How much does Air Canada Charge for seat selection?

"You can choose your seat while booking or during check-in (within 24 hours of departure). Fees may apply depending on your fare type."

Choosing the right seat can enhance your travel experience, whether you prefer extra legroom, a window view, or quick access to the aisle. Air Canada allows passengers to reserve their preferred seats in advance for a fee, depending on the route, cabin class, and fare type. Some passengers, such as Aeroplan Elite Members and Latitude or Comfort fares travelers, can enjoy free seat selection.

Understanding Air Canada's seat selection cost and policy helps you plan better and avoid unnecessary fees. Let's explore how Air Canada seat selection works, its pricing, and how to get the best seat without extra charges.

What Is Air Canada seat selection policy?

Air Canada offers different seat selection options based on fare type, membership status, and travel preferences. Here's what you need to know:

✔ Economy passengers can select seats for a fee, depending on their route and fare type. 
✔ Business Class and Premium Economy travelers enjoy free seat selection. 
✔ Aeroplan Super Elite Members get complimentary access to Air Canada Preferred Seats based on status and ticket type. 
✔ If you need more legroom or knee space in Economy class, you should pay from $20.00 to $249.00 CAD/USD per one-way flight segment based on your itinerary.
✔ If you don't select a seat, one will be automatically assigned during check-in (24 hours before departure).

Fond Tip: Preferred Seat prices range from $20 to $199 CAD/USD. Aeroplan Elite Members and travelers on Latitude or Comfort fares can select Preferred Seats for free on select routes.

How does Air Canada seat selection work?

Selecting a seat on Air Canada flights is simple and can be done at various stages of your journey.

✔ At Booking: When purchasing your airline tickets, you'll see available seats and their prices. 
✔ After Booking: Use Air Canada Manage Booking to select or change your seat anytime before check-in. 
✔ During Check-in (24 Hours Before Departure): If you haven't selected a seat, you can choose from the remaining free options.

✈ If you want to secure the best seat for your flight? Contact FondTravels at +1 (571) 389 6426 for expert advice and booking assistance.

Read more: How to Get Air Canada Student Discount?

How to select seats on Air Canada?

To reserve a seat on Air Canada flights, follow these simple steps:

1️⃣ Visit the Air Canada website or open the mobile app. 
2️⃣ Navigate to "Manage My Booking" and enter your booking details. 
3️⃣ Select "Seat Selection" to view available options. 
4️⃣ Pick your preferred seat and proceed with payment (if applicable). 
5️⃣ Confirm your selection and download your Air Canada seat selection boarding pass.

How much does Air Canada charge for seat selection?

The cost of Air Canada seat selection varies based on route, seat type, and class of service. Here's a general pricing guide:

Fond Tip: Passengers traveling on Latitude or Comfort fares and Aeroplan Elite Members can select Preferred Seats for free on select routes.

📞 Looking for the best deals on Air Canada seat selection? Call FondTravels at +1 (571) 389 6426 and save on your flight deals.

What are the types of Air Canada seat classes?

1. Standard Economy Seats

✔ Budget-friendly option with standard legroom. 
✔ Seat selection is available for a fee.

2. Premium Economy Seats

✔ Extra legroom and wider seats. 
✔ Free seat selection included.

3. Business Class Seats

✔ Spacious reclining seats with priority boarding. 
✔ Free seat selection for all Business Class passengers.

4. Signature Class Seats

✔ Luxury cabin with lie-flat beds and premium services. 
✔ Includes complimentary seat selection.

Fond Tip: If you are 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K Aeroplan, or Super Elite member, you may qualify for free preferred seat selection at check-in when traveling on select fares.

Air Canada flight seating chart & map

Air Canada offers detailed seating charts for each aircraft in its fleet, including seat layout, pitch, width, and class configuration. Whether you're flying Economy, Premium Economy, or Signature Class, you can view seat maps for specific aircraft like the Boeing 777, Airbus A220, or Dreamliner directly on the Air Canada website when booking or managing your reservation. These maps help you pick the best seat for comfort, legroom, or location—like near the front, window, or extra legroom rows.

Read more: Air Canada Premium Services: What to Expect?

Air Canada Seating Options

1. Cabin Classes:

• Economy Class: This offers standard seating with personal in-flight entertainment systems.
• Premium Economy: Provides enhanced comfort with more legroom, wider seats, premium meal service, and priority airport services.
• Business Class (Signature Class): Features fully lie-flat seats on all wide-body aircraft, personal entertainment systems, and 110V electrical outlets.

