How do I Pick my seat on Air Canada?

How to Change or Select Preferred Seats

Choosing the right seat on your Air Canada flight can make all the difference in your in-flight experience. Whether you want extra legroom, proximity to the lavatory, or to sit with your travel companions, understanding Air Canada seat selection policy and fees allows you to pick the perfect spot. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about changing, selecting, and upgrading seats when flying Air Canada.

Air Canada's Seat Selection Policy

Air Canada offers advance seat selection on all flights for a fee. Prices vary based on your fare class, with lower fares having higher seat selection charges.

You can select seats for free when booking certain higher fare Premium Economy or Business Class tickets. Aeroplan Super Elite 100K members and customers requiring special assistance can also pick seats at no cost.

If you don't pre-select a seat, Air Canada will automatically assign you one for free at online check-in starting 24 hours before departure. However, you may get stuck with a middle seat in the back by waiting. Paying for advance selection ensures you get your preferred location.

Air Canada Advance Seat Selection Fees

Seat selection fees on Air Canada depend on your booking class:

Basic Economy (Class O, L, E): $10-$50 CAD per segment
Standard Economy (Class M, U, H, Q, V): $10-$50 CAD per segment
Premium Economy (Class J, C): Free for Latitude/Premium fare, $50 for Standard
Business Class (Class J, D, C, Z): Free for Latitude/Premium fare, $100 for Standard

You must pay per flight segment. On a round-trip, you'll be charged twice to pick seats on both the outbound and return.

Air Canada raises the fees as the departure date approaches. Selecting a seat during booking is cheapest, while last-minute selections at online check-in or at the airport are most expensive.

Children under 12 are charged a discounted seat selection fee when accompanying an adult. Infants under 2 don't require a seat selection.

How to Select Your Seat on an Air Canada Flight

You have several options to pick seats on Air Canada, whether booking a new flight or looking to change your existing selection.

Online During Reservation

This is the best way to choose your preferred seats for the lowest fees. When booking on Air Canada's website or mobile app, simply select your seats for each flight segment on the seating chart after entering passenger details.

You can browse different cabins and see which seats are occupied, standard, extra legroom, or have other features like more recline or proximity to galleys. Make your selections and pay any fees before completing checkout.

After Booking on Air Canada's Website

If you forgot to pick seats when booking, you can add them later through Air Canada's "My Bookings" section. Log into your reservation online and select "Add Seats" to pull up the seating chart and pick spots for a fee. This costs the same as choosing them at booking.

During Online Check-In

Starting 24 hours before departure, you can select seats when checking in online on Air Canada's website or mobile app. However, fees are higher compared to advance selection.

Open your reservation, begin the check-in process, and choose your seat when prompted. Only standard seats are available at this point, not preferred locations. Pay the seat fee to complete check-in.

At Airport Check-In

If you haven't pre-selected seats, the airline will automatically assign you one for free during airport check-in. However, you may get stuck with middle seats in the back.

For an additional fee, you can request a preferred seat assignment from the check-in agent based on availability. Prices are highest for last-minute selections at the airport.

Over the Phone

Dial Air Canada cusotmer service number 1 (888) 247-2262 or 1-860-374-7569 to select seat assignments on existing bookings for a fee. An agent can look up your reservation and add seat selections over the phone. This costs the same as booking online in advance.

Have your booking reference number handy. Pay by credit card to complete the process. Calling close to departure will incur higher fees.

Refunding a Paid Seat Selection

If you need to cancel a paid seat selection on Air Canada, you can request a refund of the fees in certain cases:

Flight cancellation or major schedule change by Air Canada
You change or cancel your flight more than 2 hours before departure
Involuntary downgrade from Premium Economy or Business Class cabin

To get a refund, call Air Canada with your booking details. For online selections, you can also request a refund via their website. Processing can take up to 20 days.

Fees are non-refundable if you cancel within 2 hours of departure or make any changes after that point. The airline will also not provide refunds if you simply change your mind and want to switch seats after paying.

What is Preferred Seating on Air Canada?

Preferred seats on Air Canada refer to seat locations considered more desirable by passengers, so the airline charges extra fees for them. These include:

Exit row seats with extra legroom
Bulkhead seats with extra legroom
Seats near the front of Economy cabins
Seats in Economy Comfort zone with extra legroom
Seats in Economy cabin rows 7-14 (first few rows after Business Class)

Preferred seats offer perks like:

Extra legroom
More recline
Location near galleys for easy bathroom access
Quick access to exits for deplaning
Placement in a preferred section of the cabin

They cost more than standard seats when selecting in advance. At check-in, only standard seats are available unless you pay a premium fee.

What's the Difference Between Preferred Seating and Premium Economy on Air Canada?

