Preparation is the key to successful travel. By doing your homework before you leave, you minimize the chances of something going wrong. You will find a broad range of information to help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable journey.

Travel Documentation

- Travel within Canada

For passengers over the age of 16 years, a valid government issued picture ID is required, i.e. driver's license, health card etc. For travelers less than 16 years of age, an original birth certificate or non-government issued ID i.e. student card is suggested but not mandatory at this time.

- Travel between Canada & the USA

To travel as a visitor from/to Canada, to/from the USA, a valid passport is the preferred document but for a Canadian or US citizen an original birth

certificate or a citizenship card/certificate plus a valid government issued picture ID are also accepted. Landed immigrants in Canada from Commonwealth countries seeking to enter the United States as non-immigrants must possess a valid passport and non-immigrant visa in order to enter. For more information visit:

As of December 31, 2003, permanent residents from a non visa- waiver country who are returning to Canada will be required to provide the wallet-sized plastic Permanent Resident Card or a visa to re-enter Canada as the IMM1000 Record of Landing will no longer be acceptable. Without a valid PR Card or visa these passengers will not be permitted to board the aircraft and will need to contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to obtain a limited use travel document to re-enter Canada:

Electronic Ticket

Electronic ticketing, also known as E-ticket, allows your entire travel experience to be easy, safe and electronic. It is as easy as asking for an Electronic ticket next time you book a flight with any Airline . It is efficient by making it a snap for you to make changes and cancellations. Electronic tickets are electronic, which means no more paper tickets - your ticket is stored in our computer system waiting for you when you arrive at the airport.

Checklist

• Do your research into political, cultural and economic conditions of the countries to which you will be travelling. Ask friends who have been there, travel agents, foreign missions, and consult guidebooks before you leave.
• Draw up a flexible itinerary and budget. Leave a copy with someone at home.
• Find out about weather conditions. Pack appropriate footwear and the minimum of clothing.
• Purchase a supplementary health insurance plan that is appropriate for the type of trip that you are making.
• Carry proof of insurance coverage.
• Know how to contact your insurer, and make sure that your travelling companion(s), travel agent and someone at home know how to do so as well.
• Photocopy the identification page in your passport. Keep a copy separate from the passport, and leave another copy with someone at home.
• Ensure that you have all the required vaccinations.
• Keep any medication that you require in its original container, and carry a doctor's prescription for any controlled drug.
• Carry a medical certificate for syringes if you require them for medical purposes.
• Ensure that you have the required visas. Make photocopies of your visas, and keep them separate from the originals.
• Investigate whether or not you or any of your family members are also considered nationals of any of the countries you plan to visit.
• Learn a few phrases in the language of the country you plan to visit.  

Baggage Information - Security Update

Transport Canada has advised all airlines that the use of electronic "luggage locators" are not recommended on the exterior of any bag. Until further notice, customers will be required to remove the electronic devices from all bags prior to check-in. Customers can place the device on the inside of their checked or carry-on baggage or on their person. Transport Canada requested that airlines advise customers that the devices have not yet been approved by Transport Canada and must not be activated.

(TSA) - US Transportation Security Administration has issued the following information to passengers arriving into the United States and connecting to other flights or continuing on the same flight.

For your security, the TSA is screening all checked baggage. In some cases, screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, then TSA will simply open and screen the bag. However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, the locks may have to be broken.

You may keep your bag locked if you choose, however, passengers who elect to lock their checked baggage must do so with the understanding that this process may result in damage to locks and/or baggage delays.

TSA and your airline are not liable for damage to locks resulting from this mandatory security measure. For more details visit the

New security screening can damage your camera film. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is deploying new screening equipment for checked baggage that will damage photographic film, but does not affect digital disks. The new checked baggage screening equipment is consistent with the types being deployed at airports in the U.S. and around the world. Passengers are advised to pack their film in carry-on baggage.

(The equipment used for carry-on baggage at pre-board screening areas will not damage film with an ISO/ASA under 800. However, multiple exposures of the same roll of film to a pre-board x-ray inspection may cause damage. Passengers may request a hand search at pre-board screening to avoid potential damage to film).

For more details visit the

Prohibited items in carry-on baggage

For a more detailed list of the prohibited items in carry-on baggage please refer to the web sites.

1. Sharp objects

Place these and any cutting or piercing items in your "checked baggage".

Syringes or needles for personal medical use are allowed onboard providing the needle guard is intact, and must be accompanied by the prescription medication with a printed label identifying the medication name and the issuing medical office or pharmacy.

Toy guns, sporting articles such as golf clubs, baseball bats, skates, etc... are not allowed as carry-on.

Camping/Sporting Hazardous goods: Please note that these items are not permitted for carriage onboard an aircraft: No camping fuels (e.g. propane) no matches, no lighters or other dangerous goods as described under the

2. Electronic equipment

These items can be placed in your carry-on baggage, however to bring these items on-board make sure to turn the power on for the security check.

