Air Canada says more than 2.3 million customers are expected to fly on over 18,000 flights between Dec. 18 and Jan. 4, as the airline gears up for one of its busiest travel periods of the year.
The carrier said it is adding extra staff at airports across Canada to help families, travellers needing accessibility support and those making tight connections. Customers are also being encouraged to use the Air Canada mobile app for check-in, digital boarding passes, real-time flight updates and live baggage tracking.
To improve luggage handling, the airline is continuing its baggage tracking system that allows customers to share the location of Apple AirTags or Find My network devices if bags need help being located.
Air Canada is also adding festive touches at major hubs including Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, with holiday décor, appearances by Santa and complimentary seasonal snacks at select airports. Maple Leaf Lounges will feature special holiday menus, and some flights will offer seasonal food and drinks throughout December.
In-flight entertainment will include more than 50 holiday-themed movies, while customers across cabins on outbound international flights can expect festive menu items.
Beyond the holidays, the airline highlighted recent customer experience upgrades, including in-flight Wi-Fi on North American and Sun routes for Aeroplan members, complimentary beer and wine on all flights, and expanded onboard snack options. Looking ahead to 2026, Air Canada says it plans to launch new routes and introduce aircraft with redesigned cabins.
The airline says the goal is to make holiday travel smoother and more comfortable as airports see a surge in seasonal demand.