Air Canada Details New Basic Premium Economy and Business Class Fares

Updated: July 28, 2026, 10:33am CDT

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Air Canada’s Basic Premium Fares — The Details
Final Thoughts

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Air Canada has joined the bandwagon of airlines adding basic fare options for premium economy and business class seats.

We can’t say we’re surprised by this development, as it’s quickly become the hottest trend in the industry — unfortunate as it is.

Let’s take a look at what Air Canada’s basic premium fares are all about.

Air Canada’s Basic Premium Fares — The Details

Air Canada has joined the ever-expanding group of airlines that have added basic options for premium fares. Thankfully, they’re not the most punishing we’ve seen.

In North America, Canada’s flag carrier has joined its close Star Alliance partner, United — as well as Delta — in becoming the third carrier from the continent to offer basic premium fares. At the same time, its transatlantic joint venture partner, Lufthansa, has been offering these basic options for quite some time, so this news doesn’t come as a shock.

These fare types will be available on flights to the Caribbean, Latin America, Mexico, and South America, as well as on joint-venture transatlantic markets in partnership with Lufthansa and United.

air canada 787 9 business class seat 8k 2 — Air Canada’s basic business class still provides a lie-flat seat and elevated onboard service, just with a few more restrictions. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

Here’s a look at what’s included (and excluded) with basic premium economy fares:

Non-refundable; changes permitted for an additional charge
Advanced seat assignment for an additional charge
1 carry-on and 1 checked bag are complimentary
No lounge access
Priority baggage and priority boarding included
Complimentary onboard meals
Eligible to earn Aeroplan points and Status Qualifying Credits (SQCs)

And here’s what you can expect in basic business class:

Non-refundable; changes permitted for an additional charge
Advanced seat assignment for an additional charge
1 carry-on and 1 checked bag are allowed complimentary
Access to Maple Leaf Lounges is included; no access to Signature Suite
Priority baggage and priority boarding included
Complimentary onboard meals
Eligible to earn Aeroplan points and SQCs

According to reporting from One Mile at a Time, basic premium economy and basic business class fares will earn 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent. Those with Aeroplan elite status will earn between 2 and 6 points per $1 spent, depending on their tier. All of these fares will earn 4 SQCs per $1 spent, which is the same as other fare types, and the fares will be renamed Standard and Latitude (in line with Air Canada’s economy fares).

Finally, elite status and credit cardholder benefits will still apply to basic fares, with the exception of eUpgrades, which cannot be applied to basic premium fares.

Hot Tip:

Learn more about Air Canada’s Aeroplan program — including how to earn and redeem Aeroplan points for maximum value — in our full guides.

Final Thoughts

It’s not a big surprise, but Air Canada has introduced basic premium economy and business class fares. Thankfully, they’re not as restrictive as some of the airline’s competitors. The main drawbacks are that you’ll need to pay for advance seat assignments and that Signature Suite access is excluded with basic business class tickets.

The airline says its basic premium options will be priced lower than its existing lowest fares in each cabin, but time will tell whether that comes to fruition.