Air Canada Seat Choices: Important Information You Should Be Aware Of
Air Canada's Aeroplan programme offers a range of benefits to its members, including the option to select preferred seats. However, the costs and eligibility for seat selection vary depending on several factors.
For starters, Aeroplan Super Elite members can select preferred seats for free when traveling on a Flex or Standard fare or an Aeroplan flight reward. This privilege is also extended to Aeroplan 25K, 35K, 50K, and 75K members, but only when checking in for their flight and traveling on a Flex or Standard fare.
Standard seat selection fees apply to Basic and Standard fare bookings for advance selection. These fees can range significantly, with domestic and Canada-U.S. flights costing between $14 and $60 each way, and international flights costing between $30 and $90. For instance, a flight from San Francisco to Vancouver would set you back $34.56 each way, while a flight from Miami to Vancouver could cost up to $96 each way.
It's important to note that seat selection is not available within two hours of departure, requiring airport agent assistance at that time. Also, Air Canada does not specify which routes offer complimentary standard seat selection on Standard fares.
Preferred seats, which include extra legroom and seats near exits, are a valuable addition for many travellers. On most domestic and Canada-U.S. flights, these seats cost between $14 and $60 each way. However, on long-haul international flights, the cost remains the same as for domestic and Canada-U.S. flights. For example, preferred seats on Air Canada flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo-Narita, with a connection in Vancouver, cost $66 each way for bulkhead and exit row seats on the first flight from Los Angeles to Vancouver.
Aeroplan members cannot use points to purchase Air Canada preferred seats. Instead, customers can select a seat during booking or on the Air Canada website after flight ticketing. The seat selection process is straightforward, with customers able to do so from the "My Booking" tab on the Air Canada homepage with their booking reference or ticket number.
Star Alliance Gold elite members are not entitled to free preferred seat selection or even free standard seat selection when choosing seats online. However, Aeroplan Elite Status members with at least Aeroplan 25K status and above (including 35K, 50K, 75K, and Super Elite) receive complimentary access to preferred seats on Air Canada flights. Lower-tier members can purchase these seats or upgrade with points.
Lastly, standard seat selection is free at check-in and when flying to certain long-haul routes on Air Canada. For instance, seat selection is free for the one-way flight from Vancouver to Tokyo, costing $133.40 without seat selection.
In conclusion, while seat selection fees apply to most bookings, Aeroplan Elite members enjoy significant benefits, including free preferred seat selection on certain flights. It's always a good idea to check the specific fees for your flight and elite status before booking.
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