I have flown in and out of Air Canada Newark Terminal more times than I can remember because I travel there a lot for both business and short vacations. Nevertheless, each time I go there, I prepare myself for the typical commotion—long lineups, anxious travelers, and erratic delays. I therefore didn't have high expectations for my brief trip to Montreal with Air Canada from Newark, other than the typical big-city airport experience. To my astonishment, however, this flight ended up being among the simplest and most enjoyable I've had recently.
Check-in with Air Canada was located conveniently near the entrance, and I noticed right away how well-staffed the area was. There were agents available to answer questions, guide travelers to the right line, and help with the self-service kiosks. I used a kiosk to check in and print my boarding pass, then handed my bag over to a friendly Air Canada representative. Everything took less than 15 minutes.
What really stood out to me was how helpful the staff were. One older couple nearby seemed confused about the process, and within seconds, an Air Canada agent had stepped in to walk them through everything. It’s those small gestures that leave a big impression, especially when traveling can often feel impersonal.
Next came security—often the wildcard in any airport experience. I headed to the TSA checkpoint, half-expecting a sluggish line and frazzled agents. But to my surprise, things moved quickly and efficiently. Even though it was midday, the wait was short, the staff were polite, and the whole process was over in less than 20 minutes. It set the tone for a day that just kept flowing smoothly.
Once I made it through security, I stepped into a terminal that was far better than I’d expected. It wasn’t overly crowded, and everything felt freshly maintained. I found myself with almost two hours to relax before boarding, which gave me time to take in the surroundings.
There was a nice selection of eateries nearby—fast-casual options, coffee shops, and even a couple of bars for those looking to unwind before their flight. I opted for a cappuccino and a snack and easily found a comfortable spot by the windows. One thing I really appreciated was how many power outlets were available. There’s nothing worse than having to fight for an open charging port before a flight, but that wasn’t a problem here.
The terminal also had free Wi-Fi, decent restroom facilities, and plenty of space to stretch out without feeling crammed. It felt like the kind of environment that eases you into travel mode instead of stressing you out before you even board the plane.
While I was flying Economy on this trip, I couldn’t help but notice the signage for Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge. I’d heard good things about it and made a mental note to use it on a future trip when I fly Business or gain access through Aeroplan Elite Status. From the outside, it looked like a modern, welcoming space—definitely a great perk for premium travelers.
I chatted with a fellow passenger who had just come from the lounge, and he described it as quiet, well-stocked with food and drinks, and perfect for getting some work done or just relaxing. That kind of consistency across all service tiers reinforces why Air Canada remains a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
As boarding time approached, I made my way to the gate. It was clearly marked, with large digital displays showing flight information, including on-time status and group boarding details. Air Canada staff at the gate were already making announcements—friendly, professional, and easy to understand.
The gate area never felt overcrowded, and boarding was handled by zones. Priority passengers, families with young children, and those needing extra assistance were invited first, followed by the general boarding groups. Everyone knew what to expect, and there was no confusion or last-minute scrambling. It’s a small detail, but a well-run boarding process does wonders for keeping stress levels low.
By the time I took my seat on the plane, I realized how rare it is to have a travel day go this smoothly—especially through a major international airport like Newark. But Air Canada had delivered at every touchpoint: helpful ground staff, efficient systems, a pleasant terminal environment, and an organized boarding experience.
The atmosphere from start to finish was calm and professional. Nothing felt rushed or chaotic, and even the little things—like clean restrooms, working Wi-Fi, and access to power outlets—helped make the entire process feel traveler-friendly.