Flying with Air Canada on your next trip from Toronto Pearson International Airport? While this airport may be one of the busiest in Canada, it’s actually pretty easy to navigate with the right information and planning. To help you prepare for your next vacation, we’ve outlined all you need to know about flying with Air Canada from Toronto Pearson International Airport right here.
Which terminal does Air Canada leave from at Toronto Pearson International Airport?
All international and domestic Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rougeflights leave from Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport. However, the airport has three sections to separate domestic (within Canada), United States, and international flights.
How to check in with Air Canada
You can check in online or using the Air Canada app for your flight starting 24 hours before your departure. This is Air Canada's recommended check-in method, where you can purchase flight add-ons, update your seat, and view your mobile boarding pass.
If you prefer to check in at the airport, visit the self-service kiosk on the departure level of Terminal 1. Air Canada offers in-person check-in 12 hours before your flight, with staff available to assist you. If you’re flying Business Class or have Elite Status, you can use the Premium line for faster service. When you arrive, be sure to go to the right check-in area, domestic, US, or international, to avoid the wrong line.
How early should I arrive before my flight?
If you’re flying within Canada, aim to arrive two to three hours before your flight. This gives you enough time to check in, clear security, and find your gate before boarding begins.
Flying to the United States? Give yourself at least three hours before departure to clear customs and border processing. US customs are completed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, and lines can get quite long during peak travel periods. Arriving early helps you avoid the stress of rushing or missing your flight.
If you’re checking a bag, allow extra time for baggage drop-off. The drop-off counter closes 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes before departure for international flights.
Where does Air Canada fly to from Toronto Pearson International Airport?
Toronto Pearson is Air Canada’s largest hub, operating flights across Canada, the US, and internationally. The top destinations for Toronto travelers include:
Domestic destinations such as Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Halifax.
US cities, including New York, Chicago, Miami, and Boston.
International destinations in Europe, Mexico, Central America, and India.
Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express operate nonstop service to nearly 20 U.S. destinations from Toronto Pearson, more than any other YYZ carrier. Air Canada flights account for about 50% of total scheduled departures and seats at YYZ among all carriers.
What are Air Canada’s fare classes?
Air Canada offers a number of different fare options for travel within Canada and to the United States, including:
Basic
Standard
Flex
Latitude
While Basic Economy offers the lowest rates, upgrading to a higher class gives you more flexibility when it comes to seat selection, checked baggage, and flight refundability. If you’re ready to splurge, Business Class flights come with premium services like lie-flat seats, lounge access, and five-star meals.
Baggage is an additional fee for Basic or Standard, and only your first checked bag is included with Flex and Comfort. If you’re flying Latitude, Premium Economy, or Business, you can bring two checked bags for no additional cost.
Fare classifications for flights to international and sun destinations are a little different. While the fare structure for sun destinations is similar to Canadian and US flights, international flights include meal service and one checked bag for all fare levels. Lounge access, seat selection, and flight itinerary changes are often available for an additional charge depending on your fare option.
Air Canada carry-on baggage allowance
Air Canada's carry-on baggage allowance allows one standard article and one personal item per person. If you are travelling with an infant on your lap, you can bring an additional standard item for your child’s belongings.
Standard carry-on bags must be 55 x 23 x 40cm (21.5 x 9 x 15.5 inches) or smaller to fit in the overhead compartment. Personal items are stored under the seat in front of you and must be 33 x 16 x 43cm (13 x 6 x 17 inches) or smaller, including any wheels and handles. If you have additional baggage, special equipment, or oversized bags, you may have to pay additional fees to check them.
Checked baggage allowance and fees
Air Canada allows passengers to check bags with a maximum linear dimension of 158cm and a weight limit of 23kg (50lbs). If your baggage exceeds these limitations, you can contact Air Canada and pay an oversize baggage fee of $120 CAD/USD per direction, including taxes. You can check sporting and hunting equipment, but you must make arrangements with Air Canada at least 24 hours in advance.
