Air Canada today announced it will begin non-stop service between Vancouver and Santa Ana in Orange County, California starting Oct. 2, 2021. Flights will initially be four times per week, with plans to increase to daily service in 2022.
The addition of Orange County to its U.S. network follows Air Canada’s recent announcement of new transborder routes from Quebec City to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale that begin this November. By this fall, Air Canada will offer up to 240 daily flights to and from 35 destinations in the U.S. The airline plans to restore services to all 57 U.S. destinations it operated prior to the COVID-19 pandemic as conditions allow.
The Canadian federal government has adjusted restrictions on travel between Canada and the U.S. as of Aug. 9, 2021, enabling fully vaccinated Americans to enter Canada for non-essential travel, the removal of quarantine hotel requirements for travelers entering or returning to Canada, relaxed testing requirements allowing Canadians taking short transborder trips for less than 72 hours to do their pre-entry tests in Canada, among other measures.
| Flight | Departs | Arrives | Days of Operation |
| AC582 | Vancouver (YVR) at 9:00 a.m. | Orange County (SNA) at 11:59 a.m. | Oct 2-Dec. 19: Mon/Thu/Sat/Sun Dec. 20-Jan 9: Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun Jan 10 onwards: daily |
| AC583 | Orange County (SNA) at 1:10 p.m. | Vancouver (YVR) at 3:59 p.m. | Same as above |
Air Canada’s Orange County flights will be operated onboard Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft offering a choice of Premium and Economy cabins and upgraded in-flight entertainment at every seat throughout the aircraft. All customers can collect and redeem Aeroplan Points through Canada’s leading loyalty program when traveling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges at Canadian airports, priority boarding and other benefits. Air Canada’s commercial schedule may be adjusted as required based on the COVID-19 trajectory and government restrictions.
In addition, Air Canada has developed a new digital solution via the Air Canada App, enabling customers flying between Canada and the U.S. and between Canada and select European destinations to scan and upload COVID-19 test results to validate compliance with government travel requirements prior to arriving at the airport.