It's important to note the difference between preferred seat selections in Economy and true Premium Economy cabins:

Preferred seats - Regular Economy seats toward front of cabin or with extra legroom. Add-on fee required.
Premium Economy - Separate, upgraded cabin with wider seats, more amenities, and higher service level. Included with Premium fare.

While preferred seats offer some perks over standards, Premium Economy is a superior experience and product. You'll get more value booking Premium Economy over basic Economy if it fits your budget. Preferred seats simply provide some economy seat enhancements.

Key Things to Know About Air Canada Seat Selection

Here are some important tips and information on selecting seats with Air Canada:

Fees are charged for all advance seat selections except Aeroplan Super Elite & premium fares
Prices are lowest when picking seats online during booking
You can change selections later for the same fee as initial booking
Children under 12 receive discounted fees
Seats are automatically assigned for free if you don't pre-select
Preferred seats offer extra legroom, exit rows, forward Economy, etc.
Premium Economy is a superior product vs. Preferred Economy seats
Refunds are allowed if Air Canada changes/cancels flight or you cancel 2+ hours before departure

How Can I Select My Seat After Booking a Flight?

If you forgot to pick seats when initially booking, don't worry - you still have options to choose your seat later through Air Canada:

Online Selection

Log into your Air Canada booking online and select "Add Seats" to pull up the seat map and choose assignments. The fee is the same as during booking.

During Online Check-In

Starting 24 hours before departure, you can pick seats when checking in online. However, fees are higher compared to advance online selection.

Airport Check-In

Air Canada will automatically assign you a seat for free if you haven't pre-selected. However, you may get stuck with a middle seat in the back.

At airport check-in, you can request a preferred seat from the agent for an additional fee based on availability. Prices are highest for selections at the airport.

Phone Selection

Call Air Canada and provide your booking reference. An agent can select seats on your reservation over the phone for the standard fee. Prices match online selection in advance.

Aeroplan Elite Status

If you have Aeroplan Super Elite 100K status, you can select complimentary advance seats without fees. This perk also applies when seats are assigned during airport check-in.

Account Credits

You can redeem an Air Canada e-voucher or future flight credit towards seat selection fees on new bookings. Simply enter the credit when prompted for payment.

Refunds

If necessary, you can cancel paid seats later for a refund by calling Air Canada or online in certain cases like cancellations or major schedule changes.

Group Bookings

For group reservations, seats can be selected in bulk or you can call a special desk for assistance with group seat assignments.

With various options to choose from after booking, you can still get your preferred seat on Air Canada without being stuck with an automatically assigned spot. Act quickly for the lowest fees and best selection.

How to Change Your Seat on an Air Canada Flight

If you want to modify your existing seat selection on Air Canada, you have a few options:

Online Reselection

Log into your booking, choose "Add Seats" and pick new assignments on the seat map. Applicable change fees apply.

During Check-In

You can select an alternate seat when checking in online 24 hours before departure. Different seats have higher fees now.

At the Airport

Request a new preferred seat at airport check-in for a premium charge. Standard seats can be swapped for free by agents.

Over the Phone

Call Air Canada and an agent can change your seats for standard reselection fees. Have your booking reference handy.

Standby List

At the gate, you can add yourself to the standby list for preferred seats that become available due to no-shows. Fees still apply.

Refund Original Selection

Cancel your paid seats via Air Canada's website or an agent for a refund of fees, then re-select new seats.

With a mix of online tools, in-person assistance, and refundability, Air Canada offers decent flexibility for changing your mind on seats after booking. Act fast for lowest fees.

Getting a Refund for Air Canada Seat Selection

To get a refund for paid seat selection fees on Air Canada, certain conditions must be met:

Flight Cancellation/Schedule Change

If Air Canada cancels or significantly changes the schedule of your flight, you're entitled to a full refund of any paid seat fees.

Cancel Ticket Early

If you cancel your ticket more than 2 hours before the scheduled departure time, seat selection charges will be refunded.

Involuntary Cabin Downgrade

If you paid for Preferred/Premium seats but Air Canada moves you to basic Economy without consent, you can receive a refund.

Process

To obtain your seat selection refund, call Air Canada or request it online if you booked directly on their website. Provide booking details. It may take up to 20 days to process.

Fees are non-refundable if you cancel within 2 hours of departure, make any changes after that point, or switch seats voluntarily after purchase.

Can I Pick My Own Seat on an Air Canada Flight?

Yes, Air Canada allows passengers to select their own seats on flights, either for free or for a prepaid fee:

Seats are automatically assigned free of charge if not pre-selected
You can pick seats during booking or after for a fee based on fare class
Prices range from $10-$100+ CAD per flight segment
Exit rows, bulkheads, extra legroom are "preferred seats" with higher fees
Aeroplan Super Elite and premium fares select seats free
Make selections online, on app, airport kiosk, or with an agent
Change is allowed later for standard fee based on availability

While seats are automatically assigned if you don't pre-select, choosing your spot in advance ensures you get your preferred location on the aircraft.

