Air Canada's priority check-in benefit gives you access to a dedicated line at the airport to check in for your flight, get your boarding passes, and drop off any checked baggage. It's a seemingly small credit card perk that can make a big difference in getting your trip off to a good start.
If you're familiar with the Aeroplan Rewards program, you've probably seen priority check-in listed as a perk. Especially since it's easy to get this confused with Air Canada's priority boarding, this article helps by breaking down the priority service that might be available with your membership or travel credit card.
Key Takeaways
- Priority check-in is a dedicated lane at the airport where eligible travellers can check in chieck in for their flight and get help with bags or boarding passes.
- Priority check-in is only available for specific fares, people with qualifying credit cards, or partnering rewards programs.
- Several Aeroplan credit cards include priority check-in, so read your card’s terms and conditions to see if the perk is included with yours.
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What is Air Canada priority check-in?
Air Canada's priority check-in is more than just getting a better place in line at the airport. You'll get a dedicated line for check-in and assistance with boarding passes and baggage check.
Priority check-in is a helpful perk for people who are travelling with children or need extra assistance. Getting help from Air Canada agents can make your check-in experience easier and give you a smooth start to your travels.
Priority check-in eligibility
If you've booked specific Air Canada fares, priority check-in is included with your booking:
- International Business class
- North America and Caribbean Business class
- Business Class – Transcontinental
- Premium Economy class
You're also eligible if you're an elite member of an airline rewards program that partners with Air Canada:
- Aeroplan (Elite Status)
- Star Alliance (Gold)
- Latitude customers
Finally, you can also enjoy priority check-in with an eligible Aeroplan credit card:
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- BMO VIPorter Mastercard
- BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
- American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
- American Express Aeroplan Corporate Reserve Card
Other priority services
Dedicated support during check-in isn't the only priority service that Air Canada offers. Here's what else you can enjoy – if you qualify, of course.
| Priority service | What you get |
|---|---|
| Priority security clearance | * Amex credit cards provide priority screening at Toronto Pearson airport * Visa Infinite Privilege cards enjoy priority screening in Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver. * Elite status or travelling in business class will also get you this privilege in many large airports around the world. |
| Lounge access | * Maple Leaf Lounges provide complimentary beverages and snacks. * Air Canada Cafés offer meals for purchase and grab-and-go items. |
| Priority boarding | * You have front-of-the-line access to board the plane whenever you choose, rather than waiting in line for your zone to be called. * You also have first access to the overhead bins. |
| Priority baggage handling | * Your baggage is tagged with special priority tags and loaded onto the carousel first – so you can quickly get your luggage and be on your way. |
| Concierge service | * Head to a concierge station near International Business Class check-in areas and departure gates or a Maple Leaf Lounge, and you can get personalized assistance or make travel requests. |
The best credit cards for priority airport services
If you have a premium Aeroplan card, you probably have priority access. Check out how the best airline credit cards with priority services compare:
| Card name | Annual fee | Rewards program | Priority services included | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | $599 | Amex Rewards | * Priority check-in * Zone 2 priority boarding * Priority baggage handling | Learn more |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 | TD Rewards | * Priority boarding * Priority baggage handling * Priority airport standby * Priority airport upgrades | Learn more |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 | Aeroplan | * Priority check-in * Priority boarding * Priority baggage handling | Learn more |
| BMO VIPorter Mastercard | $89 | VIPorter Rewards | * Priority re-accommodation for flight delays
* Early boarding * Dedicated check-in | Learn more |
| BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard | $199 | VIPorter Rewards | * Priority re-accommodation for flight delays
* Early boarding * Dedicated check-in | Learn more |
| American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card | $599 | Amex Rewards | * Priority check-in * Priority boarding * Priority baggage handling * Priority airport standby * Priority airport upgrades * Priority Pass airport lounge membership * Priority security at Pearson airport | Learn more |
FAQ
How do you get priority check-in with Air Canada?
You can use priority check-in if you have one of these fares: International Business Class, North America and Caribbean Business Class, Premium Economy, or Latitude. You can get priority check-in when you're an Aeroplan Elite or Star Alliance Gold member, or if you have a qualifying Aeroplan credit card.
What does priority check-in include?
With priority check-in, you'll get access to a dedicated check-in lane at the airport, additional assistance with checking your bags, and help getting your boarding pass if needed. This perk is especially helpful for people who need a little extra help or an additional pair of hands.
What's the difference between priority check-in and priority boarding?
Priority check-in is a credit card perk that makes it easier to check in for the flight at the airport, drop off your bags, or get your boarding pass. Priority boarding is another perk, but it's slightly different: It allows you to board the plane before most other travellers.
Does Air Canada have military priority check-in benefits?
Military members don't get priority check-in benefits, but they do get an additional baggage allowance. Canadian and U.S. military members can check up to 3 bags on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express.
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