Pre-boarding checklist
- Check the expiry date on your passport's photo identification page. Check the entry requirements of your destination country to find out whether your passport must be valid for a certain time period beyond your expected return date and whether you will need a visa.
- If you need to order or renew a passport, do it well in advance of your trip.
- Check the expiry dates of your photo identification and order new ones if necessary.
- Double-check your itinerary before your trip. It should show the departure and arrival terminals, the flight numbers and schedules, and the length of the flights.
- Be aware of any rules or regulations that apply to travelling with children.
- Be aware of any rules or regulations that apply to travelling with pets.
- Be aware of customs regulations if you plan to fly outside of Canada.
- Pack valuables or necessities in your carry-on baggage, not your checked bags.
- Check with your airline for any rules, regulations (including size limitations) or fees that apply to carry-on or checked bags. Try not to pack more baggage than you can carry.
- Inform your airline of any special needs, including diet restrictions.
- Put tags on all of your bags to help you find them quickly at the baggage claim or to identify them if they get lost. Protect yourself by not writing your home address and business title on your baggage labels. Put an address label inside each bag in case it is lost.
- Bring the proper photo identification with you to the airport and keep it handy so you can show it at the check-in counter and again before boarding your flight.
- Check in 24 hours before your flight and print your boarding pass at home or at self-service kiosk.
- Check the security screening wait time at your departure airport before you leave home.
- Check the status of your flight with the airline company—be aware of any delays or changes to your flight schedule.
- Arrive at the airport early: 60 minutes ahead of your departure time for a domestic flight and two to three hours ahead for an international flight.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended.
- Check in and drop off your checked baggage.
- Go through security screening.
- Show your boarding pass and appropriate ID to the airline representative.
- Get on the plane!
Video: Airline ticket and tariff
Watch the video on airline ticket and tariff for useful tips
Transcript: Airline ticket and tariff
NARRATOR: Dealing with airline ticket issues can be frustrating and if you make a mistake, it can often lead to extra fees or being refused transport by the airline.
So, what is your ticket exactly?
The ticket you purchase is proof you have a contract with that airline and there is supposed to be a seat with your name on it.
(clearing throat)
Actually, your name is on the ticket…not literally on the seat.
And like any contract, you should make sure you understand the terms and conditions before you commit to paying.
You wouldn't sign a mortgage or a car lease without knowing what's in the fine print, would you?
It's the same with an airline ticket. Each airline has its own terms and conditions in a document called a "tariff".
You can give the airline a call, visit their ticket counter or go to their website.
There's information about what happens if you make a mistake while booking like spelling your name wrong or entering the wrong date.
You may have to pay extra fees to fix a mistake or you could even be refused transport.
It's your responsibility to make sure you've entered the correct information when booking...and if you realize you've made a mistake, contact the airline immediately.
Look at it this way. An airline ticket is a binding contract that involves spending your hard earned cash.
Having a good understanding of an airline's terms and conditions and having issues clarified before you buy a ticket helps to eliminate unpleasant surprises, extra fees and frustration.
Fly Smart. Know Your Rights & Responsibilities.
- Identity Screening Regulations, Department of Justice
- Passenger Protect Program, Government of Canada