Air Canada is one of the biggest and most well-known airlines in Canada that serves more than 200 destinations across the globe. If you're traveling for leisure or business you might want to reserve your seat prior to departure to guarantee your comfort and ease. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps of online advance Air canada seat selection, and answer many of the most commonly asked questions.

Why choose your seat in advance?

There are many benefits of choosing your seat in advance with Air Canada, such as:

  • You can secure your preferred seat type, such as window, aisle, or exit row, depending on your preference and availability.
  • You can avoid the hassle of finding a seat at the airport or on board, especially if you are traveling with a group or family.
  • You can enjoy extra legroom and priority boarding with Preferred Seats, which are located in the front of the Economy Class cabin or near the exit rows.
  • You can save time and money by paying a lower fee online than at the airport.

How to choose your seat in advance?

You can choose your seat in advance with Air Canada in two ways:

  • When you book your flight: You can select your seat as you complete your booking on the Air Canada website or app, or through a travel agent or partner airline. You will see a seat map and the available seat options for your flight, along with the applicable fees.
  • After booking your flight: You can select or change your seat online up to 2 hours before your flight by going to the My Bookings tab on the Air Canada website or app. You will need your booking reference and last name to access your reservation. You can also call  Air Canada Seat Reservations or visit an Air Canada airport counter to select or change your seat.

How much does it cost to choose your seat in advance?

The cost of choosing your seat in advance with Air Canada depends on several factors, such as:

  • Your fare type: Some fares, such as Business Class, Premium Economy, Latitude, comfort, and Flex, include complimentary seat selection. Other fares, such as Standard and Basic, may require a fee for seat selection, depending on your destination and itinerary.
  • Your seat type: Standard Seats, which are regular window or aisle seats, have different fees depending on your destination and itinerary. Preferred Seats, which offer extra legroom and priority boarding, have a higher fee than Standard Seats, but lower than upgrading to a higher cabin class.
  • Your loyalty status: If you are an Air Canada Altitude member, a Star Alliance Gold member, or an Aeroplan Elite Status member, you may be eligible for complimentary or discounted seat selection, depending on your seat type and fare type.

The fees for seat selection are per passenger, per one-way flight segment, and inclusive of taxes. Flight segments are identified by a change in flight number, with each new flight number representing a flight segment. Fees apply to flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or an Air Canada Express carrier.

Here is a table that summarizes the fees for seat selection with Air Canada, as of December 2023:

Fare Type Seat Type Within Canada / Canada-U.S. Caribbean and Mexico

International Flights

Basic Standard $14 - $60 $30 - $60 $30 - $90
  Preferred $20 - $100 $40 - $100 $40 - $120
Standard Standard $14 - $60 $30 - $60 Complimentary
  Preferred $20 - $100 $40 - $100 $40 - $120
Flex  Standard Complimentary Complimentary Complimentary
  Preferred Complimentary Complimentary Complimentary
Comfort  Standard Complimentary Complimentary Complimentary
  Preferred Complimentary Complimentary Complimentary
Latitude  Standard Complimentary Complimentary Complimentary
  Preferred Complimentary Complimentary Complimentary
Premium Economy  Standard Complimentary Complimentary Complimentary
  Preferred Complimentary Complimentary Complimentary
Business Class  Standard Complimentary Complimentary Complimentary
  Preferred Complimentary Complimentary Complimentary

What else do you need to know?

Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers about online advance seat selection with Air Canada:

  • Can I change my seat after selecting it?
  • Yes, you can change your seat online up to 2 hours before your flight, subject to availability and fees. You can also change your seat at the airport or on board, if permitted by the crew.
  • What if I don't select a seat in advance?
  • You can always select your seat free of charge at check-in, either online, on your mobile device, or at the airport. However, you may have limited seat options, especially if the flight is full or near full.
  • What if I have a special need or request?
  • If you have a special need or request, such as traveling with a child, a pet, a medical condition, or a disability, you should contact Air Canada Reservations or visit an Air Canada airport counter to select your seat. Air Canada will do its best to accommodate your request, subject to availability and safety regulations.
  • What if I booked my flight with another airline or a travel agent?
  • You can still select your seat in advance for your Air Canada operated flight, as long as you have your Air Canada booking reference. You can use the booking reference to access your reservation on the Air Canada website or app, and select your seat online. You can also call Air Canada Reservations or visit an Air Canada airport counter to select your seat.

Conclusion

To conclude, online advance seat selection with Air Canada is a convenient and beneficial service that allows you to choose your seat in advance for your comfort and convenience. You can select your seat online when you book your flight or after booking your flight, up to 2 hours before your flight. The cost of seat selection depends on your fare type, seat type, and loyalty status. You can also change your seat online or at the airport, subject to availability and fees. If you have a special need or request, you should contact Air Canada Reservations or visit an Air Canada airport counter to select your seat. We hope this article has helped you understand the process and benefits of online advance seat selection with Air Canada. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.