Air Canada: New Basic Fares in Premium Economy and Business Class

Two Basic Fares in Premium Cabins

The principle is the same as for the Economy Basic fare: you pay less, but you give up some flexibility. Air Canada is responding to the growing demand for premium cabins, following the lead of its joint venture partners United Airlines and Lufthansa Group.

These new fares are offered in the following markets:

• Caribbean and Mexico
• Latin America and South America
• Transatlantic joint venture markets with United Airlines and Lufthansa Group (excluding Iran, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates)

Furthermore, existing premium fares are not changing: they are simply being renamed Standard and Latitude to align with the structure already used in the Economy cabin. Travelers who prefer an all-inclusive ticket keep exactly the same options.

What Do Air Canada Basic Fares Include?

Air Canada maintains the essentials of the premium experience: onboard meals, priority boarding, priority baggage, and one free checked bag. Here are the details:

For comparison, the first checked bag now costs $45 before taxes in Economy class on North American flights. The free bag included here therefore maintains real value.

Aeroplan Points and SQC: No Rate Penalty

Good news for point collectors: Basic fares earn Aeroplan points and Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) just like other premium fares.

• 1 Aeroplan point per dollar spent on the base fare and carrier surcharges (excluding third-party taxes, fees, and charges)
• 2X to 6X the points for Elite Status members, depending on the level held at the time of travel
• 4 SQC per dollar, which is the same rate as other fares in Premium Economy and Business Class

In practical terms, a cheaper ticket earns fewer SQC in total, since accumulation is calculated per dollar spent. However, every dollar works just as hard as with a classic premium fare. To build your status, check out our guide on how to reach Aeroplan Elite Status with Air Canada flights.

Elite Status and Cards: Benefits Maintained

Aeroplan Elite Status members maintain most of their benefits with these fares: priority services, airport lounge access, and free baggage linked to status. Similarly, benefits from eligible Aeroplan credit cards continue to apply.

This maintenance of card benefits is a game-changer for the Premium Economy Basic fare, which does not include lounge access. For example, the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card and the American Express^®* Aeroplan^® Reserve Card provide access to Maple Leaf Lounges when departing with Air Canada, regardless of the fare purchased.

To see all options based on your profile, consult our Aeroplan credit card comparison.

Our Analysis

I see these fares as an interesting entry point to premium cabins, provided you know what you are buying. The core of the experience remains intact: the same seat, the same meal, and in Business Class, Maple Leaf Lounge access is maintained.

Unlike the Economy Basic fare, which is often stripped down, these premium versions keep free checked baggage, priority boarding, and priority baggage. The logic is clear: you give up flexibility, not comfort.

Three questions to ask yourself before booking:

• Are your plans firm? The ticket is non-refundable and any modification incurs a fee.
• Do you care about your specific seat? Advance selection is for a fee with these fares.
• Do you use your eUpgrades? They do not apply here, a decisive point for many Elite members.

One More Choice, to Be Used Informedly

With these two fares, Air Canada is segmenting its premium cabins as it did in Economy. For a round trip with firm plans to the South or Europe, the savings can be well worth the concessions. For a trip likely to change, Standard and Latitude fares remain more prudent.

Finally, pairing these fares with a premium Aeroplan card allows you to recover some of the removed benefits, including lounge access in Premium Economy. To stay updated on changes at Air Canada and Aeroplan, sign up for our newsletter.

Air Canada Basic Fares – Frequently Asked Questions