How Do I Choose A Desired Seat On Air Canada?

If you have booked an Air Canada flight and wish to enhance your comfort, choosing the right seat can make a significant difference. The airline allows you to choose a seat in advance and select to sit near the window, aisle, or exit row of the plane. Make Air Canada seat selection and you can feel relaxed throughout your journey. Having a desired seat allows you to sit together with your loved ones when traveling as a group.

Keep in mind that selecting your preferred seats may involve a small fee. Besides, Air Canada Seat selection policy is also important to consider. Below, you will find all the details to choose your desired seat on the plane with ease.

How and When Can You Select Seats on Air Canada?

You can choose your desired seat on Air Canada Airlines planes for your upcoming flights in advance when you book your flight or after booking. Here are the details you need to know:

  • Select a seat online on the Air Canada website.
  • Choose seats for any flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, or Air Canada Rouge.

Refer to the table below to understand how and when can you select seats with Air Canada Airlines.

When To Choose Air Canada SeatsHow To Choose Your Seats?
At the time of bookingThrough the seat map prompted before entering the traveler’s details before completing the booking.
After completing bookingRetrieve your booking through Trips and choose seats up to 2 hours before departure
At Check-in TimeUsing the website or mobile check-in within 24 hours of the flight departure as check-in opens

Table Source: https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home/fly/onboard/preferred-seats/online-advance-seat-selection.html#/

Please note: If you booked a flight with another airline or travel agency, contact the concerned party to arrange your seats. 

What Is the Air Canada Seat Selection Fee?

Air Canada Airlines does not charge a fee to select seats for flights booked with Latitude, Confort, and Flex fares. For other fares, such as Basic and Standard option there will be a small amount depending on your flight route and Aeroplan membership status. For your reference, here is a simple breakdown of Air Canada Seat Selection cost:

RouteBasic FareStandard FareAll Other Fares
Within Canada and Canada-U.S.$14 - $60$14 - $60Included in Fare
Most International Flights$30 - $90$30 - $90Included in Fare
Certain Long-Haul International Flights$30 - $90Included in FareIncluded in Fare

Source: Adapted from NerdWallet's guide onAir Canada Seat Selection. The exact seat fees can be seen on Air Canada seat map.

Although Air Canada does not directly specify the total fees for selecting seats on the planes, this simple table can help you understand a basic fee that may apply when you wish to choose a seat. Also note that, Air Canada Preferred seat selection costs are different from the given options.

How Do I Choose My Seat On Air Canada Airlines?

As specified before, you can choose your seats with Air Canada online at the time of booking or through My Bookings. The airline even offers you seat selection through customer service. Here are the detailed methods to select the desired seats:

Use the Air Canada Website to Select Seats

  • Go to the Air Canada Airlines official website.
  • Find the “Trips” option from the menu.
  • Enter your reservation details to retrieve the itinerary.
  • Provide Booking reference or Ticket number.
  • Enter the passenger’s last name.
  • Search for the ticket details.
  • See whether a select seat option appears.
  • Continue to select a desired seat from the seat map.
  • Check the associated fees.
  • Confirm and make payments.

This option is available to select seats after booking your flights. Air Canada Airlines allows you to make seat selections up to 2 hours before the flight’s departure. But make sure to book in advance to avoid losing your favorite seats.

Contact Air Canada Customer Service

  • Dial Air Canada phone number 1 (888) 247-2262.
  • Follow the automated voice menu.
  • Choose to speak to an airline executive,
  • Share your seat requirements and preferences.
  • Answer some questions about your trip.
  • Get the available seat options.
  • Continue to confirm seat selection.
  • Make payment through the provided method.
  • Complete the process.

As long as there is a fee associated with selecting Air Canada flight seats, you must pay it to confirm the selection. 

Air Canada Flight Seat Options Available For Selection

If you are ready to choose a desired seat on Air Canada Airlines flights, here are the options you can choose from:

  • Standard Economy Seats: These are the regular seats in the Economy cabin, offering standard legroom and features like adjustable headrests and in-flight entertainment.
  • Preferred Seats: Located in rows with extra legroom, such as exit rows or near the front of the cabin. These seats are available for an additional fee or complimentary for certain fare types or elite status members. Preferred seat costs start at $19* per passenger and vary based on seat and flight type.
  • Premium Economy Seats: Wider seats with extra legroom, increased recline, and upgraded dining options. These seats are located in a separate cabin.
  • Business Class (Domestic and Short-Haul International): Reclining seats with more space and comfort compared to Economy. Includes additional amenities like premium dining and priority services.
  • Signature Class (International Long-Haul): Fully flat beds with direct aisle access, offering maximum comfort for long-haul flights. Includes enhanced dining, premium lounges, and priority check-in services.

Please Note:

  • No seat selection is included in Basic Fare; you can select a seat for a small fee or it gets assigned at check-in free of charge.
  • Standard Fare allows standard seat selection at a small fee or no additional cost.
  • Preferred seat prices can range from $19 to $199 USD/CAD*

Air Canada Airlines Seat Selection Policy

  • You can make an advance seat selection for a fee if your Air Canada fare does not include free seat options.
  • Air Canada will charge you a small fee that applies per passenger, per flight segment, without any taxes.
  • Seat fees are usually nonrefundable; however,
    • If the airline moves you to another seat due to any reason for an involuntary change, you can request a seat selection refund.
    • If you do not travel on the flight with advance seat selection, the seat fees can apply towards your new booking only when you have not canceled the original booking.
  • The airline tries its best to accommodate you on an equivalent seat as your selected option in case of aircraft changes.
  • You can choose your seats on Air Canada up to 2 hours before departure of the flight.
  • The airline tries its best to seat you and your family together but selecting an advance seat can guarantee your seats
  • If you are with a young child under 14. Air Canada will offer you complimentary seat assignments for parents or guardians.
  • When you do not choose a seat in advance, Air Canada offers you a random seat at check-in. 
  • If you want to choose a preferred seat like in Exit Row, you must qualify for Exit Row seating as per the FAA policy. 

Final Say

That is all you need to know before selecting a desired seat on Air Canada Airlines. Make sure to review the given Air Canada Airlines seat selection rules and follow the methods to get a preferred seat on the plane. Call Air Canada customer service for more information on choosing a seat on the plane. Or you can connect with someone at FlyTripHub for better insights into flying with Air Canada.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 When can I choose my seats with Air Canada?

A: You can choose your seats with Air Canada at the time of booking, after booking by retrieving your trip information online or during check-in. The earlier you choose your seats, the better are your chances for amazing seat options.

Q.2 How do I choose my seat after booking?

A: To choose your Air Canada Airlines seats after booking flights, go to the airline’s website and find your trips using basic trip details. After that, view the seat map by following the screen instructions and selecting a desired seat.

Q.3 What happens if I don't select a seat on Air Canada?

A: If you do not select your seat on Air Canada flights, the airline will assign a random seat from available options at check-in. This allows you to get an assigned seat free of charge in your selected flight cabin.

Q.4: Is it mandatory to pay for seat selection?

A: Well, if your chosen flight seat has a fee attached to it, it is mandatory. However, if your selected seat does not have any charges, there won’t be any fee. Air Canada charges you for advance seat selection in basic and standard fares.