3. Carry-on baggage allowance for all customers

It's a busy travel season, so please keep in mind our maximum carry-on baggage allowance. Starting January 5, 2005, airport agents will be strongly enforcing carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions. Oversized carry-on bags cause many flight delays, so don't forget to confirm your allowance before your trip.

Items, which falls within the 2-piece carry-on allowance, include: Carry-on bags or suitcases (wheels and handles included in the size), briefcases, Laptop computers, diaper bags, camera cases, cartons or other similar items.

(standard article 23cm x 40cm x55cm - Personal article 16cm x 33cm x 43cm)

Items permitted but not considered part of the allowance include camera, coats, purses (25cmx30cmx20cm or less), urns containing human remains, strollers, child restraint systems, canes, crutches, walkers, containers carrying life sustaining items and other similar items.

Stowage on board

Heavy items under the seat and lighter ones in the overhead bin.

4. Photo ID required for ALL flights for ALL passengers 16 years of age or older.

Some of the prohibited carry-on items are currently displayed on our Web site. For a more detailed list of the prohibited items in carry-on baggage please refer to the websites.

Effective April 14, 2005, all lighters will be banned from sterile areas beyond security checkpoints at airports and onboard aircraft. This includes, for example, butane, absorbed-fuel (Zippo-type), electric/battery-powered and novelty lighters.

The Department of Transportation classifies lighters as hazardous materials, and prohibits them from being stowed in checked baggage. TSA will dispose of lighters brought to checkpoints. Passengers at some airports may be able to ship them via a private company for a fee, but TSA strongly urges passengers to thoroughly inspect their carry-on and checked baggage for these items before going to the airport.

Although the TSA is considering adding matches to the prohibited items list, travellers are permitted up to four books of strike-on-cover matches on their person or in accessible property, until advised otherwise. Under DOT regulations, all matches are prohibited from carriage in checked baggage. For additional information, visit the website.

Travelling to the United Kingdom? Check the rules before you take any food items with you.

It is against the law to bring any meat or dairy products into the UK from countries outside Europe. Restrictions also apply to many other food items, including fish, shellfish, eggs and honey as well as certain plants and vegetables.

Controls on food imports are essential to protect British livestock and agriculture from pests and disease not found in the UK - and may also protect your own health.

Check the rules at before you travel and avoid severe delays, prosecution and fines on arrival in the UK.  

Checked Baggage

Air Canada and its regional carrier allow each customer to bring two pieces of luggage in Hospitality Service and three pieces in Executive Class/Executive First, which is carried in the baggage compartment of the aircraft at no charge. This is known as the 'free checked baggage allowance'. The overall measurement of each piece (L + W + H) must be less than 62 inches or 158 cm, and the weight less than 50 lbs. or 23 kgs (except on flights to/from Brazil, Japan, China, South Korea or Hong Kong, where the bags may weigh up to 70lbs). Don't exceed these limits or you'll have to pay an additional amount (effective for travel after October 12, 2005) at the airport prior to travel. Note that checked baggage weighing more than 70 lbs or 32 kgs. will not be accepted.

Infants not occupying a seat are allowed one smaller 50 lb. piece with an overall measurement of no more than 45 ins. or 115 cm. Air Canada also carries the following baby equipment in the baggage compartment, free of charge: car seat, baby seat, bassinet and stroller.

When traveling on Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz, the size and number of bags you may check is limited by the free baggage allowance. If your baggage exceeds this free allowance (too many pieces, too big or too heavy), you will be charged an excess baggage fee.

Packing Tips

• Do not wrap bungee cords, ties or straps around baggage.
• Remove all old airline tags from your luggage.
• Attach identification tags to the inside and outside of the bag, giving destination as well as home addresses.
• Keep all medications and high value items such as cameras, jewelry electronic devices and cash with you, do not put them in checked baggage.

Camping/Sporting Hazardous goods: Please note that these items are not permitted for carriage onboard an aircraft: No camping fuels (e.g. propane) no matches, no lighters or other dangerous goods as described under the

Garment Bags: Each garment bag is a piece of luggage subject to standard rules, except that the dimensional restraints do not apply.

Any one of the following sports items may be substituted for a free checked baggage allowance piece if it fits within the weight and dimensions. However, when carried over and above this allowance, additional charges will be levied at the Airport.

Archery equipment
Covers a bow and arrows suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, the item(s) will only be accepted with a limited release form (to be signed at check-in), releasing Air Canada of liability.

Fishing equipment
Includes two rods, one reel, one landing net, one pair of boots and a tackle box. The fishing rod(s) must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, the item(s) will only be accepted with a limited release form (to be signed at check-in), releasing Air Canada of liability.

