How to Skip the Stress on Your Air Canada Summer Flight

Summer travel brings massive crowds and long lines. Air Canada expects to fly over a million people in a single week during peak times, with busy days like July 31 and August 3 seeing up to 160,000 passengers. Fortunately, you can still have a smooth trip if you know a few smart tricks before you head to the airport.

Your phone is your best tool to avoid airport stress. Download the Air Canada app before you pack to check in and monitor real-time gate changes. The app also saves your boarding pass offline, so you won’t have to scramble if the terminal Wi-Fi drops.

Lugging heavy bags through a crowded terminal quickly gets exhausting. Fortunately, eligible flyers can check a carry-on bag for free at the desk, and then track its exact location through the app.

Getting to the airport early actually pays off. If you have lounge access, you can grab a coffee at the new Air Canada Cafés in Vancouver, Montreal, and Quebec City. Even without lounge access, your Aeroplan membership gets you perks at airport shops. A new partnership with Club Avolta means you earn points on everyday airport purchases, like picking up a magazine or a snack before your flight.

Once you board, you don’t have to disconnect. Aeroplan members get fast, free Wi-Fi on flights within North America and to sun destinations. Just make sure to sign up for the loyalty program before you fly. This perk also applies if you fly in Business Class or hold United MileagePlus status.

Air Canada also added local Canadian touches to its international flights. The snack cart now features free Molson Canadian, Creemore Springs beer, and Leclerc Célébration Mini Maple Leaf Cookies. If you fly internationally in Signature Class, you’ll also get a new amenity kit featuring Sahajan skincare products. For entertainment, you can tune into Canadian programs like the travel documentary How I Got Here.

A little preparation turns a chaotic travel day into a relaxing getaway. Take two minutes right now to download the Air Canada app and sign up for a free Aeroplan account. You’ll skip the Wi-Fi fees, track your bags, and start your summer vacation the moment you reach the airport.