How Much Does Air Canada Charge for Seat Selection?

Affluenece Travels
12 hours ago
3 min read

.When you book an Air Canada flight, the ticket price is just the beginning. One of the most common questions travelers ask is: “How much does Air Canada charge for seat selection?” The answer depends on your fare type, route, and even frequent flyer status. Let’s dive deep into the details so you know exactly what to expect before you fly.

Why Seat Selection Matters

Choosing your seat isn’t just about comfort—it’s about peace of mind. Whether you want to sit by the window, stretch out with extra legroom, or make sure your family sits together, Air Canada seat selection plays a big role in shaping your travel experience. But with Air Canada, it often comes at an additional cost.

Air Canada Seat Selection Fees by Fare Type

Air Canada divides its economy fares into several categories, and each one comes with different rules for seat selection.

1. Basic Economy

The lowest-priced fare, but also the most restrictive.
Seat selection is NOT free. You’ll need to pay:
$14–$60 (CAD/USD) for domestic or Canada–U.S. flights.
$30–$90 (CAD/USD) for international routes.
If you don’t pre-select, Air Canada will assign you a seat at check-in.

2. Standard Economy

A step above Basic.
Seat selection often requires a fee:
1) $14–$60 domestically and Canada–U.S.
2) $30–$90 internationally.
On certain long-haul international flights, standard seat selection may be complimentary.

3. Flex, Comfort, and Latitude

These fares are traveler-friendly.
Seat selection is included—whether you choose a standard or even a preferred seat (depending on route).
Perfect for frequent travelers who don’t want surprises at checkout.

Seat Selection Costs by Route

Route matters just as much as fare. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Route Type	Standard Seat	Preferred Seat
Canada & Canada–U.S.	$14–$60	$20–$199
Most International Routes	$30–$90	$20–$199
Long-Haul International	Often free (Standard fare)	$20–$199

Real-Life Examples

To make this crystal clear, let’s look at a few real booking scenarios:

San Francisco → Vancouver
Standard seat: US$34.56 each way
Preferred seat: US$62
Miami → Vancouver
Standard seat: US$45
Preferred seat: US$96
Los Angeles → Vancouver → Tokyo
LAX–YVR: Preferred seat ~US$66, Standard seat included
YVR–Tokyo: Preferred seat ~US$133, Standard seat included

Lesson learned? International itineraries often make Standard seat selection free, while short-haul flights don’t.

Preferred Seats: Worth the Upgrade?

Air Canada’s Preferred Seats are located in exit rows, bulkhead rows, and front sections of the cabin. They offer:

Extra legroom
Faster boarding (Zone 3)
Convenient access to deplane quicker

The price? Between $20 and $199 CAD/USD, depending on the route.

Who gets them free?

Travelers with Latitude, Comfort, or Flex fares
Aeroplan Elite members (depending on status tier)

Aeroplan Elite Benefits

Air Canada’s frequent flyers enjoy big perks when it comes to seat selection:

Super Elite 100K: Free preferred seats on all flights.
75K Members: Free preferred seats on Flex or higher.
50K Members: Free preferred seats within North America (Flex/Standard).
25K & 35K Members: Free at check-in on Flex/Standard fares.

Policy Updates to Watch Out For

Currently: Basic and Standard fares still allow free seat assignment at check-in if you don’t pre-select.
From January 21, 2025: Basic Economy fares will automatically assign a seat at check-in, but changing it will cost a fee.

Smart Traveler Tips to Save Money

Book Flex, Comfort, or Latitude fares – seat selection included.
Check-in early – on Basic/Standard fares, it increases your chance of decent free seats.
Leverage Aeroplan status – free preferred seats can be a huge benefit.
Compare total fare costs – sometimes upgrading your fare is cheaper than paying seat fees separately.
Watch for policy changes – especially with Basic fares from 2025 onward.

FAQs on Air Canada Seat Selection

Q1: Is seat selection free on Air Canada?

Yes, but only if you book Flex, Comfort, or Latitude fares—or if you qualify as an Aeroplan Elite member.

Q2: How much do preferred seats cost?

Anywhere from $20 to $199 CAD/USD depending on the route.

Q3: Can families with kids sit together for free?

Yes. Air Canada assigns seats for children under 14 to be seated with a parent or guardian at no extra cost.

Q4: Can I skip paying for seat selection?

Yes, but you’ll get a random seat at check-in. This could mean being separated from your group.

Q5: Will Air Canada’s policies change in 2025?

Yes—starting January 21, 2025, Basic fare travelers will no longer get free random seats they can swap. Any changes will require a fee.

Final Thoughts

Seat selection on Air Canada isn’t just about picking a spot—it’s about planning your trip wisely. By understanding how fares and routes affect costs, you can avoid unnecessary fees, fly more comfortably, and even secure premium seats for free if you have Aeroplan status.

Next time you book, don’t just look at the base fare. Factor in Air Canada seat selection fees—because the right seat can make or break your journey.