Air Canada Seat Selection and eUpgrade Guide

Most Air Canada passengers can select seats during booking or afterwards through the Manage Bookings section on aircanada.com. Whether seat selection is
free or paid depends on the fare type purchased.Economy Basic passengers can choose a Standard seat for a fee, while higher fares like Latitude,
Comfort, and Flex generally include seat selection at no charge. Upgrade options include paid upgrades and eUpgrade
credits for eligible Aeroplan members.

Last Updated: March 2026

Quick Answer: Air Canada Seat Selection

Who This Guide Is For

Passengers flying Air Canada on economy or long-haul routes
Travelers deciding between seat selection fees and upgrade options
Aeroplan members looking to make the most of eUpgrade credits

Air Canada uses a fare-based seating system where the ability to choose or upgrade seats depends on your ticket type and travel route. While many fares include standard seat selection, others require a fee for preferred or extra-legroom seats. Knowing how these options work before booking helps you avoid unnecessary upgrade costs and choose better seating early.

This guide explains how Air Canada seat selection works by fare type, what seat categories are available, how upgrades are structured, and what Aeroplan members can expect.

How Air Canada Seat Selection Works

Can I Select a Seat on Air Canada?

Yes. Most Air Canada passengers can choose seats during the booking process or afterwards through Manage Bookings on aircanada.com or the Air Canada app. The timing and cost of seat selection depends on the fare type purchased.

When You Can Choose Your Seat

During booking — Seat selection is available on most fare types at the time of purchase
After booking — Through Manage Bookings on aircanada.com or the Air Canada app
During online check-in — Opens 24 hours before departure; additional seats may become available
At the airport — Check-in agents may assist, though options are more limited closer to departure

Automatic Seat Assignment

Passengers who do not select a seat are assigned one automatically at check-in based on availability. Seat location is not guaranteed. Travelers with a preference for window, aisle, or exit row positions should select a seat in advance.

Air Canada Seat Types Explained

Standard Economy Seats

Standard seats located throughout the economy cabin. Included with most fare types on most routes. These are the default seat category for passengers who do not select a preferred or premium option.

Exit Row Seats :Exit row seats offer extra legroom, but eligibility restrictions apply and passengers must meet safety requirements to sit there.

Preferred Seats : Preferred Seats are located in more desirable positions, often near the front of the cabin and sometimes in exit row or select bulkhead locations. They may be available for a fee depending on fare type, while some Aeroplan elite members may qualify for complimentary access.

Business Class (Signature Class): Air Canada’s Business Class on international routes features lie-flat seats, priority services, and access to Maple Leaf Lounges at select airports. Available as a paid fare or through eUpgrade credits for eligible Aeroplan members when inventory is released.

Premium Economy : Air Canada’s Premium Economy cabin offers wider seats with more legroom than standard economy, additional recline, and enhanced onboard service. Available as a separate fare class or as an upgrade from eligible economy fares when seats are available.

Air Canada Seat Upgrade Options

How to Upgrade Your Seat on Air Canada

There are three main ways to upgrade a seat on Air Canada:

1. Paid Upgrade Paid upgrades may be available during booking, after booking through Manage Bookings, or at check-in when seats are available.
2. eUpgrade Credits eUpgrade credits can be used to request upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class on eligible Air Canada-operated flights when upgrade inventory is released.
3. Complimentary Upgrades for Elite Members See the dedicated Aeroplan section below.

How to Select or Upgrade Your Seat on Air Canada

If booking a new flight:

Visit aircanada.com or open the Air Canada app
Search for and select your flight
Choose your fare type
Open the seat map during the booking process
Select an available seat based on your fare eligibility
Confirm and complete your reservation

If you already have a booking:

Go to Manage Bookings on aircanada.com or the app
Enter your booking reference and last name
Open the seat map for your flight
Choose or change your seat based on availability
Confirm the selection

Seat availability changes closer to departure. Checking back periodically can reveal newly released seats, particularly for preferred positions and upgrade inventory.

Is Seat Selection Free on Air Canada?

