Tips for travellers
Find out what you should do, and what your rights are if:
- your flight is delayed or cancelled
- your flight is with a large or small airline
- your baggage is lost, damaged or delayed
When available, check in on-line in advanced of your flight.
Arrive at the airport early. This is especially important during peak travel periods or during certain events that may result in airport congestion or longer passenger processing times. Check your airline’s ticket or tariff for the applicable deadlines.
Most discounted tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed without penalties.
Carefully read the tariff, particularly those sections related to check-in, advance seat selection, baggage fees and penalties. You can find a copy of the tariff on the airline’s website or by contacting the airline’s customer service department.
Each airline sets out its own limits for the weight and number of carry-on and checked bags.
To be eligible for compensation, refunds, or reimbursement, you must file a claim in writing with the airline:
- within 7 days of receiving your damaged baggage
- within 21 days of receiving your delayed baggage on international flights
- as soon as possible for delayed baggage on flights within Canada and no later than the time limit found in the airline’s tariff
- as soon as possible for baggage that is considered lost (not returned within 21 days)
Speak with an airline representative or check your airline’s tariff for its baggage rules and allowances.
Most airlines require 48 hours (2 days) or more to accommodate special requests.
These include requests such as:
- carrying pets
- sports equipment
- musical instruments
- dietary restrictions
- medical conditions
- disability-related needs
Contact your airline’s customer service department to find out their rules.
Always include your contact information and your destination information inside each piece of baggage. This can help airlines identify your bags if they don’t have an external tag or the tag has been lost.
Always carry essential and valuable items with you on board:
- your passport
- identification
- return tickets
- medicines and medical devices
- money
- jewellery
- electronic equipment
- essential overnight items
Consult the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) for a detailed list of what you can bring in your carry-on or checked baggage.
Ensure you have the proper travel documents to travel within Canada, to enter a foreign country or to return to Canada. All Canadian travellers, including children, must have their own passport.
Consult the diplomatic mission of each country you intend to visit for its entry requirements.
As a traveller, you must comply with the health requirements of the country that you are visiting (vaccination, testing, etc.). Make sure you know the requirements before you leave.
For more information, see:
Consider including protection against:
- baggage loss, delay, damage or theft
- trip cancellation or interruption
- personal injury or death
Make sure you have sufficient medical coverage when travelling as well.
- Monitor your airline notifications of departure time changes and cancellations.
- Check your flight’s status at least 24 hours before departure and before leaving for the airport.