Air Canada: New Basic Fares in Premium Economy and Business Class
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On July 28, 2026, Air Canada is launching two new basic fares in its premium cabins: Premium Economy Basic and Business Class Basic. These fares cost less than current premium options while maintaining the seat and onboard service. In exchange, they remove refunds, free seat selection, and the use of eUpgrades.
Here is what these Air Canada Basic fares include, what they exclude, and what they change for your Aeroplan points. To compare cards that enhance your Air Canada flights, also check out our page on the best credit cards.
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:
| Attribute | Premium Economy Basic | Business Class Basic |
|---|---|---|
| Refundable | No | No |
| Changeable | Yes, with costs | Yes, with costs |
| Advance Seat Selection | For a fee | For a fee |
| Checked Baggage | 1 free bag | 1 free bag |
| Carry-on Baggage | Allowed | Allowed |
| Lounge | Not allowed | Maple Leaf Lounge: Included Signature Suite: Not included |
| Priority boarding | Included | Included |
| Priority Baggage | Included | Included |
| Onboard Meals | Included | Included |
| Aeroplan | Aeroplan Points + SQC | Aeroplan Points + SQC |
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.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $599 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $0 |
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
What are Premium Economy Basic and Business Class Basic fares?
These are two new basic fares launched by Air Canada on July 28, 2026, in the Premium Economy and Business Class cabins. They cost less than existing premium fares, with the same seat and onboard service, but without refunds or free seat selection.
Does the Business Class Basic fare provide lounge access?
Yes, Maple Leaf Lounge access is included with the Business Class Basic fare. The Signature Suite, however, is not included. The Premium Economy Basic fare does not provide any lounge access.
Are these fares refundable or changeable?
Both fares are non-refundable. However, they remain changeable for a change fee.
Is a checked bag included?
Yes, each basic fare includes one free checked bag, in addition to the allowed carry-on baggage. Priority boarding and priority baggage are also included.
How many Aeroplan points do these fares earn?
You earn 1 Aeroplan point per dollar spent on the base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding taxes. Elite members get 2X to 6X the points depending on their status. SQCs accumulate at 4 per dollar, just like with other premium fares.
Can eUpgrades be used with these fares?
No, eUpgrades cannot be used with Premium Economy Basic and Business Class Basic fares. Other Elite status benefits, such as priority services and lounge access, remain applicable.
On which routes are these fares offered?
They are offered to the Caribbean, Mexico, Latin America, South America, and on transatlantic markets operated in joint venture with United Airlines and Lufthansa Group, excluding Iran, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates.
What happens to existing premium fares?
They are not changing: Air Canada is simply renaming them Standard and Latitude to align with the Economy cabin fare structure. Their content and benefits remain identical.
