Summer takes flight: Air Canada to welcome 1 million-plus customers, shares travel tips

Air Canada expects to welcome more than 1 million customers on board over the course of the next week as it kicks off the summer season with a full schedule of flights across Canada.

With Canada Day approaching, customers can expect “special touches” throughout their experience that “reflect the pride that every employee feels as the flag carrier for our country,” reads a press release.

“For many Canadians, summer vacation is when they explore, discover, and share experiences with each other, whether it’s across Canada or at historically relevant sites abroad, like Juno Beach in France, and we’re proud of the role we play in the travel lives of Canadians,” said Tom Stevens, VP of customer experience and service operations at Air Canada, in a statement.

“We’re ready for the busy summer season and our teams are focused on guiding our customers with a very real sense of Canadian pride as we share the very best of the country with the world.”

This includes dedicated, extra-care assistance for families, seniors, and customers with disabilities to premium lounge spaces and curated local treats, the airline said.

At the airport

Air Canada is reminding customers that it has newly-upgraded Maple Leaf Lounges in Montreal, and new Air Canada Cafés in Vancouver, Montreal and Quebec City, as well as Signature Suites in Toronto and Vancouver.

Beginning June 30, 2026, Aeroplan Members can now earn rewards and access exclusive offers across participating airport shopping experiences, from grabbing a pre-flight magazine to browsing duty-free favourites via the Avolta app.

The "Eh-levated" in-flight experience

Adding to complimentary beer and wine and premium snacks on board, as well as new Canadian spirits, local beers (including Molson Canadian and Creemore Springs), new Célébration Mini Maple Leaf Cookies by Leclerc will be served as a tasty treat on international flights departing Canada starting July 1.

Canadian content, meanwhile, can be found on Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment with a curated collection of Canadian programming, including the Air Canada-sponsored travel documentary series How I Got Here.

Customers travelling internationally in Air Canada Signature Class can relax and recharge with new amenity kits sourced by Canadian company Hunter Amenities.

Each kit includes a reusable contoured eye mask for enhanced comfort, soft cabin socks, and premium Canadian-made essentials, including skincare from award-winning Canadian brand Sahajan.

Navigating the journey

 Air Canada is reminding customers to utilize its mobile app, where customers can check in, access boarding passes, receive real-time flight updates, track baggage and mobility aids where available, and manage their Aeroplan account.

“Summer is when Canadians reconnect with family, explore new places, and create lasting memories, and our goal is to make every step of that journey feel easier and more connected,” said Carlos Faxas, VP of digital products at Air Canada, in a release.

“The Air Canada mobile app gives customers access to real-time information throughout their trip, from check-in and boarding to flight updates and baggage tracking, helping them travel with greater confidence. Behind the scenes, technology is also supporting our airport and in-flight teams, allowing them to focus on what matters most: delivering a smooth, caring and distinctly Canadian travel experience.”

Know before you go

Air Canada has also shared the following summer travel tips:

Get Travel Ready: Before heading to the airport, download the Air Canada mobile app to manage your booking, check travel document requirements, prepare for your trip and check-in starting 24 hours before departure.

Travel with Confidence: Your boarding pass remains available offline in the Air Canada mobile app, where real-time updates help you stay informed with flight status, gate changes, baggage tracking and notifications when boarding begins.

Arrive Early and Relax: Give yourself plenty of time to check bags, clear security, and settle in before departure.

Travel Light: Eligible customers can check a carry-on sized bag for free at check-in and travel through the airport with less to carry. Bags can also be tracked throughout their journey in the Air Canada mobile app.

Stay Connected Onboard: Join Aeroplan before your trip to enjoy fast, free Wi-Fi on eligible flights within North America and to Sun destinations.

AC Wallet: Your Aeroplan membership also equips you with the handy AC Wallet, which makes applying flight and promotional credits to your next trip easy.

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