Air Canada: Free Preferred Seats for Aeroplan Elite Members

Updated May 31, 2024
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To the point As of October 2, 2023, members with Aeroplan Elite status can select Preferred Seats on Air Canada flights at no extra charge.

Air Canada continues to make improvements to its frequent flyer program. As of October 2, loyal Aeroplan Elite Members will be able to choose Preferred Seats free of charge, depending on their status and certain conditions.

Air Canada - Preferred Seats

Air Canada’s Preferred Seats are Economy cabin seats with extra legroom and 10 cm of extra space between seats. What’s more, passengers in Preferred Seats are among the first to disembark from the aircraft on arrival.

Preferred Seats normally sell for between $20 and $199, depending on the aircraft and flight duration.

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Seat selection is possible at different times depending on Aeroplan Elite status, fare class and flight type. Here are the details of this new benefit:

  • Aeroplan 25K and Aeroplan 35K: the Preferred Seat can be selected at the time of online check-in, for all fare classes except Basic Economy.
  • Aeroplan 50K: at any time for flights within North America and at the time of online check-in for all other flights, for all fare classes except Basic Economy.
  • Aeroplan 75K: at any time for all flights, for all fare classes except Basic Economy.
  • Aeroplan Super Elite: at any time, on any flight, for any fare class.

What’s more, Aeroplan 50K and Aeroplan 75K Members can choose a regular seat free of charge at the time of booking, on all flights and in all fare classes except Basic Economy.

This benefit is worth between $14 and $90 per passenger, depending on flight duration and destination.

Details and conditions

Here are a few more details and conditions about this new benefit:

  • Free selection also applies to bookings made before October 2, 2023. However, no refunds will be issued for Preferred Seats purchased before October 2, 2023.
  • The privilege is available to Aeroplan Elite Members and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation.
  • The privilege applies only to flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge. Code-share or partner airline flights are not eligible.
  • The 50% discount on Preferred seats offered with Flex tickets will be withdrawn.
  • The privilege will be available on the Air Canada website later this week.
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Bottom Line

Air Canada aims to offer even more privileges to Aeroplan Elite members and their friends and family. The free selection of Preferred Seats is part of Air Canada’s overall effort to simplify seating benefits on its flights.

Earn up to $3,000 in value including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points (enough for a round trip to Honolulu) and additional travel benefits. Conditions apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.

  • Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card
  • Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening
  • Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening

Additional Travel Benefits :

  • Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate
  • Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges including complimentary access for one guest.
  • Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program.
  • Starbucks Bonus Offer for New Linked Members: Link your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite to earn 600 Starbucks Stars and redeem them for free Starbucks treats. Limited time only. Conditions and restrictions apply.
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
  • Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery, travel and dining purchases
  • Earn 1.25 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card
  • Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 170+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
  • Earn Aeroplan Points on everyday purchases.
  • Redeem your points for travel and more.
  • Travel with confidence with travel medical insurance.
  • Access priority airport services such as Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Hold and Priority Airport Upgrades.
  • Get an annual round-trip companion pass starting at $99 (plus taxes, fees and surcharges).
  • Complimentary Visa Infinite Concierge: On-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Visa Infinite Concierge can help with any Cardholder request — big or small, to help you get the most out of life whenever you travel, shop and use your Card.
  • Global Airport Lounge Access: Receive a complimentary membership to the Visa Airport Companion Program hosted by Dragonpass International Ltd. and take advantage of six lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. Enroll through the Visa Airport Companion App or through visaairportcompanion.ca
  • Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection: Receive seven exclusive benefits when you book your stay through the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection featuring over 900 of the world’s most intriguing properties. Enjoy an additional 8th benefit at over 200 properties, exclusively for Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders.
Legal

Terms and conditions apply.

Annual Fee
  • Primary card $599
  • Additional card $199
Annual Income Required
  • Individual $150,000
  • Household $200,000
Conversion fees
  • 2.5 %
Interest Rates
  • Purchase Rates 20.99 %
    20.99 % (QC)
  • Cash Advance Rates 22.99 %
    20.99 % (QC)
  • Balance Transfer Rates 22.99 %
    20.99 % (QC)
Earning Rate
  • Air Canada2Aeroplan Points
  • Groceries1.5Aeroplan Points
  • Gas1.5Aeroplan Points
Value
  • Year 1 $2,161
  • Year 2+ $461
Best For
Transfer Partners
  • Aeroplan

Advantages

  • Annual Credit
  • VIP Lounges
  • Concierge
  • Wifi
  • Travel credit

Travel Insurance

Insurance Name
Included
Amount
Duration
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance up to 54 years old
$5,000,000
31 day(s)
Travel medical insurance up to 64 years old
$5,000,000
31 day(s)
Travel medical insurance 65+
$5,000,000
4 day(s)
Trip Cancellation Insurance
$2,500
Trip Interruption Insurance
$5,000
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000
Flight Delay Insurance
$1,000
Delayed Baggage Insurance
$1,000
Lost/Stolen Baggage Insurance
$2,500
Auto Rental Loss/Insurance
$65,000
48 day(s)
Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance
$2,500
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Alexandrine Bertrand
Alexandrine Bertrand
An avid solo traveller, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programmes such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travellers make the most of their points and miles to experience affordable, off-the-beaten-path getaways. She also shares a love of gastronomy and enjoys exploring local flavours and culinary traditions.
All posts by Alexandrine Bertrand

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