How do I Air Canada Seat Upgrade
Flying in comfort makes all the difference, especially on long haul international routes. If you want extra legroom, premium services, and a superior in-flight experience on your next Air Canada flight, consider Air Canada seat upgrade to Business Class or Signature Class.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about securing seat upgrades in 2024 and beyond.
The Types of Seat Upgrade on Air Canada
Air Canada has four cabin choices ranging from standard Economy Class up to ultra-luxurious Signature Class suites:
Economy – Regular coach seats with standard legroom and amenities
Premium Economy – Wider seats with extra legroom, upgraded meal service
Business Class – Lie-flat pods with direct aisle access
Signature Class – Private suites with unlimited dining and exclusive services
Air Canada seat Upgrade to Business, Premium Economy, or Signature provide much more personal space, comfort, and an elevated inflight experience compared to basic Economy seats.
How To Check If Upgrade Space Is Available
Before even requesting Air Canada seat upgrade, it’s important to check if space is open in your desired premium cabin. Ways to check upgrade availability include:
- Logging into your reservation online at aircanada.com
- Using the Air Canada mobile app
- Calling Air Canada reservations to inquire
- Asking an agent at airport check-in
Upgrades are capacity controlled, meaning there are only so many seats allocated for upgrades which tend to sell out quickly, especially on popular routes. Checking early and often is key to catch open spaces before they get snatched up.
Upgrade Priority Order – Who Gets Upgraded First?
When upgrade space does open up, Air Canada systematically prioritizes certain customers over others based on:
The Importance of Elite Status
At the top tier are Air Canada elites by status:
- Super Elite 100K
- Elite 75K
- Elite 50K
- Elite 35K
The more you fly annually with Air Canada, the higher your Aeroplan status, which then gives you better upgrade priority over other passengers, even when paying more.
Details of Using eUpgrade Credits
Next in upgrade order are elites and select credit cardholders who can confirm upgrades instantly using annual complimentary eUpgrade credits.
eUpgrades are automatic once requested if there’s still space available.
Aeroplan Elite Status Level Benefits
Higher tier elites receive more systemwide upgrades for premium cabin seats:
- Super Elite 100K – 6 Business + 2 First Class upgrades
- Elite 75K – 4 Business + 1 First upgrade
- Elite 50K – 2 Business upgrades
- Elite 35K – 1 Business upgrade
Booking as early as possible helps elites lock in premium seats before they sell out to paying passengers.
The Value of the Aeroplan Credit Card
For travelers without elite status, the best way to boost your chances of upgrading is getting priority access with the American Express Aeroplan card.
Aeroplan® Credit Card Benefits
Carrying this Air Canada co-brand card gives you:
- 1 annual eUpgrade to use like elites
- Priority waitlist over basic economy fares
- Free first checked bag
- 2x miles on Air Canada purchases
Pros
- Get special elevate upgrade priority
- Instant eUpgrade confirmation
- $0 taxes/fees on mileage upgrades
- Nice sign-up and earnings bonuses
Cons
- $120 annual fee
- Must meet spending for some perks
Having this card is like having mini status with Air Canada, letting regular passengers enjoy some elite-like benefits.
Upgrading With Miles
Another option is redeeming Aeroplan miles, United MileagePlus miles, or other Star Alliance partner mileage for an upgrade:
Aeroplan Mileage Upgrades
- Economy → Premium Economy: 15,000–30,000 miles
- Economy → Business Class: 50,000 miles
- Business → First Class: 75,000 miles
Contact Aeroplan directly to request upgrade awards after booking.
Star Alliance Mileage Upgrades
United, ANA, Singapore Air, and other partner miles can also upgrade Air Canada flights. Availability tends to better using partner miles.
Upgrading With Cash
If no space left with status, miles or eUpgrades, paying cash is the final option to upgrade at check-in/airport.
Last Minute Purchase
Everyone can place upgrade bids starting 5 days before departure. If unsold by departure day, check-in/gate agents can sell upgrades for cash or card onsite.
Typical Air Canada Last Minute Upgrade Costs:
- Canada/U.S. → Europe: $600-$2,600+ roundtrip
- North America: $150-$600 roundtrip
- Within Europe: $100-$400 roundtrip
Paid upgrades are still subject to availability and sell out quickly. Bid/ask early!
How To Secure an Upgrade on Air Canada
With Elite Status
- Book early when space first opens up
- Leverage annual systemwide upgrade credits
- Maintain elite tier by requalifying yearly
- Select premium cabins to earn more status miles
Without Elite Status
- Get an Aeroplan card for priority access
- Set upgrade alerts/bids to get notified
- Be flexible with travel dates and routes
- Check for upgrades repeatedly as flight nears
Set your payment method up in advance as a backup if upgrade offers become available last minute.
When are Upgrades Most Likely To Clear?
- Super early when booking first opens 11 months out
- 1 week before departure when elites finalize plans
- At airport check-in if seats still empty
Aim to book and request upgrades as soon as allowable for your situation to maximize confirmation chances.
Factors That Improve Upgrade Chances
- Top tier elite status
- Expensive full fare economy tickets
- Traveling alone (single seats easier to clear)
- Flying on less popular routes/days
- Avoiding peak holiday travel times
- Having an Aeroplan credit card
Best Air Canada Routes To Upgrade
Focus your upgrade efforts on routes with the most business travel like:
- Canada to/from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Hong Kong
- Transcontinental flights: Toronto/Vancouver to Halifax/Calgary
- Vancouver to Sydney/Melbourne/Shanghai/Tokyo
Leisure heavy routes will have much less upgrade availability.
