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 perk that can make a big difference to start your trip on the right foot – and it’s available with qualifying Aeroplan-branded credit cards.
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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 checking in and assistance with getting boarding passes and checking your bags.
Priority check-in is a helpful perk for people who are travelling with children or have mobility issues. 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
- Premium Economy class
- Latitude fare
You’re also eligible if you’re an elite member of a travel program:
- Aeroplan (Elite Status)
- Star Alliance (Gold)
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Club cardholders
Finally, you can also enjoy priority check-in with an eligible Aeroplan credit card (more on this in a moment):
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
- American Express Aeroplan Corporate Reserve Card
- American Express Air Canada 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 security clearance. American Express credit cards provide priority screening at Toronto Pearson airport, while Visa Infinite Privilege cards enjoy it in Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver. Elite status with an airline or travelling in business class will also get you this privilege in many large airports around the world.
- Lounge access. Want to sit in comfortable chairs and enjoy some free food and drinks in a quiet, relaxing environment? Maple Leaf Lounges provide complimentary beverages and snacks, but you can also access Air Canada Cafés to purchase meals or grab-and-go items.
- Priority boarding. Priority boarding gives you front-of-the-line access to board the plane whenever you choose (and get first access to the overhead bins), rather than waiting in line for your zone to be called.
- Priority baggage handling. With this premium service, 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.
Which credit cards offer priority services?
If you have a premium Aeroplan card, you probably have priority access. These cards include:
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
- American Express Aeroplan Corporate Reserve Card
- American Express Air Canada Card
Of the available options, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is our favourite.
The
- Unlimited priority check-in and boarding
- Maple Leaf lounge access
- Free checked bags
- Priority security at Toronto-Pearson Airport
- Priority baggage handling
- Annual companion voucher anywhere Air Canada flies when you spend $25,000 annually on the card
…but they come at a cost of $599 per year.
FAQ
Does Air Canada Premium Economy get priority check-in?
Yes, Premium Economy travellers get priority check-in with Air Canada. Those in International Business class, North America and Caribbean Business class, and Latitude fare ticketholders also enjoy priority services.
Does Aeroplan 35K get priority check-in?
Yes, Aeroplan 35K elite members get priority check-in plus other priority services, like priority security clearance, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling.
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