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Airline Guide · AC

Air Canada: Canada, and a clever shortcut to everywhere else

Air Canada flies to more than 50 U.S. airports. Use it to reach Canada — or connect through Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver to Europe and Asia, often for less than flying direct.

Air Canada Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on approach with landing gear down
Boarding Pass
IATAAC
ICAOACA
HubYYZ
ProgramAeroplan

Four hubs, coast to coast

Toronto is the main gateway and handles most U.S. connections. Montreal is strong for Europe and French-speaking destinations.

Vancouver is the shortest route from North America to much of Asia, and Calgary is the door to the Rockies.

Hub City / Airport Known for
YYZ TorontoToronto Pearson International Largest hub, most U.S. links
YUL MontrealMontréal–Trudeau International Europe and North Africa
YVR VancouverVancouver International Gateway to Asia-Pacific
YYC CalgaryCalgary International Western Canada and the Rockies
Air Canada Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flying past in its black, white and red livery Boeing 787-9

Three cabins, plus five Economy fare types

In Economy, the fare type matters as much as the cabin. Basic is the bare minimum; Latitude is fully flexible and upgrade-friendly.

Five fare types

Economy

  • Basic, Standard, Flex, Comfort and Latitude
  • Seat-back screen on mainline jets
  • Free beer, wine and snacks on most flights
  • Basic: no changes and limited baggage
More room

Premium Economy

  • Wider seat with more recline
  • Two checked bags
  • Priority check-in and boarding
  • Upgraded meals
Lie-flat on long-haul

Business / Signature Class

  • Lie-flat pods on international wide-bodies
  • Recliner seats on shorter flights
  • Maple Leaf Lounge access
  • Signature Suite dining at Toronto and Vancouver on eligible fares

Popular Air Canada routes

Search any route

Fares are indicative one-way economy prices and change with dates and availability. Click a route for live prices.

Why Americans connect through Canada

Air Canada actively sells Canada as a connecting point for U.S. travellers, and the airports are set up to make it painless.

U.S. preclearance

On the way home you clear U.S. immigration in Canada and land as a domestic passenger.

No bag re-check

On most U.S.–international connections your bags are transferred automatically.

Often cheaper

One-stop fares through Toronto or Vancouver frequently undercut U.S. nonstops.

Free stopover deals

Air Canada periodically offers low-cost stopovers in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver.

Air Canada baggage at a glance

Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm

No weight limit; not on some Basic fares

Personal item 43 × 33 × 16 cm

Free on every fare

Checked bag 23 kg / 50 lb

32 kg in Business

Bag size limit 158 cm / 62 in

Length + width + height combined

On Economy Basic fares within North America and to sun destinations, only a personal item is included — a full-size carry-on must be checked for a fee.

One of the most flexible programmes anywhere

Aeroplan is a favourite well beyond Canada. Points can be redeemed on dozens of partner airlines, you can add a stopover to an award for a small number of points, and family members can pool their balances for free.

Status requirements are set by Air Canada and can change.

  1. 01 25K Where you start
  2. 02 35K Level 2
  3. 03 50K Level 3
  4. 04 75K Level 4
  5. 05 Super Elite Top tier

Six tips for cheaper Air Canada fares

01

Check the Basic bag rule

If you need a carry-on, Standard may be cheaper than Basic plus a checked-bag fee.

02

Price it via Canada

For Europe and Asia, a Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver connection can save real money.

03

Leave time for preclearance

On the way back to the U.S. you clear immigration in Canada. Allow at least 90 minutes.

04

Combine with United

United and Air Canada share cross-border flights and can be mixed on one ticket.

05

Avoid peak ski and summer weeks

Fares to Vancouver and Calgary jump during school holidays and ski season.

06

Ask about phone-only fares

Our agents can sometimes access fares that do not appear online.

Your AC ticket in four steps

  1. Step 1

    Search

    Enter your cities and dates and filter results to Air Canada.

  2. Step 2

    Compare

    See fares, stops and cabins side by side with taxes shown up front.

  3. Step 3

    Add details

    Enter traveller names exactly as on ID and add your Aeroplan number.

  4. Step 4

    Fly

    Get your confirmation by email, then check in with Air Canada before you fly.

Air Canada FAQs

Can't find your answer? Our team is on the phone 24/7.

+1 (888) 356-6085
Is SkylineSparrow the same as Air Canada?
No. SkylineSparrow is an independent travel agency. We help you search, compare and book Air Canada flights, but we are not owned by or affiliated with the airline.
Do I need a passport to fly Air Canada from the U.S.?
Yes. A valid passport is required to enter Canada by air. Travellers from many countries also need an eTA or visa, though U.S. citizens do not.
What is U.S. preclearance?
At major Canadian airports you go through U.S. immigration and customs before boarding your flight to the U.S., then arrive as a domestic passenger.
Does Air Canada Basic include a carry-on?
Not on flights within Canada, to the U.S. or to sun destinations — only a personal item is included. International long-haul Basic fares generally do include a carry-on.
What is Signature Class?
Air Canada's name for its international business class, with lie-flat pods on wide-body aircraft and upgraded dining and lounges.
What is Air Canada Rouge?
The airline's leisure brand, flying mostly to holiday destinations. It is booked the same way and earns Aeroplan points.
Is it cheaper to book Air Canada over the phone?
Sometimes. Our travel experts can see phone-only fares and alternative routings. Call +1 (888) 356-6085 any time — we're available 24/7.

Flying Air Canada?

Tell us where you are headed — we will compare fare types and Canadian connections and find the best option.

SkylineSparrow is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Air Canada. Airline names and programme names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used here only to describe the flights we help you book. Fares shown are indicative; airline policies change, so always confirm details with the airline before you travel.