within 4 weeks of purchasing the Molecular test kit. Switch Health Test Kits are non-refundable. RT-LAMP test kits are Rapid Molecular tests not lab based Molecular tests. Ensure your destination accepts this type of Molecular test before purchasing. The RT-LAMP test kits meet the requirements for entry set out by the Government of Canada. The RT-LAMP test kit can be used anywhere in the world but requires access to the internet and a mobile device to complete the tests. Switch Health telehealth is available 24/7.

Switch Health Rapid Antigen Test Kits

Aeroplan Members will receive a discounted retail price and earn 500 Aeroplan points per Switch Health Rapid Antigen test kit purchased online through Switch HealthSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas.. Each Rapid Antigen Test Kit includes two tests. In order to be eligible to earn Aeroplan points, members must enter their Aeroplan number in the appropriate field on the Switch Health websiteSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas. before purchasing their test kits. The discounted retail price and Aeroplan points per Rapid Antigen test kit is subject to change. Standard shipping costs are included in the price. Express shipping is available for an additional $10. Points will be credited to the member’s account within 4 weeks of purchasing the Switch Health Rapid Antigen test kit. Switch Health Test Kits are non-refundable. The Switch Health Rapid Antigen test kits meet the requirements for entry set out by the Government of Canada. The Rapid Antigen test kit can be used anywhere in the world but requires access to the internet and a mobile device to complete the tests. Switch Health telehealth is available 24/7.

Molecular test: Switch Health RT-PCR Collection Kit

Aeroplan Members will receive a discounted retail price and earn 1,000 Aeroplan points per Switch Health RT-PCR Collection Kit purchased online through Switch HealthSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas.. In order to be eligible to earn Aeroplan points, members must enter their Aeroplan number in the appropriate field on the Switch Health websiteSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas. before purchasing their tests. The discounted retail price and Aeroplan points per Molecular test is subject to change. The RT-PCR Collection Kit must be mailed to a lab for processing and therefore can only be shipped to and used in some regions of Canada. Two-way shipping costs are included in the price. Express outbound shipping is available for an additional $15. Results take on average 24-48 hours but are subject to variability. Points will be credited to the member’s account within 4 weeks of purchasing the Molecular test. Switch Health tests are non-refundable. Switch Health telehealth is available 24/7.

Molecular test: In Clinic RT-PCR test

Aeroplan Members will receive a discounted retail price and earn 1,000 Aeroplan points per in-clinic RT-PCR test booked online through Switch HealthSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas.. In order to be eligible to earn Aeroplan points, members must enter their Aeroplan number in the appropriate field on the Switch Health websiteSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas. before booking an appointment at a Switch Health clinic. The discounted retail price and Aeroplan points per Molecular test is subject to change. Results take on average 24-48 hours but are subject to variability. Points will be credited to the member’s account within 4 weeks of purchasing the Molecular test. Switch Health Collection or Test Kits are non-refundable.

In Clinic Rapid Antigen Test

Aeroplan Members will receive a discounted retail price and earn 500 Aeroplan points per in clinic Rapid Antigen test booked online through Switch HealthSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas.. In order to be eligible to earn Aeroplan points, members must enter their Aeroplan number in the appropriate field on the Switch Health websiteSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas. before booking an appointment at a Switch Health clinic. The discounted retail price and Aeroplan points per Rapid Antigen test is subject to change. Points will be credited to the member’s account within 4 weeks of purchasing the Antigen test. Switch Health COVID-19 Tests are non-refundable. 

Switch Health and Air Canada are not responsible for ensuring customers complete the correct test for their destination. It is up to the customer to ensure they are aware of and understand the testing entry requirements for their destination. Note that some countries require a lab based molecular test and therefore the RT-LAMP test would not be accepted for entry. Learn about the entry requirements for your destination.

Find more information on Switch HealthSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas..

® Aeroplan is a registered trademark of Aeroplan Inc, used under license
® The Air Canada maple leaf logo is a registered trademark of Air Canada, used under license
® Air Canada is a registered trademark of Air Canada, used under license

Day of travel

Airports are busier than usual. Learn more about what to expect and how to be prepared for your travel journey.

Before you travel

Tips on how to pack and prepare to get through airport security efficiently.

Understand your carry-on limitations:

  • Each customer can carry-on one standard article and one personal item. Learn More.

Organize your bags:

Make your airport outfit easy and functional:

How to check in

We offer several simple ways to quickly check in to your upcoming flight, including the Air Canada app.

When to arrive at the airport

Airports are much busier than normal and you must arrive for your flight earlier than usual. Review check-in and boarding times for your itinerary. Arriving less than 2 hours prior to departure for domestic travel and less than 3 hours prior to international/transborder travel could result in a delay to your travel plans.

Expedite your security screening

Security lines are longer than usual. There are a few things that you can do to make your airport experience more efficient.

  • Keep your boarding pass easily accessible for scanning as you go through security touchpoints.
  • Have your liquids, aerosols or gels stored in a clear plastic bag.
  • Take your liquids bag and electronic devices out and ready to put into separate plastic bins.
  • Remove any belts or items that could be flagged by the metal detector.
  • Put your change, keys and cellphone in your carry-on and other personal items such as your coat in the plastic bins.

