Air Canada said on June 26 that it expects more than 1 million customers on its flights over the following week, the stretch that carries Canada Day and the start of the summer peak. The carrier is flying more than 50 destinations within Canada on a full schedule.
Tom Stevens, the airline’s Vice President of Customer Experience and Service Operations, tied the season to the way people travel at home and abroad. “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,” he said.
He added that staff were ready. “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.”
At the airport
The airline calls its service plan “Glowing-Hearted Hospitality.” For travelers, that translates into a list of specifics. Families, seniors, unaccompanied minors and customers with disabilities can get dedicated extra-care assistance on the ground. Air Canada also pointed to upgraded Maple Leaf Lounges in Montreal, new Air Canada Cafés in Vancouver, Montreal and Quebec City, and Signature Suites in Toronto and Vancouver.
From June 30, 2026, Aeroplan members can earn rewards and unlock offers at participating airport shops through the Avolta app, whether they are buying a magazine or browsing duty-free.
The carrier said it has made progress on accessible travel over the past three years, through service changes, employee training and programs developed with the disability community and accessibility advocates.
On board
The in-flight entertainment system carries a selection of Canadian programming, including the Air Canada-sponsored travel documentary series How I Got Here. Aeroplan members, United MileagePlus members and Business Class customers get free streaming-quality Wi-Fi on flights within North America and to Sun destinations, sponsored by Bell.
Passengers flying internationally in Signature Class receive amenity kits sourced from the Canadian company Hunter Amenities. Each one holds a reusable contoured eye mask, soft cabin socks and Canadian-made items, among them skincare from the brand Sahajan.
The app and a few tips
Customers can check in, pull up boarding passes, receive real-time flight updates, track baggage and mobility aids where available, and manage their Aeroplan account in the mobile app. Carlos Faxas, Vice President of Digital Products, said the app is meant to make “every step of that journey feel easier and more connected,” and that technology is also backing up airport and in-flight crews.
Air Canada’s advice for the rush is practical. Download the app before leaving for the airport, since check-in opens 24 hours before departure. The boarding pass stays available offline. Leave plenty of time for bags and security. Eligible customers can check a carry-on sized bag for free at check-in. Aeroplan members can also use AC Wallet to apply flight and promotional credits to a later trip.
For anyone who has not yet booked, the airline suggested sturgeon fishing in British Columbia or a cruise along the St. Lawrence River through Ontario and Quebec.
Sources
- Air Canada Kicks off Summer Travels by Celebrating the Very Best of Canada
- Summer takes flight: Air Canada to welcome 1 million-plus customers, shares travel tips
- Air Canada Expects More Than 1 Million Travelers in the First Peak Week of Summer