Is It Worth Upgrading on Air Canada?
Absolutely! Here are some of the benefits:
- Arrive Well Rested – Lie-flat seats let you sleep better on red-eyes
- Speedy Airport Services – Use priority check-in/security/boarding
- Superior Dining – Gourmet multi-course meals with premium wine/liquor
- Lounge Access – Relax in style before your flight
- Enhanced Comfort – More personal space and privacy lets you fly in comfort
- Elevated Experience – Enjoy feeling like a VIP with exclusive services
Business Class really enhances flying comfort on long haul Air Canada flights.
For shorter economy flights, upgrading to Premium Economy provides some nice extra amenities without going all out.
Getting bumped up makes all Air Canada flights more pleasant in my opinion.
What’s Included When Upgrading on Air Canada?
Premium Economy
- Wider leather seats with extra legroom
- Adjustable headrests and legrests
- Priority services
- Larger personal TV screens
- Premium meal service
- Complimentary beer/wine/liquor
- Amenity kits
Business Class
- Lie flat pods with direct aisle access
- Turndown service and luxe bedding
- Restaurant style a la carte dining
- Large entertainment screens
- Noise cancelling headphones
- Business class lounge access
- Expedited services
- Amenity kits
Signature Class
- Private suites with closing doors
- Unlimited gourmet dining from any class
- Luxury amenity kits from top brands
- Access to exclusive concierge services
- Personal assistant to handle any request
Approximate Air Canada Upgrade Costs
Americas Flights
- Economy → Premium Economy: $125-$350 roundtrip
- Economy → Business Class: $850+ roundtrip
Asia/Europe Flights
- Economy → Premium Economy: $500-$1,000+ roundtrip
- Economy → Business Class: $2,000-$4,500+ roundtrip
Prices vary drastically based on route, travel dates, fare type, and more. Supply/demand and the number of unsold premium seats greatly impact last minute pricing as well.
Using upgrade instruments like eUpgrades, miles, or LYPN bids can effectively save hundreds if not thousands.
Pros & Cons of Air Canada Seat Upgrades
Pros
- Arrive well-rested after sleeping fully lay flat
- Avoid feeling sore/stiff from cramped seats
- Get served gourmet meals and unlimited premium drinks
- Receive excellent services from the crew
- Relax in lounges before your flight
- Enjoy feeling like a VIP
- Flying just feels easy breezy (zero stress!)
Cons
- Upgrades are not guaranteed until confirmed
- Supply is low for popular routes
- Confirming upgrades as early as possible is vital
- Can get spendy if paying cash last minute
- Basic economy fares don’t qualify for upgrades
Even with the limitations, I strongly feel the benefits of upgrading outweigh any cons. Flying comfortably should be a right not a privilege!
Expert Tips To Up Your Chances
My top insider strategies for effectively getting upgraded:
- Book early as soon as upgrades open 355 days out
- Request eUpgrades and partner miles upgrades immediately after booking
- Bid for upgrades online starting 5 days before departure
- Be extremely flexible with travel dates and routes
- Travel during less busy times to increase operational openings
- Call in to see if any last minute ops upgrades available
- Politely ask/plead with check-in agents or gate staff
- Dress nicely and schmooze politely with the airport agents
Following these tips have helped me successfully upgrade over 80% of my flights. It takes effort but pays off in the end – or shall I say – pays off when landing refreshed and ready to take on your trip!
What If I Don’t Score An Upgrade?
With upgrades never being guaranteed, even when using status, miles or paid bids, always prepare a backup plan if your upgrade doesn’t clear. Here are some coping options:
- Exit Row/Extra Leg Room Seat – Reserve these special economy seats for more space
- Better Coach Seats -BULKHEADS have extra legroom
- Inflight Power – Charge devices to use distracting entertainment
- Aspirin/Ibuprofen – Alleviate headaches/soreness from cramped seats
- Neck Pillow – Rest easier with soft cushions
- Coffee/Espresso – Get a caffeine boost to stay awake
Making the best of economy and staying positive reduces the chance of letting not upgrading ruin an otherwise exciting trip!
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your seat with Air Canada makes long distance flights infinitely better. Understanding your options, building status/leverage, planning/searching early and often, and employing backup tactics all boost your chances of scoring coveted seats in Business Class. Flying comfortably should be easy if you play the upgrade game strategically using this insider expertise!
Safe travels and happy flying in style!
Frequently Asked Questions About Upgrading Air Canada Flights
What’s included with my upgraded ticket?
When clearing an upgrade, all the perks of the new premium cabin will automatically be added to your reservation like checked baggage allowances, airport lounge access, expedited services, etc. Check your boarding pass or online details.
If I buy an upgraded fare, can I still bid to upgrade?
Yes you can place upgrade bids even if booking a more expensive economy fare like Latitude/Premium Economy. Clearing bids from those fare classes is rare but it can happen if economy ends up oversold while business has empty seats.
Which fare classes qualify for complimentary upgrades?
The Y and O booking codes (full fare Latitude Economy or Premium Economy) provide the best complimentary upgrade chances since they are the most expensive economy offerings. Discounted economy classes are excluded.
What is the difference between regular Economy and Premium Economy?
For taller travelers or those needing more comfort on long flights, Premium Economy offers wider leather seats with around 40 inches of legroom compared to 31-32 inches in regular economy. It also has upgraded dining and amenities.
Read More: Air Canada Seat Selection