Air Canada Review: Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Baggage Fees, and More

Key Takeaways

• Air Canada offers a comprehensive network of domestic and international routes, with various cabin classes, including economy, premium economy, and business class, plus multiple fare types within those for inclusions with your ticket (at an extra cost).
• Air Canada Aeroplan members earn and redeem points across Air Canada’s Star Alliance partners, with elite status providing additional perks like upgrades and priority boarding.
• Air Canada is ranked as a 4-star airline (out of 5) by Skytrax.

Air Canada is Canada’s flag carrier and largest airline. Founded in 1937, it was initially known as Trans-Canada Air Lines and rebranded as Air Canada in the 1960s. Over time, it has grown into a hub-and-spoke network centered on Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver, operating with subsidiary brands like Air Canada Rouge and regional feeder operations under Air Canada Express.

Today, Air Canada serves nearly 200 destinations across 6 continents via its own fleet and alliance partners, with hundreds of flights daily connecting Canada to Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Over the last decade, Air Canada has leaned into loyalty and partnerships, acquiring Aeroplan (in 2019) and overhauling its loyalty program structure. On the product side, it has gradually upgraded its long-haul cabins, expanded network reach via codeshares and alliances, and more recently introduced complimentary beer and wine in economy on U.S. and Canadian routes. While it doesn’t always compete with ultraluxury carriers in every market, it presents a compelling option for many transpacific or transatlantic routes, especially for travelers connecting through Canada.

Air Canada is a major global player, blending a large domestic network with international reach. Its brand sits somewhere between legacy full-service and hybrid full-service. It charges for many extras but also offers solid core services, especially on longer routes. As you dig into the details (and the fees), the value you get often depends on your route, fare class, and how well you manage add-ons.

Basic Information

• Airline: Air Canada
• Alliance: Star Alliance
• Category: Legacy international airline
• Frequent flyer program: Aeroplan
• Tagline: “Fly the flag”
• Daily flights: More than 1,600
• Fleet: 322
• Main Hubs: Montréal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR)
• Destinations: Over 195 destinations in 61 countries

Frequent Flyer Program

Air Canada’s loyalty program is Aeroplan, which is fully integrated into the airline’s operations. You can earn Aeroplan points when flying with Air Canada and over 45 partner airlines. You can redeem these points for flights, hotels, car rentals, or travel purchases.

In recent years, the program has shifted to a hybrid redemption system, using a combination of zones and distance to calculate the number of points needed for a flight. In 2026, Aeroplan will move to a revenue-based earning system, basing your status and points earnings on how much money you spend.

The strength of Aeroplan lies in its flexibility and broad partner network. You can redeem Aeroplan points across Star Alliance and nonalliance partners, and booking Air Canada flights with points has no blackout dates. On the flip side, the complexity of dynamic pricing, the need to manage which activities are status-qualifying, and sometimes high surcharges or partner booking fees (on partner flights using points) make it less than perfectly straightforward.

Hot Tip:

Read why one of our writers says Aeroplan is their favorite airline rewards program.

Ticketing Options

Economy Fares

• Inflight entertainment screen
• Headphone jack
• Power outlet
• USB-A port (long-haul flights only)
• Reading light
• Earphones, blanket, and pillow available for a fee (complimentary on long-haul flights)
• Meals available for purchase on shorter flights, included on long-haul flights
• Adjustable headrest (long-haul flights only)

Premium Economy Fares

Not to be confused with Premium Rouge, which is the premium seating on Air Canada’s low-cost subsidiary Air Canada Rouge, premium economy is only available on long-haul flights. It offers these perks above what economy passengers get:

• Extra recline
• Extra legroom
• 2 free checked bags
• Priority boarding, check-in, and baggage handling services

Business Class

The experience on short-haul flights in North America and the experience on long-haul flights are quite different. Passengers in North America receive these perks:

• Separate check-in area or priority check-in line
• Priority security clearance (where available)
• Zone 1 boarding
• Priority baggage handling
• Lounge access
• Inflight entertainment system
• Larger seats with more recline and more legroom
• Complimentary snacks on flights under 2 hours, including complimentary drinks
• Complimentary meals on flights longer than 2 hours, including premium bar service

Passengers on long-haul flights have these additional perks:

• Private pod-style seating with lie-flat beds
• Bedding and pillows
• Fast-track immigration and baggage delivery services (where available)
• Concierge services at select airports (when your flight was booked directly with Air Canada)
• Access to Air Canada Signature Suites lounges in Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR)
• Chauffeur service to the plane on a “surprise and delight basis” for some customers
• Multicourse meals and signature beverages on board

Air Canada Baggage and Other Fees and Add-Ons

Air Canada’s baggage policy varies substantially depending on your fare class, route, and loyalty status. Generally, economy fares include 1 carry-on and 1 personal item at no charge.

Checked baggage, however, typically incurs extra fees unless you’re on a higher fare or have elite status. Fees are as follows for economy class passengers:

You’ll also pay $100 to $120 for an overweight or oversize bag on all routes. To add an extra suitcase beyond your fare’s checked luggage allowance, you pay $100 to $120 within North America or $225 to $270 for routes beyond North America.

