How To Upgrade Your Air Canada Flight At The Airport

Upgrading your seat at the airport with Air Canada is possible, but it depends on several factors, including the type of ticket purchased and availability. Air Canada offers upgrade options through its Aeroplan program, allowing members to use points or cash to upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy, Business Class, or Signature Class. Upgrades can be requested at the airport, but availability depends on fare class and status, with elite members receiving priority. Additionally, Air Canada offers a bid upgrade program, where customers can place bids for upgrades until 48 hours before their flight, with notifications of successful bids sent 36-48 hours prior to departure.

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Upgrade options and eligibility

Air Canada offers upgrade options through its Aeroplan program, allowing members to use points to upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy, Business Class, or Signature Class. Other options include cash bids or using points from Star Alliance partner airlines. Upgrades can be requested during booking, after booking, or at the airport, with availability depending on fare class and status.

If you are an Aeroplan Elite Status Member, you can earn eUpgrade credits and exchange them for upgrades to the Business or Premium Economy cabin on any flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, or Air Canada Rouge, including flights paid with points. You can also use eUpgrade credits to request an upgrade for yourself and a companion on the same reservation. If you are a top-tier Super Elite member, you can use the eUpgrade Nominees benefit to give upgrades to anyone for any purpose if they are an Aeroplan member.

Air Canada also offers the option to bid for an upgrade with cash or Aeroplan points on eligible Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge tickets. You can check if your flight is eligible for an upgrade up until 48 hours before your flight by filling in your booking details. You can make an offer by entering your desired bid amount and use the slider to see your chances of a successful upgrade. You can change or cancel your offer as long as it hasn't been accepted yet. Within 36 to 48 hours before departure, you will receive an email notifying you if your offer was accepted.

Last-minute upgrades are also available for purchase at the airport. However, these upgrades may not always be available, and seats may already be filled when offered during online check-in.

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Bid upgrades

Air Canada offers a bid upgrade program that allows customers travelling in Economy or Premium Economy on eligible flights to make an offer using cash or Aeroplan points to access a higher cabin class. The AC Bid Upgrade program is available for flights between Canada and the U.S., within Canada, and for all other international flights departing from Canada.

To check if your flight is eligible for an upgrade, you can fill in your booking details on the Air Canada website. You can then make an offer by entering your desired bid amount and using a slider to see your chances of a successful upgrade. You can change or cancel your offer as long as it hasn't been accepted. Within 36 to 48 hours before departure, you will be notified via email if your bid was accepted.

If your bid is successful, you can enjoy perks such as extra baggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding, and access to the Maple Leaf Lounge, where you can indulge in unlimited food, self-serve alcohol, and non-alcoholic drinks. You may also experience enhanced comfort with larger seats, extra legroom, and, in some cases, a fully lie-flat seat.

It is important to note that the bid upgrade process may vary depending on the airline and that successful upgrades are non-transferable and non-refundable. Additionally, the original fare conditions, including cancellation policies and rebooking fees, will remain unchanged.

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Last-minute upgrades

Upgrading your Air Canada flight at the airport is possible, but it depends on several factors, including your flight's origin and destination, the type of ticket you purchased, and your membership status.

Bid Upgrade

The Bid Upgrade program allows customers travelling in Economy or Premium Economy on eligible Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express flights to make an offer using cash or Aeroplan points to access a higher cabin class. The minimum bid amount varies depending on the flight and date, but it can be up to 25% lower on select flights. You can check your flight's eligibility and make an offer by visiting the AC Bid Upgrade webpage and entering your booking details. You can adjust or cancel your bid at any time until you receive confirmation, which will be sent via email 36 to 48 hours before departure.

Last-Minute Upgrade Purchase

Air Canada also offers Last-Minute Upgrade Purchases for flights between Canada and the U.S., within Canada, and for international flights departing from Canada. These upgrades are available between 1 and 24 hours before departure for the former and between 1 and 12 hours before departure for the latter. You can enjoy benefits such as extra baggage allowance, priority check-in, and boarding with this option.

EUpgrades

If you have Aeroplan Elite status, you can use eUpgrade credits to request an upgrade for yourself and up to two companions on the same flight. These requests can be made through your eUpgrade account online, by contacting Air Canada Reservations, or with an agent at the airport. Super Elite members can also designate an eUpgrade nominee, allowing them to request upgrades for any Aeroplan member, even if they are not travelling together.

It's important to note that upgrade availability depends on factors such as cabin and seat class availability, and not all flights may be eligible. Additionally, free upgrades at the gate are generally not available, and upgrades during online check-in may be limited due to the number of status flyers.

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eUpgrades

Air Canada's eUpgrades are confirmable (or waitlist-able) units that can upgrade from economy to Premium Economy or Business class, along with a cash co-pay from lower fare classes. eUpgrades are available to all Aeroplan Elite Status Members. Members who do not hold Aeroplan Elite Status can use eUpgrades on Latitude and Premium Economy (Flexible) fares.

At the beginning of every new benefit year, as well as when qualifying for a higher status during early recognition, all status members receive 20 eUpgrade credits as part of their Core Benefits. When qualifying for status and at the start of each benefit year, status members can choose additional eUpgrade credits or receive eUpgrade credits for eligible Flight Pass activities.

If your upgrade request is waitlisted, you can cancel the upgrade request by accessing your eUpgrade account or by contacting Air Canada Reservations or your travel agent. If your upgrade request is confirmed, you can cancel the upgrade request by contacting Air Canada Reservations or your travel agent. Note that if your originally purchased Economy or Premium Economy booking class is no longer available, you may need to pay the applicable fare difference.

If you want to upgrade a companion, Air Canada offers an avenue to do so: the eUpgrade Travel Companion. If you hold any Aeroplan status, you can use eUpgrade credits to request an upgrade for both yourself and a companion on the same reservation. You can also upgrade a companion on a different reservation, but these requests can only be performed on the day of departure at the airport.

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Benefits of upgrading

Upgrading your Air Canada flight can enhance your travel experience in numerous ways. Here are some benefits of upgrading:

Extra Baggage Allowance

Enjoy the convenience of bringing more luggage on your trip without worrying about additional fees. This benefit is especially useful if you're planning to shop or carry extra items during your travels.

Priority Check-In and Boarding

Breeze through the airport with dedicated check-in counters, expedited security clearance, and exclusive boarding lanes. No more long queues or waiting times, making your airport experience seamless and efficient.

Enhanced In-Flight Comfort

Upgrades to Premium Economy Class or Premium Rouge offer larger seats with extra legroom, ensuring a more comfortable journey. If you opt for Air Canada Signature Class, you'll experience the ultimate luxury with a fully flat bed, a mattress pad, a plush duvet, and pillows.

Premium Dining and Beverage Options

Indulge in an elevated in-flight dining experience with premium meals and a varied, innovative menu. Complimentary beverages further enhance your culinary journey, allowing you to relax and savour the flavours at your leisure.

Priority Airport Services

Enjoy priority airport services, including faster check-in and boarding processes, ensuring you spend less time in lines and more time relaxing in the airport lounge or at your gate.

Upgrade Flexibility

Air Canada offers multiple ways to upgrade, including using Aeroplan points, cash bids, or miles from Star Alliance partner airlines. You can even upgrade at the airport, giving you flexibility and convenience.

Upgrading your Air Canada flight can elevate your travel experience, providing enhanced comfort, priority services, and premium dining options. Whether you choose to upgrade to Premium Economy or Signature Class, you're sure to enjoy a host of benefits that will make your journey more enjoyable and memorable.

Frequently asked questions