2025-08-30
If you’re planning to fly with Air Canada soon, this guide shares everything you need to know before booking your trip.
I recently traveled with Air Canada from Porto to Quebéc City, connecting through Montréal and Ottawa, and in this review I’ll share my honest experience, including tips that first-time travelers often look for.
Air Canada is Canada’s flag carrier and one of North America’s largest airlines, with major hubs in Toronto (Pearson), Vancouver, and Montreal. Its network covers Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean.
From Europe, there are direct flights from major cities, making it one of the most convenient airlines for crossing the Atlantic.
So, whether you’re considering Air Canada for your next trip to Canada or just want to know what flying with this airline is really like, keep reading.
👉Get unlimited internet in Canada (and a 5% discount)
My experience traveling with Air Canada
My journey with Air Canada started smoothly, with quick and well-organized boarding at the gate. The ground crew was efficient and friendly, which set a positive tone for the flight.
On board, the atmosphere remained calm, even though a few passengers seemed restless. The cabin crew was attentive and professional, always ready to help whenever someone needed assistance.
In economy class, the seat pitch was reasonable, enough legroom to travel comfortably on a long-haul transatlantic flight.
For me, this made a real difference compared to other airlines where space can feel much tighter.
The meals were simple but satisfying. During the flight, I received a hot meal, a snack, and complimentary drinks. While not luxurious, the food quality was good enough to stay comfortable throughout the journey.
One of the highlights was the in-flight entertainment system. The screen had a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music, including many recent releases and even some content in Portuguese. At the beginning of the flight, I bookmarked my favorites and watched them one by one until landing.
Overall, I had a positive experience flying with Air Canada and would not hesitate to choose it again, especially for transatlantic flights between Europe and Canada.
When can I check in online with Air Canada?
Air Canada’s online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight departure. It usually closes 45 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international flights.
During online check-in, you can:
- Choose your seat (with an additional fee for certain options);
- Enter your frequent flyer number (Aeroplan);
- Indicate whether you will be checking baggage;
- Print your boarding pass or save it to your mobile phone.
In my case, when I printed the boarding pass, a message appeared saying I had to validate my documents at the airline counter.
At the airport, the line was short, and the staff quickly checked my passport and confirmed that I had completed the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) in advance.
At that point, I could have checked my luggage, but I chose to travel only with my trolley as carry-on.
Are complimentary meals/snacks served on board?
Yes. On long-haul international flights with Air Canada (such as Europe to Canada), meals and snacks are complimentary in all classes of service.
In economy class, passengers usually receive:
- One hot meal (normally with two options, such as chicken or pasta);
- A light snack before landing (often a sandwich or cookie);
- Complimentary beverages, including juices, water, soft drinks, wine, and beer.
In business class, the dining experience is more elaborate, with multiple courses (appetizers, a choice of main dishes, desserts), plus a wider selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
It’s also possible to request special meals in advance, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.
From my own flight, I received a hot pasta dish, followed later by a small sandwich before arrival, simple, but enough to stay comfortable during the journey.(vegetariana, kosher, halal, sem glúten, etc.) com pelo menos 24 horas de antecedência através do site.
What are Air Canada’s baggage policies?
Air Canada’s baggage allowance depends on the fare purchased and the route. Below are the general rules for international flights (such as Europe–Canada):
Carry-on baggage (included in all fares):
- 1 piece with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm;
- 1 personal item (small backpack, laptop bag, or purse);
- Combined weight up to 10 kg (although in practice, carry-on is rarely weighed).
Checked baggage:
- Economy Class (Standard or Flex fares): usually includes 1 checked bag up to 23 kg;
- Basic Economy Class: no checked baggage included (I chose this fare and had to pay separately if I wanted to check a bag);
- Business Class: 2 checked bags up to 32 kg each.
Tip: Always check your ticket or the official Air Canada website before flying, as baggage rules and fees may vary depending on the route and fare type.
What entertainment does Air Canada offer on board?
Air Canada provides an individual in-flight entertainment system with HD seatback screens at every seat, even in economy class.
You’ll find:
- A wide selection of recent movies, including some still in theaters;
- Popular international TV series;
- Music, games, and podcasts;
- Some content available in Portuguese, which is great for travelers from Portugal and Brazil.
The system is available from shortly after takeoff until just before landing. I found it easy to use, and I especially liked being able to bookmark my favorite movies at the start of the flight.
💡 Tip: Bring your own good-quality headphones, Air Canada provides basic ones, but they aren’t the most comfortable.
Wi-Fi is also available on most long-haul flights, with different data plans you can purchase. The connection worked reasonably well for messaging and browsing, but it’s not ideal for streaming.
Where does Air Canada fly?
Air Canada serves over 200 destinations worldwide, covering five continents and more than 50 countries.
Thanks to its membership in the Star Alliance, passengers can also connect seamlessly to hundreds of additional destinations operated by partner airlines.
Here are some of the main routes:
- Europe: Lisbon, Porto (seasonal), Paris, London, Frankfurt, Madrid, and more;
- North America: virtually all major cities in Canada and the US;
- South America: São Paulo, Bogotá, Lima;
- Asia: Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul;
- Africa: Cairo (seasonal flights);
- Caribbean: Havana, Cancún, Punta Cana, and many others.
From its main hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, Air Canada offers convenient connections to international destinations across the globe.
Frequently asked questions from first-time Air Canada travelers
Is Air Canada a flag carrier?
Yes. Air Canada is Canada’s national airline and a founding member of the Star Alliance, which allows seamless connections with many partner airlines worldwide.
Can I bring food on board?
Yes, as long as it follows airport security rules (no liquids over 100 ml, for example). You can bring snacks, sandwiches, or non-alcoholic drinks. However, passengers are not allowed to consume their own alcoholic beverages, even if purchased duty-free.
Is it possible to upgrade to business class?
Yes. Upgrades depend on availability and can be purchased at check-in or requested in advance through the airline’s “bid upgrade” system, where you make an offer online before your trip.
What’s the difference between Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express?
- Air Canada → the main airline, with full-service flights worldwide.
- Air Canada Rouge → the low-cost version, offering more basic services (limited meals and entertainment, sometimes requiring your own device).
- Air Canada Express → regional flights within Canada and nearby US destinations, usually with smaller planes and reduced cabin comfort.
In Europe, flights may be operated by Air Canada Rouge or Express, so it’s worth checking your ticket in advance to know what to expect.
Are flights on time?
Generally speaking, yes. But as with any airline, delays can happen, especially at large airports.
And that’s what I had to share with you about Air Canada.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Canada or flying with Air Canada to another international destination, I hope this guide helps you prepare with more confidence.
For me, it was a good choice, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a safe, organized, and comfortable airline.
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We travel as a family, focusing on authentic experiences, sustainable choices, and that extra touch of comfort that makes all the difference. At passaportenobolso.com, we share travel tips and practical information about destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. I’ve visited over 40 countries and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Every now and then, I also travel solo… Follow along on YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X / Pinterest.