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Health and safety

Learn about how we are helping keep you safe with Air Canada CleanCare+.

Face coverings

Learn more about recommended face coverings for travel

Passengers no longer need to wear masks on board flights within Canada. Although Transport Canada has lifted the mask requirement, all passengers and flight crew are recommended to wear high-quality and well-fitted masks throughout their journey.

High quality face coverings are made with protective layers of absorbent fabric that fit snugly over the nose, mouth, and chin, and are secured to the face with ties or ear loops. To learn more about how to choose a mask, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) websiteSitio externo que puede no cumplir con las pautas de accesibilidad o las preferencias lingüísticas..

International destinations may still require face coverings. Find out your destination travel restrictions.

Health and safety measures

Learn more about how we’re keeping you safe

With the onset of COVID-19, we expanded our aircraft grooming procedures, which already incorporated the use of hospital disinfectant and specialized techniques. All cleaning products we use, including disinfectants, are fully approved for use by Health Canada.

As per PHAC guidelines and other resources, coronaviruses do not readily survive on soft materials (headrest covers, seat covers, carpets, etc.). However, these are replaced if soiled.

With all communicable disease protocols, Air Canada is notified by the appropriate health authority about potential public health issues after a flight. Depending on the transmission profile of the disease, we are given strict protocol towards contact tracing and other health guidance measures.

The health authorities take responsibility for contacting passengers directly and advising them of the situation. In most cases, crews primarily working in the specific rows are also included in the contact tracing. Due to privacy laws, the names cannot be disclosed to anyone other than the public health authority.

As part of our CleanCare+ program, we distribute complimentary Customer Care Kits, which include hand sanitizer packets, two antiseptic wipes, and facemasks (non-surgical) upon request to customers on board all Air Canada and Air Canada Express flights.

For sanitary reasons, the bag used to package these Care Kit items also doubles as a trash bag to dispose of any personal items.

Air Canada is 100% compliant with all Transport Canada and PHAC health and safety directives for crews and employees, including self-isolation.

Any employee who feels ill or experiences any COVID-19 symptoms must stay home and seek medical advice. Employees continue to perform wellness checks before every shift.

We also encourage all customer-facing employees to use Personal Protective Equipment such as face guards, masks and gloves, and all employees have access to hand sanitizer. Our in-flight crew is also additionally provided with safety glasses and gowns.

On-board transmission facts

Find out why the transmission of communicable diseases inside an aircraft are very rare.

Cases of transmission of communicable diseases on aircraft are very rare. The reasons for the low rate of in-flight transmission are not fully determined but are thought to include a combination of factors, such as the inherent characteristics of cabin air flow.

Various government bodies have confirmed the risk of on-board transmission is exceedingly low, which accords with scientific studies on communicable diseases and air travel.

How well does cabin air compare Sitting next to someone on plane

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Changes and cancellations

We have implemented flexible and expanded change and cancellation options.

Booking the right fare for you is simple

Covidhub booking policy unlimited

Enjoy a variety of fare options – From our lowest non-refundable Basic fares when your plans don't change to fully refundable Comfort and Latitude fares with endless benefits - you choose the fare type that meets your travel needs.

Covidhub booking policy unlimited

If your flight is cancelled, you get a refund – If your flight is cancelled for any reason and we don’t rebook you on another flight that departs or arrives within three hours of your original departure or arrival time, or if we add a connection to your itinerary, you can request a refund.

 Covidhub booking policy unlimited

Simplified flexibility with Aeroplan – Aeroplan fare options which include a change fee now have a simplified structure with a new anytime change fee. Learn more.

To change or cancel your booking, contact your original booking source:

  • For bookings made directly with Air Canada (including aircanada.com, the Air Canada app, and our contact centres), or Kayak, Google Flights, and Skyscanner you can manage your booking or call 1-888-247-2262 (for international and other numbers, visit aircanada.com/othernumbers).
  • For bookings made using Aeroplan points you can also manage your booking or call 1-800-361-5373 (for international and other numbers, visit our customer support page).
  • For bookings made with a Travel agent or any online travel agency (for example, Expedia or Priceline), contact them directly for assistance.
  • For Air Canada Vacations bookings, please call 1-800-296-3408 or visit the Air Canada Vacations site.
  • For Air Canada for Business bookings, please call 1-888-335-4189 or visit the Air Canada for Business site.

Looking to make a new booking? Simply visit aircanada.com.

For changing or cancelling your booking:

  • All eligible fare tickets issued on or before July 5, 2022 for original travel between March 1, 2020 and July 5, 2023 can be cancelled and the full value can be transferred to an Air Canada Travel Voucher or converted into Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus.
  • Eligible fare tickets other than Basic issued on or after July 6, 2022 can be cancelled and the full value can be transferred to an Air Canada Travel Voucher or converted into Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus.
  • Basic fare tickets issued on or after July 6, 2022 are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to an Air Canada Travel Voucher or converted into Aeroplan points.
  • Existing bookings may only be changed or cancelled up to 2 hours prior to departure. 
  • Refundable tickets will be refunded as per the applicable fare rules; a cancellation fee may still apply. 

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