There are a few ways to get an upgrade on Air Canada flights. Usually, it requires either being a frequent flyer with Aeroplan Elite status or simply paying out-of-pocket for a business-class ticket. But don’t worry — even as a “commoner,” you can pay a relatively small sum, or better yet, use your Aeroplan points with the AC Bid Upgrade program (aka the Air Canada bid upgrade process) to get into premium cabins.
Before we dive in, if you want insider tips on Canadian travel, I highly recommend joining my Facebook group dedicated to all things Canadian travel. Ask questions, get advice, and help others with their queries. Inspiration for your next vacation is waiting there!
If you follow my Instagram travel stories, you know I tried bidding on an Air Canada seat upgrade three times last year — and was successful twice. Both times, I bid at or near the minimum, and once I didn’t spend a penny. Many followers asked how the Air Canada bid upgrade process works, and finally, I have time to write it all down so you, too, can potentially fly in style to your next destination.
👉 Quick Overview: Air Canada Seat Upgrade Cost
✈ Upgrade Options: AC Bid Upgrade, eUpgrade credits, and last-minute upgrades.
✔ Eligibility: Economy Basic fares are not eligible. Codeshare flights only work if ticketed by Air Canada. Group bookings must bid for all passengers together.
✔ Cost: Varies by flight and cabin. Example: $200 for Premium Economy, $400+ for Signature Class, or Aeroplan points.
✔ Timing: Place bids anytime after booking but at least 48 hours before departure.
✔ Perks: Priority boarding, Maple Leaf Lounge access, lie-flat seats, enhanced meals, and extra baggage allowance.
📲 Need help securing your upgrade? Call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for expert guidance.
What Is an Air Canada Seat Upgrade?
An Air Canada seat upgrade usually means moving from your current cabin to a higher class — for example, economy → premium economy or premium economy → business class. This is different from simply selecting a seat, like a window or extra-legroom seat within your existing cabin.
Why Upgrade?
More comfort: Wider seats, more legroom, and better recline.
Priority services: Faster check-in, priority boarding, and baggage handling.
Enhanced amenities: Premium meals, lounge access, and lie-flat seats for international flights.
Elite benefits: Aeroplan Elite members can use eUpgrade credits to increase chances of an upgrade.
How to Upgrade Your Air Canada Flight
1. AC Bid Upgrade
The Air Canada Bid Upgrade program allows eligible passengers to place a bid for an upgrade using cash or Aeroplan points.
How it works:
Place a bid on eligible flights after confirming your booking.
Check the bidding range for your cabin (e.g., Economy → Premium Economy or Economy → Signature Class).
Submit your bid, which can be revised or canceled up to 48 hours before departure.
Eligibility:
Economy Basic fares are not eligible.
Codeshare flights must be on Air Canada ticket stock.
Group bookings require bidding for all passengers at once.
Each bid applies per flight leg, so round trips need separate bids.
Timing:
You can place a bid as soon as you confirm your booking, but checking 72 hours in advance is ideal.
Example Costs:
YYZ → YVR: $200 per person for Premium Economy; $400 for Signature Class.
Costs vary based on demand, route, and fare class.
Points option: toggle to Aeroplan points to pay instead of cash.
Tips for Success:
Higher bids may increase chances but aren’t guaranteed.
Use points wisely; international flights require more points than domestic upgrades.
Monitor your email ~48 hours before departure for acceptance notifications.
2. eUpgrades for Aeroplan Elite Members
eUpgrades allow Aeroplan Elite members to redeem upgrade credits.
Key details:
Applicable on eligible flights from Economy or Premium Economy.
Credits needed depend on cabin, fare class, route, and flight distance.
Partial cash add-ons may be required, depending on fare.
Only the original ticket fare earns Aeroplan points; the upgrade does not change this.
Advantages:
No cash out-of-pocket if you have sufficient points.
Offers higher success rates for upgrades than cash bidding.
Eligible for multiple flight legs if booked under one reservation.
3. Last-Minute Upgrades
Air Canada occasionally offers last-minute upgrades at check-in or the gate.
How it works:
Available if there’s spare capacity in higher cabins.
Prices vary depending on flight demand and market.
Ideal for flexible travelers who can’t plan ahead.
Limitations:
Not guaranteed; seat availability fluctuates.
In-flight service may be limited compared to booked Signature Class passengers.
AC Bid Upgrade: Personal Experience
When I first tried the AC Bid Upgrade, I was flying from YYZ → DUB and had just enough Aeroplan points to cover the minimum bid for Signature Class. I added a few extra points to increase my chances, and sure enough, I was upgraded.
Perks included:
Priority boarding and deplaning.
Maple Leaf Lounge access with food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and showers.
Lie-flat seats with personal pods, pillows, blankets, and amenity kits.
Enhanced meals and beverages, served at your own pace.
Extra legroom — even my 6’6” husband could stretch out comfortably.
Private washrooms, so you don’t have to wait in line.
These benefits are available whether you pay cash or use points. The only restrictions: original ticket fare conditions remain (no private transfers or extra perks outside Air Canada services).
Air Canada Seat Selection vs Seat Upgrade
It’s important to distinguish seat selection from seat upgrades:
Seat selection: Choosing a specific seat within your cabin. Fees vary depending on route and fare class.
Standard economy: $14–$60 per segment.
Preferred or extra-legroom seats: $20–$199 depending on route.
Seat upgrade: Moving to a higher cabin class (Premium Economy or Signature Class). Costs vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars or equivalent points.
How to Maximize Your Upgrade Chances
Book eligible fare classes (Flex, Latitude, Premium Economy).
Check AC Bid Upgrade availability 72+ hours before departure.
Bid for all passengers together if booked under one reservation.
Use Aeroplan points if you have them — can save cash.
Monitor emails and Air Canada app for acceptance notifications.
Consider last-minute upgrades if flexible.
Premium Economy vs Economy on Air Canada
Many travelers wonder if premium economy vs economy on Air Canada is worth the upgrade:
| Feature | Economy | Premium Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Seat size & legroom | Standard | Wider, extra legroom |
| Seat selection | Paid (varies by fare) | Usually included |
| Meals | Basic | Enhanced, complimentary drinks |
| Priority services | No | Yes (boarding, baggage) |
| Lounge access | No | Not included, but can pair with bid upgrades to Signature Class |
For long-haul international flights, the added comfort in premium economy can be well worth the price or points.
Air Canada Star Alliance Upgrades
Star Alliance status alone does not guarantee Air Canada upgrades. Eligibility depends on:
Fare class and ticket type.
Air Canada-operated flights only.
Aeroplan Elite status is still required for eUpgrades.
Important Notes Before Bidding
Upgrades are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Success is not guaranteed even with a high bid.
Original fare determines Aeroplan points earned and status qualification.
Taxes and fees may vary when using cash or points.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Air Canada seat can elevate your travel experience, giving you priority services, lie-flat seats, lounge access, and extra comfort. Whether you use the AC Bid Upgrade, Aeroplan eUpgrade credits, or last-minute offers, planning ahead increases your chances of success.
If you want expert guidance on air canada seat upgrade cost, how to upgrade Air Canada flight, or choosing the right cabin, contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070. Our team can help you navigate bidding strategies, points usage, and maximize your upgrade experience without overspending.
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