How Do I Get Upgrade My Seat on Air Canada
How To Upgrade to Business or Signature Class on Air Canada Flights [2024]
Are you looking to elevate your travel experience with Air Canada? Upgrade to Business or Signature Class for a luxurious journey like never before. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types and process of Air Canada seat upgrade, how to secure an upgrade, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in and make your next Air Canada flight even more enjoyable!
Upgrades allow access to premium cabins with more space, comfort, and amenities. However, upgrade availability is limited, so it pays to understand the policies and best practices for securing an Air Canada seat upgrade.
What Types of Air Canada Seat Upgrade
There are three main cabin upgrade options with Air Canada:
- Economy to Premium Economy – Increases legroom and recline. Premium Economy seats have a 2-3-2 configuration and better meal service.
- Economy to Business Class – Lie-flat seats for long-haul international flights. Enhanced amenities and fine dining.
- Economy to Signature Class – Air Canada’s top cabin class on select routes. Offers the most spacious lie-flat seats, fine dining, and luxury amenities.
On domestic and short-haul flights, upgrading from standard Economy to Economy Plus is also available. This increases legroom in a preferred economy seat location.
How to Upgrade Seat on Air Canada
Are you looking to elevate your travel experience with Air Canada seat upgrade? Whether you prefer the convenience of online booking, the personal touch of offline assistance, or the last-minute option at the airport, Air Canada provides various ways to upgrade your seat, will guide you through the process of upgrading your seat on Air Canada through online, offline, and airport methods.
Online Upgrade
If you prefer the convenience of booking your upgrades online, Air Canada offers a seamless process through its website or mobile app. Follow these steps to upgrade your seat online:
- Visit the Air Canada website and log in to your account.
- Navigate to the Manage Booking section and locate your flight reservation.
- Check for available seat upgrades and select the one that suits your preferences.
- Review the upgrade cost and proceed to make the payment.
- Receive a confirmation of your seat upgrade through email or the mobile app.
Upgrading your seat online is a quick and efficient way to secure a better seat for your Air Canada flight.
Offline Upgrade
If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can also upgrade your seat offline through the Air Canada customer service team. Here’s how you can do it:
- Contact the Air Canada customer service team either through phone or in person at 1 (888) 247-2262 or 1-860-374-7569
- Provide your flight details and request for a seat upgrade.
- Follow the instructions given by the customer service representative and make the necessary payment.
- Receive a confirmation of your seat upgrade via email or phone call.
Opting for an offline seat upgrade allows you to receive assistance from a dedicated customer service representative who can help you choose the best seat for your travel needs.
Airport Upgrade
For those who prefer to make last-minute upgrades at the airport, Air Canada offers the option to upgrade your seat before departure. Here’s how you can upgrade your seat at the airport:
- Arrive early at the airport to allow sufficient time for the upgrade process.
- Head to the Air Canada check-in counter and inquire about seat upgrades.
- Check for availability of seat upgrades on your flight.
- Pay for the seat upgrade at the airport either with cash or credit card.
- Receive a boarding pass with your upgraded seat before boarding the flight
How To Find Out if Upgrade Space Is Available
- Before spending miles or cash on an upgrade, it’s important to check if space is even available in the premium cabin.
- Call Air Canada to ask about upgrade inventory for a specific flight. Or use the Air Canada app or website to search award availability in the desired class.
- If you already have a ticket booked, you can also make an upgrade request through your reservation. The system will confirm if space is available to confirm an upgrade.
- Keep in mind that upgrade space is limited and tends to fill up quickly after seats go on sale. Last minute upgrades are still possible but not guaranteed.
Upgrade Priority: Who Gets the Upgrade First?
When upgrade space is limited, Air Canada follows a clear hierarchy for upgrade priorities:
- Full-fare paying passengers (Flex and Latitude fares)
- Super Elite 100K (Highest tier Aeroplan status)
- Paid Business Class upgrades
- Elite 75K status
- eUpgrade Credits
- Elite 50K status
- Elite 25K status
- Economy passengers
In each status category, upgrades are processed based on the time the upgrade request or purchase was made. Earlier requests get higher priority.
Upgrading With Points or Miles
Using miles from Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program is a popular way to confirm an upgrade in advance.
Aeroplan Mileage Upgrades on Existing Reservations
If you already have a ticket booked but want to upgrade the class of service, you can request a Mileage Upgrade Award. The number of Aeroplan miles needed depends on the regions and cabin:
- Canada Short-Haul: 7,500 miles
- North America: 15,000 miles
- Central America/Caribbean: 20,000 miles
- South America: 20,000-30,000 miles
- Europe: 30,000 miles
- Africa: 50,000 miles
- Middle East: 40,000 miles
- Asia: 50,000 miles
- South Pacific: 50,000 miles
There may be a co-pay charged in addition to the miles, depending on the fare class purchased.
Mileage upgrades can be requested as soon as ticketed all the way up until 24 hours before departure. Upgrades are subject to availability but confirmed in advance if approved.