Golf clubs
A golf bag containing no more than 14 clubs, 12 golf balls and one pair of golf shoes. The bag and clubs must be fully enclosed in a hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, the item(s) will only be accepted with a limited release form (to be signed at check-in), releasing Air Canada of liability.

Hockey equipment
One equipment bag not exceeding 70 lbs (32 kg) and a maximum of 2 hockey sticks. Excess charges apply for overweight and/or additional equipment. The hockey stick(s) must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, the sticks must be taped together and will only be accepted with a limited release form (to be signed at check-in), releasing Air Canada of liability.

Scuba diving equipment
A set is considered to be one each of the following: empty scuba tank, air supply, regulator, pressure gauge, tank harness, face mask, pair of diving fins, snorkel, knife, spear gun, air pistol and safety vest. All equipment (excluding the tank which can be carried separately) must be securely packed in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, the item(s) will only be accepted with a limited release form (to be signed at check-in), releasing Air Canada of liability.

Skis (snow or water)
A set of snow skis means one pair of skis, poles and boots. For water skis it's a pair, or a single slalom. These sets are considered as one piece of checked baggage and no other item(s) can be carried in the package . The skis and poles must be packaged in a rigid and/or hardshell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, the item(s) will only be accepted with a limited release form (to be signed at check-in), releasing Air Canada of liability.

Snowboards
A set consists of one snowboard and one pair of boots. This set is considered as one piece of checked baggage and no other item(s) can be carried in the package . The snowboard must be packaged in a rigid and/or hardshell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, the item will only be accepted with a limited release form (to be signed at check-in), releasing Air Canada of liability.

Air Canada carries the following sports equipment as excess baggage at a reduced fee. Please note it cannot be substituted for the free baggage allowance.

Bicycles
There is a fixed handling charge for the carriage of bicycles anywhere Air Canada flies: $65 CAD/$ 50 USD - One Way.

The bicycle must be prepared as follows, prior to arrival at the airport: fix the handlebars sideways and remove the pedals. Place the bicycle in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If not packaged in a container, Air Canada will provide a plastic bicycle bag and will accept the item with a limited release form (to be signed at check-in), releasing Air Canada of liability. Bicycle suitcases containing collapsible bicycles are also accepted.

Surfboards
There is a fixed handling charge for the carriage of surfboards anywhere Air Canada flies: $65 CAD/$ 50 USD - One Way.

Place the surfboard in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If not packaged in a container, Air Canada will provide a plastic bag and will accept the item with a limited release form (to be signed at check-in), releasing Air Canada of liability. The overall measurement of each piece (L + W + H) must be less than 115 inches or 292 cm (L+W+H) and no longer than 80 inches or 203 cm.

Canoes/Hang Gliders/Kayaks/Luges/Polevaults/Windsurfers
These items are not accepted as checked baggage.

Hunting Equipment Hunting Equipment/Bounty/Antlers
Please arrive at the airport 90 minutes before your flight to ensure proper handling of these items. We regret that we cannot be responsible for loss, damage or delay during transport.

Antlers or Horns
Antlers or horns are accepted as checked baggage only.

The cost to transport antlers and/or horns on domestic, transborder and international flights is $150/US$125 plus applicable taxes for one-way travel. Smaller antlers wrapped in a larger set count as one item.

The antlers or horns must be clean and well-wrapped in absorbent material with all points covered. The item must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, the item(s) will only be accepted with a limited release form (to be signed at check-in), releasing Air Canada of liability.

Weight limit on antlers or horns is 70lbs / 32Kg.

Bounty
Meat or game must be transported in a leak-proof container or wrapped in absorbent material and then placed in plastic bags inside waxed cartons. Plastic bags alone are not sufficient for transport.

Hunting Equipment
For information about transporting ammunition and firearms.

Limits of Liability

Liability for loss, delay or damage to baggage for travel wholly between points in Canada is limited to $1500 CAD per passenger unless a higher value is declared in advance and additional charges are paid. For most International travel (including domestic portions of international journeys) up to approximately $9.07 USD per pound ($20.00 USD per kilo) for checked baggage and $400 USD per passenger for unchecked baggage. Contact Air Canada for further information.

Please note that Air Canada assumes no liability for money, jewelry, silverware, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, samples, liquids, food and other perishables, computers, prescription drugs, photographic equipment, video equipment, cellular telephones, artistic items, chinaware/ceramics/pottery, electronic and mechanical items, glass, musical instruments and equipment, paper (includes photographs/negatives/prints, historical documents, maps), sporting goods (tennis rackets, scuba gear, fishing rods, surfboards, sporting trophies such as animal antlers and horns).

Despite care in the handling of your baggage, we trust you will understand that we are not responsible for the following: nicks, scratches, missing pullstraps, zipper damage, scuff marks, damage to wheels, soiling, manufacturing defects, damage resulting from over-packing or spillage of packed items.