Baggage fees vary by route, class of service, and Air Canada Altitude status. Passengers traveling on Base Fare tickets are required to pay for checked bags, while higher classes or loyalty members may receive one or more free checked bags with their ticket purchase. Eligible active and retired members of the Canadian and U.S. military are entitled to up to three pieces of checked baggage upon presentation of military identification.
If you’re required to pay a checked bag fee, you’ll be charged:
$35 to $42 CAD/USD for the first bag
$50 to $60 CAD/USD for the second
$100 to $120 CAD/USD for each additional bag
Prices are per direction, including taxes. Before you start packing, check the baggage section of the Air Canada website for the latest updates and information.
What add-ons can you buy with your Air Canada flight?
Depending on your fare level, you can add-on access to Maple Leaf Lounges, checked baggage, advance seat selection, and meal service to your flight.
Checked baggage and advanced seat selection are available when you check in for your flight online (either via Air Canada’s website or mobile app). Access opens 24 hours before departure, and you can make changes up to 45 minutes before domestic flights or 60 minutes before international flights. Choosing a preferred seat comes with an additional fee, but standard seats are available free of charge up to two hours before your flight.
Feeling hungry? Prepaid vouchers for the Air Canada Bistro are available at the time of booking, up to 24 hours before your flight is set to depart. Don’t forget to input your Aeroplan or Star Alliance number whenever you make a purchase, so that you can maximize your miles rewards.
How do you get lounge access with your Air Canada flight?
Maple Leaf Lounge access is included for all Air Canada Business Class passengers. However, if you’re travelling in Flex, Comfort, Latitude, or Premium Economy, you’ll need to pay an additional fee.
Many travel credit cards and rewards programs offer complimentary lounge access as part of their plans, including select TD and CIBC Aeroplan-affiliated cardholders. If you’re a frequent Air Canada flyer, it might even be worth purchasing an annual Maple Leaf Club membership for unlimited lounge access.
Locations of Maple Leaf Lounges at Toronto’s Pearson Airport Terminal 1
When flying out of Toronto Pearson Airport, Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges are conveniently located in Terminal 1:
Domestic Lounge: Terminal 1, Airside
International Lounge: Terminal 1, Airside, Level 3, Node F
Transborder (US) Lounge: Terminal 1, Airside, Level 4, Node F
If you need to re-book or reschedule a cancelled or delayed flight, how do you get help?
As your flight approaches, keep an eye on Air Canada’s Flight Status tool to track delays and cancellations. If your Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express flight is cancelled or delayed, you can use their Delayed and Cancelled Flight Service to search for another flight or cancel your remaining flight(s) online. Be sure to register for flight notifications so alerts are sent via SMS or email for any flight changes or delays as they occur.
You can get the latest flight status information by calling the Air Canada automated Flight Information System at 1-888-422-7533 (Canada or US). There are also customer service desks within the airport to assist with any questions you may have.
Flight connections through YYZ
Connecting flights within Canada
If you’re just making a pit stop at Toronto Pearson Airport while on your way to another Canadian destination, follow the signs from your arrival gate (D1 to D57) to the departures and connections area in Terminal 1. You don’t need to collect your checked baggage between flights. Air Canada will automatically transfer it to your connection, quick and stress-free.
Connecting flights between Canada and the United States
If you’re connecting through Toronto from Canada to the US, follow the purple signage to Gate D20 for Connections. You’ll then proceed to the F Gates, where you’ll clear security and US Customs before boarding your next flight.
Most passengers don’t need to claim checked baggage when connecting through Toronto to a US city, but it’s still smart to double-check with an agent when checking your bag.
Connecting flights between Canada and international destinations
Connecting in Toronto for an international destination? Follow the signs to connections at Gate D20, then turn left towards the E Gates to proceed to your departure gate.
Customs is required only if Toronto is your first point of entry into Canada. If you’re connecting from another Canadian city to an international flight, simply proceed to your departure gate. Air Canada will automatically transfer your bag to your next flight.
Because policies can vary depending on your itinerary, it’s always a good idea to confirm with an Air Canada agent at check-in.
Disclaimer: Information correct as of January 30, 2026, obtained from www.aircanada.com and www.torontopearson.com. Always check with the relevant authorities when booking your trip and travelling.
