What To Know
- While complimentary seat selection is available for certain categories of passengers, most passengers will need to pay a fee to select their preferred seat.
- However, by understanding the policy and exploring the available options, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to pay for seat selection on your next Air Canada flight.
- Yes, you can select your seat for free if you are an Elite member, a Business Class passenger, a passenger with disabilities or special needs, a passenger traveling with children under 12 years of age, or a passenger who has purchased a Preferred Seat.
Air travel has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with destinations near and far. However, the question of whether airlines charge for seat selection has become a common concern among travelers. In this comprehensive blog post, we delve into the details of Air Canada’s seat selection policy, exploring the nuances and exceptions that may apply.
Does Air Canada Make You Pay for Seat Selection?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. While Air Canada does offer complimentary seat selection for certain passengers, there are instances where a fee may apply.
Complimentary Seat Selection
Air Canada offers complimentary seat selection to the following categories of passengers:
- Elite members (Altitude Super Elite 100K, 75K, 50K, 25K)
- Business Class passengers
- Passengers with disabilities or special needs
- Passengers traveling with children under 12 years of age
- Passengers who have purchased a Preferred Seat
Fees for Seat Selection
For passengers who do not fall into the above categories, Air Canada charges a fee for seat selection. The fee varies depending on the type of seat and the route.
- Standard seats: $25-$50
- Preferred seats: $50-$100
- Exit row seats: $100-$150
Exceptions to the Fee
There are a few exceptions to the seat selection fee:
- Passengers who have purchased a flexible fare (Tango Flex or Latitude)
- Passengers who have purchased a group fare
- Passengers who are connecting to a flight operated by another airline (codeshare)
How to Avoid Seat Selection Fees
If you want to avoid paying for seat selection, here are a few tips:
- Check in online 24 hours before your flight. You may be able to select your seat for free during the online check-in process.
- Join Air Canada’s loyalty program, Altitude. Elite members are entitled to complimentary seat selection.
- Consider purchasing a Preferred Seat. This will guarantee you a preferred seat without having to pay an additional fee.
Benefits of Paying for Seat Selection
While paying for seat selection may seem like an unnecessary expense, there are several benefits to doing so:
- You can choose your preferred seat, ensuring comfort and convenience during your flight.
- You can avoid being separated from your travel companions.
- You can increase your chances of getting a seat with extra legroom or other amenities.
Final Note:
Air Canada’s seat selection policy is designed to provide flexibility and choice to passengers. While complimentary seat selection is available for certain categories of passengers, most passengers will need to pay a fee to select their preferred seat. However, by understanding the policy and exploring the available options, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to pay for seat selection on your next Air Canada flight.
What People Want to Know
1. How much does it cost to select a seat on Air Canada?
The cost of seat selection varies depending on the type of seat and the route. Standard seats typically cost $25-$50, Preferred seats cost $50-$100, and Exit row seats cost $100-$150.
2. Can I select my seat for free on Air Canada?
Yes, you can select your seat for free if you are an Elite member, a Business Class passenger, a passenger with disabilities or special needs, a passenger traveling with children under 12 years of age, or a passenger who has purchased a Preferred Seat.
3. How can I avoid paying for seat selection on Air Canada?
You can avoid paying for seat selection by checking in online 24 hours before your flight, joining Air Canada‘s loyalty program, Altitude, or purchasing a Preferred Seat.