Seat selection depends on your fare type and itinerary. Economy Basic usually requires a fee for advance seat selection, while Standard, Flex, Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy, and Business Class fares may include seat selection at no charge depending on route.

Aeroplan Members and Seat Benefits

Aeroplan elite members may receive additional seat selection benefits depending on their status level.

Higher-tier Aeroplan members may qualify for complimentary standard or preferred seat selection, depending on status tier and route.

Benefits vary by route and fare type, so checking your Aeroplan account before travel is recommended.

Air Canada Seat Selection Compared to Other Airlines

Compared with Delta and United, Air Canada’s seat-selection rules are similar on basic fares, but Aeroplan status and fare family can play a bigger role in whether you pay for advance seat choice.

Air Canada Seat Selection Fees (Estimated)

Standard seats – Often free except on Economy Basic

Preferred seats – Approximately $10–$50

Exit row / extra legroom -Approximately $30–$120+

Premium cabin upgrades -Dynamic pricing, varies by route and availability

Estimates based on publicly available information. Confirm current pricing directly with Air Canada before travel.

Before You Choose Your Seat

Understanding Air Canada seat selection helps you make better booking decisions.

• Review fare benefits before selecting seats
• Compare upgrade cost vs higher fare
• Choose early for better availability

For baggage costs, see our Air Canada baggage fees guide.
For cabin baggage rules, check our Air Canada carry-on guide
To compare airlines, visit our seat selection and upgrade guide.

Can I select a seat on Air Canada for free?

Most fares include free standard seat selection. Economy Basic usually requires a fee, and Preferred seats may also cost extra. Aeroplan members may get added benefits based on status.

Is seat selection free on Air Canada Economy Basic?

Usually no. Seats are assigned at check-in unless you pay to choose one in advance.

How do I upgrade my seat on Air Canada?

You can upgrade through Manage Bookings or during check-in. Aeroplan members can use eUpgrade credits when available.

When does Air Canada assign seats automatically?

If you don’t select a seat, one is assigned at check-in based on availability.

What is the difference between Preferred seats and Premium Economy?

Preferred seats are standard economy seats in better locations. Premium Economy is a separate cabin with more space, better recline, and upgraded service.

This guide is created using airline policy data, real booking flow analysis, and fare comparison insights to help travelers make informed seat selection decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I select a seat on Air Canada?

Yes, seats can be selected during booking, after booking, or during check-in.

Can I upgrade to Business Class after booking?

Yes. Paid upgrades can be requested through Manage Bookings on aircanada.com or the app, subject to availability. Eligible Aeroplan elite members can also use eUpgrade credits when upgrade inventory is released closer to departure.

Is seat selection free on Air Canada?

It depends on fare type. Higher fares include seat selection, while Economy Basic may require a fee.

What happens if I don’t select a seat?

Air Canada assigns a seat automatically at check-in based on availability.

How much does Air Canada charge for seat selection?

It depends on fare type and seat category. Standard seats are often free on most fares. Preferred seats typically range from $10 to $50 and exit row seats can go higher. Economy Basic passengers pay a fee for any advance seat selection.

Are Air Canada preferred seats worth it?

It depends on the flight. Preferred seats offer a better cabin position, usually near the front, which means faster deplaning and easier overhead bin access. They do not always include extra legroom. On longer flights or tight connections, the convenience can justify the fee.

How to upgrade seat on Air Canada?

You can upgrade using paid options, Aeroplan eUpgrade credits, or last-minute airport offers.

Are preferred seats worth it?

Preferred seats can be worth it if you want a better cabin location, faster deplaning, or easier overhead bin access, but they do not always provide extra legroom.

This guide is based on publicly available Air Canada fare rules and booking data as of March 2026.

Disclaimer: All information on MyBaggageInfo is provided for general travel guidance only. Airline policies, baggage rules, and fees can change at any time without prior notice. While we strive to keep our content accurate and updated, travelers should always verify details directly with the airline before their journey. MyBaggageInfo is not responsible for any errors, delays, or decisions made based on the information provided.