Air Canada Pauses Changes to Seat Selection Policy at Check-In

Air Canada has paused making changes to the way passengers booked on specific fares can select seats upon check-in. The airline had previously implemented the changes, but has paused making the changes to a later date, citing operational reasons.

Once the changes are announced and implemented, travellers who book an Economy (Basic) or Economy (Standard) fare will no longer be able to select a Standard seat for free at check-in. Rather, Air Canada will automatically assign a seat upon check-in, and passengers will need to pay to change to a different seat if they so desire.

The date on which the changes will be implemented has yet to be announced.

Air Canada to Change Seat Selection Policy at Check-In

Air Canada will eventually introduce seat assignments at check-in for passengers travelling on select fares, rather than offering complimentary seat selection at check-in.

Once implemented, this means that you’ll no longer be able to select a Standard seat free-of-charge at check-in if you’re booked on an Economy (Basic) or an Economy (Standard) fare. 

Instead, Air Canada will automatically assign you a seat at check-in, and if you’d like to change to a different one, you’ll have to pay a fee ranging from $14–90 (CAD), depending on the route and fare.

This will be a departure from the current policy, which allows passengers travelling on Economy (Basic) or Economy (Standard) fares the ability to select any available Standard seat for free upon check-in.

This new seat assignment policy will affect passengers on an Air Canada flight within Canada, to/from the United States, and on select international itineraries on Economy (Basic) or Economy (Standard) fares. The full list of international destinations that offer complimentary Standard seat selection for Economy (Standard) fares can be found on the Air Canada website.

Note that if you’ve booked a different Air Canada economy fare, including Economy (Flex), Economy (Comfort), and Economy (Latitude), you’ll still be able to select a seat at no cost. 

Likewise, if you have Aeroplan Elite Status, you can select a Preferred seat at no cost either at check-in or in advance (depending on your status and fare purchased), and Super Elites will continue to have access to complimentary Standard and Preferred seat…