Air Canada Standardizes Check-In Cut-Off Time At 60 Minutes

Image: Air Canada Boeing 737-8 (Photo Credit: Air Canada)
Image: Air Canada Boeing 737-8 (Photo Credit: Air Canada)
Bruce Parkinson
by Bruce Parkinson
Last updated: 6:00 AM ET, Wed September 4, 2024

Effective today, Air Canada domestic and international travellers must check-in at least 60 minutes before their flight, an increase from the previous 45 minutes.

An exception is for passengers departing the Toronto Island (YTZ) airport, where the check-in cut-off time will remain at 20 minutes. 

“This change ensures a smoother, more efficient boarding process, giving customers peace of mind as they prepare for takeoff,” said the airline in a statement.

The change offers a benefit for AC status members: upgrades will be processed 15 minutes earlier, enabling those passengers to board with their zone.

Most passengers check-in online these days, with check-in opening 24 hours before their flight. For clients who prefer to check-in at the airport, the carrier says to remind them to arrive well in advance of the check-in deadline.

Checked luggage at baggage claim

Checked luggage at baggage claim. (Photo Credit: Aris Suwanmalee/Adobe Stock)

Air Canada warns that it cannot accept additional bags for a flight once the baggage deadline has passed. For international flights, the baggage drop-off time is 60 minutes, however for domestic flights customers can drop off their bags up to 45 minutes before departure.

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