Founded in 1937, Air Canada is the only national flag carrier airline for Canada and also its biggest airline. The company was originally known as Trans-Canada Airlines but was given its present name in 1965. Although the airline is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Air Canada's main operating base is at the Toronto Pearson International Airport in Ontario.
The airline has a mixture of Boeing, Airbus and Embraer aircraft in its more than 200 strong fleet. The largest proportion of that fleet is made up of Airbus A320 airplanes. Air Canada flies to more than 100 destinations on various continents. Flights to Toronto, Milan, Lisbon, Nice, Manchester and Istanbul are some of its more popular routes. It is one of the founding members of the Star Alliance and has codeshare agreements with many other airlines, including Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, Turkish Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Lufthansa.
Online check-in
Online check-in for an Air Canada flight opens 24 hours before scheduled departure. Passengers can print their own boarding pass, print it at an airport kiosk or opt for a mobile boarding card on their cell phone. The latest possible time for online check-in on Air Canada flights varies depending on the route, but is more often than not between 60 and 20 minutes before take-off. During online check-in, passengers can also choose their seat, increase checked baggage allowance, add or amend a frequent flyer number or ask for an upgrade. Please note that not all passengers are eligible for an upgrade.
Hand luggage allowance
Hand luggage allowance on Air Canada flights is split into standard items and personal items. Passengers are allowed 1 item of each type. Standard items must be no larger than 23 x 40 x 55 cm, and no heavier than 10 kg. Personal items must be no larger than 16 x 33 x 43 cm and no heavier than 10 kg. Wheels, handles, pockets and any other protrusions are included in the maximum dimensions for hand luggage. Infants that will sit on an adult's lap during the flight receive an allowance of 1 standard item to carry their belongings and items necessary for their care.
Checked baggage policy
Passengers with different ticket types will have different checked baggage allowances on an Air Canada flight. Economy passengers are entitled to 1 item with a maximum weight of 23 kg plus a maximum combined height, weight and length of 158 cm. Premium Economy passengers are entitled to 2 items of checked luggage, with the same size and weight restrictions per item. Infants younger than 2 years old who will not occupy their own seat have an allowance of 1 item, subject to the same restrictions on size and weight. Infants and children are also entitled to bring 1 stroller and 1 car seat. For convenience, the stroller can be checked at the gate.