For many people, the holidays are one of the few times they find themselves in an airport — and one of the most exciting. With families reuniting, winter getaways underway and festive energy filling terminals across the country, airports transform into vibrant, lively spaces.
Between December 18 - January 4, more than 2.3 million Air Canada customers will be travelling on 18,000+ flights to more than 180 destinations worldwide — an average of 130,000 customers a day! With the added hustle and bustle, the airline is working hard to bring comfort and spread holiday cheer on the ground at airports across Canada, and in the air on select flights.
Making holiday travel easier
Air Canada is stepping up to make travel as smooth and enjoyable as possible during the holidays. With additional on-the-ground support, customers can look forward to thoughtful, personalized assistance designed to meet their unique needs. From families with strollers to those requiring accessibility support, Air Canada agents are ready to help keep journeys stress-free. Agents will assist with flight connections, ensure priority baggage handling is seamless, and share tips for navigating bustling terminals. Air Canada customers can also count on guidance to essential amenities like lounges, restrooms, and charging stations. For children travelling alone, Air Canada provides dedicated, hands-on care from check-in all the way to arrival, creating peace of mind for families during this busy travel time.
To make the travel experience even more streamlined you can use the Air Canada mobile app before you even set off for the airport. The app offers everything you need for your travel day, including live baggage tracking and real-time updates on flight status, gate changes, and any schedule adjustments. Save time by checking in for your flight on the app and having the convenience of a digital boarding pass.
For even more peace of mind, Air Canada also offers an enhanced way to keep track of your luggage. Last year, the airline launched a new, efficient baggage tracking system – the first of its kind among Canadian airlines. Customers can use the Share Item Location feature on the Air Canada website to securely share the location of their Apple AirTag, or the Find My network with the airline, if their bags need additional locating support. Air Canada customers can also explore a new feature that introduces the dedicated employees who help manage baggage behind the scenes.
Festive touches at the airport and in the air
Air Canada is adding holiday touches at airports across Canada to elevate the holiday travel experience. Customers can expect cheerful decor, friendly greetings from agents and guidance to amenities. Santa will also make appearances at major hubs such as Montréal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR) to bring holiday cheer to families. Complimentary seasonal snacks will be offered at arrivals in select airports throughout the week of December 15 serving up some extra joy.
In select Maple Leaf Lounges, customers can enjoy specially curated regional holiday menus and festive treats. Eligible customers can also enjoy added comfort at the new Air Canada Cafés in the domestic terminals at Montréal (YUL) and Vancouver (YVR).
In-flight throughout the month of December, customers across all cabins on outbound international flights can also feel festive with holiday menu items. From broccoli and cranberry salad to hot chocolate and Cinnamon Churro TWIGZ, customers can get in the spirit before the even arrive at their destination.
Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment will be packed with holiday films to keep the holiday spirit going with more than 50 holiday-themed titles including Home Alone, The Holdovers, and The Polar Express.
Comfort and care that continue beyond the holidays
After the holiday season winds down, Air Canada's dedication to customers doesn't end. The airline has made major customer experience improvements this year, with even more on the way.
In-flight Wi-Fi was introduced earlier this year, available for Aeroplan members on all North American and Sun routes. Complimentary beer and wine are now standard on every Air Canada flight, and it’s the only North American airline to serve complimentary non-alcoholic Heineken 0.0. The airline has also added MadeGood Mornings Cinnamon Bun Soft Baked Oat Bars to their on-board selection of complimentary Canadian snacks, joining TWIGZ Craft Pretzels and Leclerc’s Celebration Cookies.
Looking forward to 2026, Air Canada will add new routes to more destinations and launch a new aircraft with redesigned cabins for extra comfort, connectivity, and productivity.