2. Preferred Seats:

• Location: Available in exit rows, select bulkhead rows, and the first few rows of the cabin on some flights.
• Benefits:

✔ Up to 10 cm (4 inches) of extra space between seats.

✔ Bulkhead row seats offer more knee space.

✔ Earlier access to overhead bin space with Zone 3 boarding.

✔ Quicker exit upon arrival.

• Pricing: Ranges from $20 to $199 CAD/USD, depending on the route and aircraft.
• Eligibility for Complimentary Selection: Aeroplan Elite Members and customers traveling on a Latitude or Comfort fare can select a Preferred Seat at no extra cost on select routes.

3. Seat Selection Process:

• During Booking: Select your seat from the seat map when you reach the Seat Selection screen.
• After Booking: Access the 'My Bookings' section on the Air Canada website, sign in, and look for the 'Change Seats' link.
• At Check-In: Choose your seat online, on your mobile device, or at an airport check-in kiosk.

4. Special Considerations:

• Exit Row Seating Restrictions: For safety reasons, not everyone can sit in an exit row. Passengers must meet specific criteria, such as being at least 18 years old and able to assist in an emergency.
• Medical or Disability Requirements: If you require special seating due to a medical condition or physical disability and are assigned a Preferred Seat, related seat charges will not apply. 
  

How to get Air Canada preferred seats for free?

As of October 2, 2023, Air Canada offers complimentary Preferred Seat selection to Aeroplan Elite Status Members as follows:

1. Aeroplan 25K and 35K Members: They are eligible for free Preferred Seats at check-in when traveling on Standard fares and above for all destinations.
2. Aeroplan 50K Members:

• You can select Preferred Seats at any time when traveling within Canada and the U.S. (including Hawaii).
• If you're flying outside Canada or the U.S., you can get a free Preferred Seat when you check in if you're eligible.

3. Aeroplan 75K and Super Elite Members: Eligible people can select Preferred Seats anytime for all destinations.

Additionally, up to eight travel companions on the same reservation as an Aeroplan Elite Status Member are also eligible for complimentary Preferred Seat selection.

Read more: How to Book Air Canada Business Class Flights?

Fare Type Requirements

Complimentary Preferred Seat selection is available when traveling on Standard fares and above. Economy Basic fares are generally excluded from this benefit, except for Super Elite Members, who are eligible for complimentary Preferred Seats even on Economy Basic fares.

How to Select Your Complimentary Preferred Seat

• During Booking: Select your Preferred Seat from the seat map when you reach the Seat Selection screen.
• After Booking: Access the 'My Bookings' section on the Air Canada website, sign in, and look for the 'Change Seats' link.
• At Check-In: Choose your seat online, on your mobile device, or at an airport check-in kiosk.

Note: Complimentary Preferred Seat selection is available exclusively when traveling on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, or Air Canada Rouge.

Is Air Canada Airlines seat selection fee refundable?

Air Canada's seat selection fees are generally non-refundable. However, there are specific situations where you may be eligible for a refund:

1. Service Unavailability: If the seat you paid for is not available to you (e.g., due to an aircraft change or operational reasons), Air Canada will provide a prompt and automatic refund when you notify them.
2. Flight Cancellations or Significant Delays: If Air Canada cancels your flight or is delayed by 3 hours or more, and you choose not to travel, you are eligible for a refund for the unused portion of your ticket, including any seat selection fees.
3. Unused Non-Refundable Travel Options: Unused non-refundable travel options, such as assigned seat selection, may be used on future flights, subject to availability.

For more detailed information or questions about your booking and refund, you can contact us at +1 (571) 389 6426.

How can you avoid Air Canada seat selection fees?

• Book a Latitude, Comfort, Business, or Premium Economy fare – Free seat selection is included.
• Join the Aeroplan loyalty program – Elite members get complimentary seat selection on select fares.
• Wait until check-in (24 hours before departure) – You can choose from available seats for free.
• Travel with a group booking – Airlines often assign seats together at no extra cost.

Fond Tip: If you don't mind where you sit, skip seat selection and check in 24 hours before departure for a free assigned seat.

📞 For expert guidance on seat selection and travel bookings, reach out to FondTravels at +1 (571) 389 6426.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Air Canada offers a variety of seating options to suit different needs, from standard economy to luxurious Signature Class. While seat selection fees apply for certain classes, Aeroplan Elite members and passengers with specific fares can enjoy complimentary seat selection benefits. If you want to avoid extra costs, consider booking a Latitude or Comfort fare or waiting until check-in for available free seats. For personalized advice and seat selection or booking assistance, contact FondTravels at +1 (571) 389 6426.

FAQ’s