Star Alliance Mileage Upgrades
As an airline member of Star Alliance, Aeroplan miles can also be used to upgrade Air Canada flights booked through partner programs like United MileagePlus and Avianca LifeMiles.
The number of miles needed is determined by the partner program’s own upgrade chart. Taxes and fees are usually higher when upgrading partner awards.
Upgrading With Cash
For flyers without enough miles, buying an upgrade with cash is an option. Air Canada offers two types of paid upgrades.
Last Minute Upgrade Purchase
If upgrade seats are still available close to departure, Air Canada opens up unsold seats for purchase at airport check-in. The prices vary widely based on the route, cabin, and availability.
How Much Do Air Canada Last Minute Upgrades Cost?
Here are sample upgrade fees seen recently at airport check-in:
- Montreal to Toronto (Economy to Business): $500 CAD
- Vancouver to London (Economy to Premium Economy): $600 CAD
- Toronto to Frankfurt (Economy to Business): $2,000 CAD
Cash upgrades can only be purchased same-day at the airport so availability is never guaranteed. The prices are also much higher compared to buying in advance. But for the spontaneous, this is an option if seats open up day of.
eUpgrade Credits
To get the lowest prices for confirmed upgrades, Economy class passengers can purchase eUpgrade Credits ahead of time when booking their ticket.
eUpgrades assign you to a preferential upgrade priority over other Economy flyers. Credits can be used to upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy or Business Class.
The number of eUpgrade Credits needed each way:
- Canada/U.S. short-haul: 1 credit
- North America: 2 credits
- Caribbean, Mexico, Central America: 3 credits
- South America: 4 credits
- Atlantic: 4 credits
- Pacific: 4 credits
Credits must be purchased at time of booking and are non-refundable. The prices will vary based on the destination but typically start around $100-200 CAD per segment.
Buying eUpgrade Credits in advance locks in the price and confirms your upgrade at booking. This is the most affordable way to secure an upgrade as a non-elite Air Canada customer.
How To Secure an Upgrade or Increase Your Chances of an Upgrade With Air Canada
While upgrades are never guaranteed, there are ways to boost your odds or confirm an upgrade in advance.
With Air Canada Aeroplan Elite Status
Having Aeroplan 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, or Super Elite status offers complimentary upgrades based on the member’s tier.
Higher tiers receive unlimited Economy to Business Class upgrades, confirmed days before departure. Lower tiers gain a certain number of annual Economy to Premium Economy upgrades.
Air Canada elites can also access upgrades on partner airlines like United and Lufthansa when flying together.
Without Air Canada Aeroplan Elite Status
For non-elite passengers, the options are more limited but upgrades are still possible.
- Book a full-fare Flex or Latitude economy ticket – Offers the highest upgrade priority for non-elites
- Purchase an Economy Premium Rouge seat – These seats offer extra legroom at the front of the Economy cabin.
- Buy eUpgrade Credits at booking – Confirms an upgrade at the lowest fare.
- Request an advance mileage upgrade – Uses Aeroplan miles to upgrade if award space is available.
- Check for last minute upgrades at airport check-in – High cost but offers a last ditch attempt if seats open up.
Monitoring upgrade availability as an early booker also helps. And being flexible with your dates/routes if possible increases chances of finding open upgrade space.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, navigating the world of Air Canada seat upgrade can significantly enhance your flying experience, offering comfort, luxury, and personalized service that make your journey unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the view from a window, need extra legroom, or wish to sit close to your travel companions, Air Canada seat selection service makes it possible to tailor your flight to your preferences, ensuring your travel with Air Canada is exactly how you envision it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my upgraded Air Canada ticket allows a free checked bag?
You can check your eTicket receipt under the Baggage Allowance section – this will note the free checked bag eligibility based on your upgraded cabin. You can also confirm directly with an Air Canada agent.
How can I get upgraded on an international ticket if I don’t have status with Aeroplan?
Without status, the best option is purchasing eUpgrade Credits to confirm an upgrade at booking. Checking for last minute upgrades at check-in is also an option but not guaranteed.
Can I upgrade an Air Canada award ticket I purchased with miles?
Yes, Air Canada award tickets are eligible for upgrades using Aeroplan Mileage Upgrades or eUpgrade Credits. Taxes and fees may apply depending on cabin and route.
When will the Aeroplan points be deducted and are any extra fees charged for an upgrade request?
The points will be deducted from your Aeroplan account as soon as Air Canada confirms the upgrade. Taxes, fees and potential co-pays will be charged to the original form of payment used to book the ticket.
Which fare class should I buy to make sure I get an upgrade on Air Canada?
The Flex and Latitude full-fare Economy classes offer the highest upgrade priority for non-elites. Discounted Economy fares have lower upgrade priority.
What is the difference between economy and economy plus seats on Air Canada?
Economy Plus seats have extra legroom with a preferred location near the front of the Economy cabin. Full meal service is still Economy standard however.
