What is the new check-in rule for Air Canada?

Air Canada changed its check-in policy and introduced a new one for its flyers. A new check-in rule requires travelers to complete the process no sooner than 60 minutes before the scheduled time of departure of the plane. The introduction of this rule is aimed at providing passengers with a smooth transition whenever they go through the check-in process. 

The new rule indicates that there is no limit to how long the check-in and clearance processing can be; however, all passengers are to make sure that they have their boarding cards with them at least one hour before their flight in order to avoid any confusion regarding their time of arrival at the airport. There are more details about the new check-in rule of Air Canada

How many hours before flight can you check-in Air Canada?

You can do the check-in using the website or mobile app of Air Canada starting 24 hours before the flight, which definitely gives you ample time to confirm your travel details and get ready. The airport check-in counters, on their part, open a few hours before the departure and you can carry out i.e. bag drop and boarding without any time pressure.

Domestic Flight Check-In Timings

• The online check-in procedure can be started a full day ahead of the scheduled flight and can be done up to 45 minutes before the flight.
• Counter check-in at the airport can be done three hours prior to the flight and it will be stopped 45 minutes before the flight.
• The last chance for checked-in luggage to be dropped is 45 minutes before the flight.
• Boarding gates are generally closed 15 minutes prior to the flight.

International Flight Check-In Timings

• As per the Air canada check in policy international, travelers have the option to check in up to 24 hours prior to their flights. 
• In the event that the airport flight check-in option is chosen, the travelers will have to be at the airport 60 minutes prior to the departure of the flight.
• The dropping of checked luggage will be allowed for only one hour.
• The gates for boarding will be shut in 30 minutes.

What is the 24-hour rule for Air Canada?

The 24-hour regulation for Air Canada permits travelers to check in via the internet or the application exactly 24 hours prior to the flight. This window grants the traveler the opportunity to obtain the boarding pass, choose or modify seats, declare checked baggage, and perform all other pre-flight activities from the convenience of their home or during their outing, avoiding the airport lines whenever possible.

In most cases, passengers have to complete Air Canada Online Check In 60 minutes before the flight (or 20 minutes if at Toronto City Airport-YTZ), otherwise they will have to go through the airport check-in or bag drop, and arriving early-90 minutes for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights-is recommended to allow time for security and customs.

What is the Air Canada check-in policy?

The Air Canada Check In Policy aims to provide a seamless journey to its passengers. Read out the policy below, which can assist you regarding guidelines in a better way:

• You are allowed to check in at the airport kiosk, reservations counter, mobile app, or as you check in at the counter.
• The check-in for domestic flights generally closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the flight.
• In most cases, the check-in counters for international flights are shut one hour ahead of the scheduled flight.
• At the boarding gates, rules are very strict and for domestic flights, the passengers have to be at the gate 15 minutes and for international flights 30 minutes ahead.
• The passenger is obliged to show the entire documentation like (ID, passport, etc., together with visas if needed) at the check-in stage.
• The check-in process is comprised of the baggage drop-off, therefore, if you are checking in baggage, be sure to arrive on time.

What is the Air Canada Check-in Process?

Air Canada never steps back in providing comfort to their flyers. For the check-in process, you are eligible to finish your check-in process at your home or by visiting the airport. The step-by-step is listed below, one can make it known:

Air Canada Web Check In

• Go to the website of Air Canada and the check-in page.
• Provide your booking details so that you can access your trip.
• Pick a seat and add your luggage if necessary.
• Verify your information and finish the check-in process.
• Get your boarding pass either as a download or a printout.

Kiosk

• Make an appearance at an Air Canada airport kiosk. 
• Locate the nearby kiosk machine. 
• Input your reservation code or use your passport for scanning. 
• View the information related to your flight on the screen. 
• Select a place to sit and pay for the luggage. 
• Receive your boarding pass along with the baggage tags printed.

Airport Visit

• Go to the counter for check-in at Air Canada.
• Inform the agent about your ID and booking details.
• The agent will complete the process and provide you a seat.
• Put the tag on your luggage and go with it to the check-in.
• Get your boarding pass and go to the security screening area.

Note: Passengers who use the airline application can also take advantage of the Air Canada mobile check in process. It also works similarly to the website. 

Conclusion

Air Canada has recently altered its check-in policy with the aim of ensuring passengers have an easier and faster overall travel experience and this change has the check-in mandatory at least one hour before take-off. The passengers can check in through different methods: they can do it online or through the self-service kiosks or at the airline’s check-in counters and in this case, they will be advised to arrive at the airport earlier in order not to face any problems during travel.