How do I get Air Canada priority?

Who is eligible for priority check-in?
  1. Customers travelling in: ...
  2. Aeroplan Elite Status Members.
  3. Star Alliance Gold members.
  4. Customers travelling on a Latitude fare.
  5. Air Canada Maple Leaf Club cardholders.
  6. Select American Express® Aeroplan® credit card holders.
  7. Eligible cards:




You can achieve priority status with Air Canada by qualifying for Aeroplan Elite Status or through a premium Aeroplan credit card. To earn status the traditional way, you must reach specific thresholds of Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) or Segments (SQS), plus a minimum amount of Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD) within a calendar year; for example, "25K" status requires 25,000 SQM and $3,000 SQD. Once you reach 25K or higher, you unlock "Priority" benefits like priority check-in, boarding (Zone 2), and baggage handling. However, in 2026, you can also get a "head start" by holding a premium credit card like the Chase Aeroplan Card or an Amex Aeroplan Reserve, which often grants automatic 25K status for the first year and the ability to maintain it through spending (e.g., $15,000 per year). These cards also provide "Everyday Status Qualification" (EDQ), where you earn status points on daily purchases. For those who don't fly frequently, buying a "Latitude" or "Business Class" ticket also grants you "Priority" benefits for that specific journey regardless of your status level.

People Also Ask

Priority Reward vouchers entitle Aeroplan Elite Status Members to discount the base fare in points of an eligible flight reward by 50%. (Taxes, fees, charges and, where applicable, the partner booking fee are excluded.)

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Fly in a premium cabin All passengers flying in a premium cabin get priority boarding. But the group you'll be assigned to depends on which class of service you're flying. Passengers in the front cabin board with Group 1.

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How to get (and pay for) TSA PreCheck. To get PreCheck, you'll start by submitting an online application before moving on to an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. If approved, you'll get a Known Traveler Number, which you'll then enter whenever you book a flight.

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If you need your carry-on bag during a long layover or prefer not to wait at a late-night baggage claim after a long day of flying, then purchasing a priority boarding upgrade may be well worth it. In essence, purchasing priority boarding is staking claim to readily accessible overhead bin space.

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In order to avoid delaying others when they are boarding, and to limit the chance of others pushing past him or into him whilst he's trying to get into his seat. Why do some people choose their seats when they book a flight, while others don't have to?

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Priority Boarding is marketed to those passengers who do not have any other elite status or card membership, and it would allow them to board ahead of their assigned group. Passengers who purchase Priority Boarding will be able to board with Group 2.

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Priority services: Air Canada premium economy passengers get priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling. Two checked bags: Air Canada premium economy passengers can check two standard-sized, standard-weight bags at no additional cost.

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Priority services: Air Canada premium economy passengers get priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling. Two checked bags: Air Canada premium economy passengers can check two standard-sized, standard-weight bags at no additional cost.

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Who is allowed in? There are a few ways you can get in, including if you are: Aeroplan 50K elite status or higher: Air Canada's Maple Leaf lounges are open to Air Canada customers who hold Aeroplan 50K, 75K, or Aeroplan Super Elite status in Air Canada's Aeroplan loyalty program.

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Air travel is about getting you there. Sky Priority® helps get you there faster with exclusive services designed to improve your travel experience at every step. With Sky Priority, you'll enjoy faster check-in and accelerated security, early boarding, and expedited baggage service. CHECK-IN. BAGGAGE.

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Better comfort. Not only does waiting to board let you bypass the often stressful and crowded lines (or 'gate lice' as one woman put it), doing so lets you enjoy more legroom, open seating, and less claustrophobia for a few minutes longer in the gate rather than the plane.

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Priority boarding for passengers with disabilities, assistive devices or emotional support animals. Passengers with “status” like Executive Platinum, Gold, Silver, Premier Access, Club, etc. Passengers behind exist rows (some airlines only, like Alaska) Passengers with upgraded seating like “More space” fares.

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Priority boarding is available to passengers with elite status, customers who have purchased select tickets, customers traveling on an international flight, customers traveling with a small child, and customers who are part of the United Airlines Group Boarding program.

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The price of priority boarding While the cost of priority boarding will differ among airlines and flights, you'll typically pay between $10-$30 to board the plane before your group. And we should emphasize before your group, as your priority boarding doesn't out-prioritize many others.

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You will not be allowed to board once the doors close. To allow enough time, review our recommended arrival and check-in times before planning your travel day. Customers who need special assistance and families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.

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The Business class experience
You can expect special treatment, luxury, extra privacy, and enhanced flight entertainment in addition to faster check-in and priority boarding.

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Southwest Airlines has the most efficient, fastest boarding process in the business. The airline has an open seating policy, which allows them to board passengers faster. Southwest may begin boarding 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time, and asks that passengers be in the boarding area no later than this.

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Economy passengers, including those with basic economy fares, can purchase a priority boarding add-on to enter the plane with Group 4. You can't purchase this upgrade during the initial booking process, so you'll need to add it during check-in, online or at the airport.

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