Air Canada understands that reaching every corner of the globe requires collaboration. That’s why they’ve strategically partnered with a multitude of airlines worldwide. These alliances and partnerships are designed to enhance your travel experience, offering smoother connections, streamlined services, and more opportunities to earn valuable Aeroplan points. Let’s explore the world of Air Canada Airline Partners and how they benefit you.
Exploring Star Alliance: A Global Network at Your Fingertips
Air Canada proudly stands as a founding member of the Star Alliance, a prestigious global airline network established in 1997. The vision behind Star Alliance was to revolutionize the travel experience for frequent flyers. Today, this alliance has grown to encompass 26 leading airlines from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This extensive network provides you with:
- Effortless Airport Transit: Enjoy streamlined airport procedures, making your journey smoother and more efficient.
- Worldwide Destinations: Access seamless connections to a vast array of destinations across the globe, expanding your travel possibilities.
- Loyalty Program Perks: Benefit from shared loyalty program advantages and privileges, enhancing your rewards and recognition.
Joint Venture Partnerships: Deepening Connections for Enhanced Travel
Joint venture partnerships represent a deeper level of collaboration where airlines pool resources and expertise to achieve shared objectives. Air Canada actively engages in joint venture partnerships to provide you with even greater benefits:
- Lufthansa Group and United Airlines (A++): For travel between North or Central America and Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent, this powerful partnership offers unparalleled connectivity.
- United Airlines: For the majority of flights operating between Canada and the United States, ensuring seamless cross-border travel.
- Air China: Facilitating travel between Canada and China, bridging continents with ease.
Unlocking Perks and Benefits with Joint Venture Partners
Traveling on itineraries involving Air China, United Airlines, or Lufthansa Group members unlocks a range of enhanced benefits and a more integrated travel experience:
- Coordinated Travel Processes: Experience harmonized procedures for reservations, check-in, connecting flights, and baggage handling, simplifying your journey.
- Aeroplan Rewards Amplified: Maximize your Aeroplan points by earning and redeeming them across all participating airlines within these joint ventures.
Furthermore, the A++ joint venture (Lufthansa Group and United Airlines) elevates your travel experience with:
- Star Alliance Gold and Silver Recognition: Enjoy Star Alliance Gold and Silver benefits when flying with Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, and United Airlines.
- Priority Services for Elite Members: Aeroplan Super Elite, 75K, and 50K members traveling on Air Dolomiti, Discover Airlines, or Eurowings can access priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and even lounge access.
Explore more about these partners:
Air China The Lufthansa Group (Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss, Eurowings, Lufthansa, Swiss) United Airlines
Codeshare Partners: Expanding Your Destination Reach
Codesharing is a collaborative arrangement where airlines partner to offer flights jointly, expanding their network reach.
When you book a codeshare flight with Air Canada, you’ll notice the flight number begins with AC (Air Canada’s airline designator code*). The flight itself is operated by one of our many codeshare partners, some of whom are also Star Alliance members, further extending your travel options.
Aeroplan Partners: Earn Rewards Across a Vast Network
For Aeroplan members, Air Canada’s extensive network of over 50 airline partners worldwide is a treasure trove of earning opportunities. You can effortlessly accumulate Aeroplan points and Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) for every eligible mile you fly with these partners.
Discover more about Aeroplan partners.
Identifying Flights Operated by Partner Airlines
When selecting your flights on the Air Canada website, it’s simple to identify when your itinerary includes travel with a partner airline. During the flight selection process, look for clear indicators such as “Operated by” or “Includes travel operated by,” followed by the name of the partner airline. This transparency ensures you are fully informed about your travel arrangements.
Maximizing the Benefits of Airline Partnerships
While Air Canada strives to create a consistent and harmonious travel experience, particularly with Star Alliance and joint venture partners, it’s important to be aware that each airline maintains its own operational policies. These policies can vary, especially concerning:
- Check-in Timelines: Ensure you are aware of the specific check-in deadlines for each operating airline.
- Baggage Regulations: Familiarize yourself with baggage allowances and policies, especially for special items, as they may differ between airlines.
- Traveling with Infants and Children: Understand the policies related to infant and child travel for each airline involved in your journey.
- Assistance for Customers with Special Needs: Verify the procedures for passengers requiring special assistance with each operating carrier.
- Pet Travel: If traveling with pets, confirm the pet travel policies of all airlines in your itinerary.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, it’s always recommended to review the specific policies of each airline involved in your travel itinerary before your departure.
* An airline designator code is a two-character code assigned to each airline globally by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Air Canada’s designator code is AC.
