What is priority boarding Air Canada?

Priority boarding in zones 1 or 2 offers dedicated boarding lanes at most gates. This gives you the luxury of boarding first, or at your leisure. Learn more about Priority Boarding.



Priority boarding on Air Canada is a service that allows eligible passengers to board the aircraft before the general Economy cabin, divided into specific Zones 1 and 2. Zone 1 is typically reserved for Business Class passengers and top-tier Aeroplan Super Elite members. Zone 2 is for Premium Economy, Premium Rouge, and other Aeroplan Elite status members (25K and up), as well as Star Alliance Gold members and certain credit card holders. The primary advantage of priority boarding is the ability to secure overhead bin space for carry-on luggage before the bins become crowded. In 2026, Air Canada has refined its boarding process to be more efficient, often utilizing automated gates. If you are not in a premium cabin or do not have elite status, you can sometimes purchase "Priority Boarding" as a standalone add-on during the check-in process or by choosing a "Comfort" or "Latitude" fare. For families with young children and those needing extra assistance, Air Canada typically offers "pre-boarding" before Zone 1, ensuring that those who need more time can settle in without the pressure of the main boarding rush.

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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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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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What is priority boarding? It is a service that can be added to your booking, allowing you to be among the first to board and guaranteeing that your hand luggage will travel with you in the cabin (remember that your hand luggage must meet the requirements).

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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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Enjoy the following priority services : Priority check-in with personalized services. Priority boarding. Priority baggage handling.

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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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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 – First class is the first group of passengers to get on and off the plane. Instead of waiting in long lines with other travelers, first-class passengers receive priority boarding that allows them to get to their seats faster.

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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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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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Benefits Of Boarding Your Flight First With this, you will have better chances of getting good cabin space for your luggage over your seat. If you board in late, you might have to set your cabin luggage in spaces over others' designated seats that will only add to your deboarding time when you reach your destination.

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