What Happens If You Don't Pick Seats With Air Canada?

If you don't pre-select seats on an Air Canada flight, here is what happens:

Air Canada will automatically assign seats at no charge
This occurs during online check-in starting 24 hours before departure
You will likely get a standard middle seat in the rear cabins
No ability to pick preferred seats like extra legroom without fees
Airport agents can swap assignments, but preferred seats cost more

Skipping advance selection risks getting stuck in poor seats. Paying fees allows you to choose prime locations you want, so it is recommended to pick in advance.

Is Air Canada's Preferred Seating Worth It?

Air Canada's Preferred Seats are worth the extra fees for many flyers who want:

Extra legroom with exit row and bulkhead seats
Forward location closer to front of Economy cabin
Aisle seats for easy bathroom access
Seats in Economy Comfort zone with more recline
Quick access to gates for deplaning

However, prices can be steep at $50-$100+ per flight segment. Basic economy flyers may want to save money and take the free seat. For longer flights, preferred seats provide comfort.

It depends on your needs and budget. But advanced selection gives you the best options over any automatic free seat you are assigned later.

What Flights Offer Preferred Seat Selection?

You can book preferred seats on all Air Canada operated flights, including:

Domestic flights within Canada
Transborder flights to/from the United States
International flights across the Atlantic, Pacific, and to South America and the Caribbean

This includes flights on Air Canada mainline jets as well as regional flights operated by Air Canada Express and partners using smaller aircraft.

Preferred seats can be purchased on both Economy and Business Class cabins when booking any type of Air Canada flight.

Can I Get a Free Preferred Seat Without Paying?

There are a few ways to get preferred seats on Air Canada without extra fees:

Aeroplan Super Elite 100K status grants free preferred seats
Book a Premium Economy or Business Class Latitude/Premium fare (upgrades included)
Passengers with disabilities can request free seat accommodations
Standby at the gate for last-minute availability as people fail to show up
Kindly ask the airport agent if any preferred seats are open for no charge
Hope for a free upgrade offer at the gate if available (uncommon)

Otherwise, you'll have to pay the applicable seat selection fees to guarantee your preferred spot in advance. Timing it right with status, fares, or standby are the only ways around it.

Which Air Canada Seats are the Best?

While seat preferences vary between flyers, here are some top Air Canada seat selections in Economy class:

Exit Rows - Rows 15/16 and 31/32 have the most legroom
Bulkheads - Walls in front of row 13 and 30 allow stretching
Forward Cabin - Rows 7-14 are closest to Business ClassAisles - Allow easy bathroom access without crawling over others
Right Side Window - More privacy as food carts use left aisle

When Can I Pick Seats Without an Extra Fee?

There is a limited time you can select seats on Air Canada without incurring an additional fee:

During initial online booking - Choose seats here for lowest fees
Within 24 hours of booking - Still considered advance purchase with lower fees
Before online check-in opens (24 hours before flight) - Fees start rising after this point
With Aeroplan Super Elite status - Complimentary selections
With a Premium Economy/Business fare - Included with booking
Infant under 2 without a seat - Doesn't need selection
Child under 12 - Discounted fees apply

Basically, make sure to pick your seats no later than 24 hours before your flight for the lowest fees. After that time, seats can still be selected but at higher airline change fees.

What Happens If You Don't Pre-Select an Air Canada Seat?

Failing to choose a seat in advance on Air Canada has these consequences:

You'll be automatically assigned a seat at no cost
This will likely be a standard middle seat towards the back
No option for preferred seats like extra legroom without fees
Could be split up from your travel companions
Stuck if you don't like the random seat selected

While a gamble, some flyers take the risk to save on fees. But if your comfort or sitting with others is key, pre-selecting seats is advised.

How Can I Ensure I Sit With My Child?

Here are some tips for guaranteeing seats with your child when flying Air Canada:

Book early when more seats are available
Select seats together during online booking
Pick aisle and window pairs so no one is in the middle
Pay seat fees for child under 12 at discounted rate
Check in early to avoid automatic assignments
Ask airport agent politely to accommodate if needed
Consider adjacent rows if no pairs left together

Booking as far in advance as possible gives you the best opportunity to secure seats together. Paying fees ensures you lock in spots side-by-side.

Conclusion

Getting the right seat makes a big difference in enjoying your flight on Air Canada. Understanding the airline's advance seat selection policy, fees, and process allows savvy flyers to secure the best seats for their needs and budget. Pre-selecting is highly recommended over taking automatically assigned seats to avoid getting stuck in discomfort on long flights. With a few insider tips, you can choose great seats and focus on the joy of traveling instead of the logistics.