Other Fees and Add-Ons

Change and Cancellation Fees (Cash Tickets)

Change or cancellation fees depend heavily on fare class and route. Basic economy tickets often have stricter policies and higher fees or nonrefundable status, whereas flexible fares allow free changes or minimal fees. Many change fees scale upward the closer to departure you are.

Hot Tip:

If you booked a flight with points, check out our guide to award ticket change and cancellation fees.

Reservation Service Fees

If you call Air Canada to redeem Aeroplan points for a flight award rather than booking it online yourself, you pay a CA$30 ($22) nonrefundable booking fee.

Extra Legroom Seats

These cost anywhere from $20 to $249, based on the seat type, plane type, and how far you’re flying.

Onboard Wi-Fi

Air Canada offers free messaging to Aeroplan members on many flights. However, full Wi-Fi access isn’t free.

That said, Air Canada is working on rolling out high-speed Starlink internet on some of its regional aircraft, and we hope it will soon be available on mainline jets.

Onboard Food and Drinks

In economy class, Air Canada now offers complimentary premium snacks on all flights, plus free beer and wine on many routes in North America. On longer international routes, meals are included in many fare classes; for other snacks, drinks, or enhancements, expect to pay à la carte with the airline’s “bistro” options.

You pay between CA$5 and CA$20 ($4 to $14) for meal and snack items, CA$5 to CA$13 ($4 to $9) for alcoholic beverages, and CA$4 to CA$10 ($3 to $7) for earbuds (though these are free for unaccompanied minors).

Unaccompanied Minor

The cost is $100 to $120 per child per one-way flight.

Pet Transportation

If your pet is traveling in the cabin with you, you pay CA/US $50 to $60 one-way within Canada or between Canada and the U.S. (excluding Hawaii). For other flight routes, you pay CA/US $100 to $120 per pet.

Pets traveling in the baggage hold have a different fee. You pay CA/US $105 to $126 for one-way travel within Canada or between Canada and the U.S. (excluding Hawaii). For other routes, the fee ranges between CA/US $270 and $324.

How To Avoid Paying Excess Fees and Expenses

Having an Aeroplan^® Credit Card not only helps you earn points and elite status with Air Canada’s loyalty program, but it could also help you avoid fees on your next trip.

Aeroplan^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status.

Aeroplan^® Credit Card

The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.

Up to 100,000 bonus points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Flyers based in the U.S. may think they wouldn’t have a need for a card like the Aeroplan^® Credit Card, it might be much better suited for you than you think.

Not only does Air Canada offer fantastic award redemptions, but adding the card to your wallet makes the program even more rewarding by offering elite status, more points, travel coverage, and more. Let’s take a closer look and see why the Aeroplan card might make a lot of sense for you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points per $1 on Air Canada purchases, at grocery stores, and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
• 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month (up to a maximum of 1,500 bonus points)
• Receive Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the calendar year, plus the following calendar year, and continue to extend it beyond that by spending $15,000 on the card per calendar year

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 100,000 bonus points
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.
• $95 Annual Fee
• Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan^® Credit Card.
• Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan^® Credit Card.
• Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
• 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month - up to 1,500 points per month.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Air Canada and Aeroplan have multiple credit cards available in Canada, while Chase issues the Aeroplan card in the U.S. In exchange for a $95 annual fee, you earn points on your daily spending, a free checked bag on Air Canada flights (including up to 8 companions on your same reservation), and get Aeroplan 25K Status through the end of the next calendar year after opening your account. This can help you score upgrades, priority boarding, and more.

If you don’t have an Air Canada- or Aeroplan-branded credit card, a smart strategy to avoid paying out of pocket for these fees is using a premium travel credit card that reimburses incidental airline fees — think baggage, seat upgrades, Wi-Fi, and more — via a travel credit on your card. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® offers up to $300 in annual travel credits that can offset many of these add-ons, making them essentially free. By charging checked-bag fees, seat selection fees, or Wi-Fi to that card, you reduce or eliminate the incremental penalty as long as these code as travel.

Another option? Many cards let you redeem rewards to offset travel purchases after the fact. Capital One, for example, allows you to cover recent travel charges by redeeming miles at 1 cent apiece within 90 days of a purchase. So if you used a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card to pay for fees with Air Canada, you could redeem miles to reverse that spend. That means many of the à la carte charges become fungible — meaning you may still pay for them initially, but can recoup the cost using your rewards. This only works if the charge is made by Air Canada, though, and may not work with onboard internet.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 28.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Air Canada Lounges

Air Canada lounges (Maple Leaf Lounges) typically offer quiet seating zones, complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, showers (in some locations), and priority services. A criticism: During peak times, lounges can feel crowded, and amenities vary widely by location and size.

Lounge locations include:

• Los Angeles (LAX)
• New York LaGuardia (LGA)
• Newark (EWR)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Calgary (YYC)
• Edmonton (YEG)
• Halifax (YHZ)
• Montréal (YUL)
  • Lounge (temporarily closed for renovation) and Air Canada Café in the domestic departures area
  • Lounge in the U.S. departures area
  • Lounge in the international departures area
• Ottawa (YOW)
• Regina (YQR)
• St. Johns (YYT)
• Saskatoon (YXE)
• Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
  • Lounge and Air Canada Café in the domestic departures area
  • Lounge and Maple Leaf Lounge Express in the U.S. departures area
  • Lounge in the international departures area
• Toronto Downtown Billy Bishop (YTZ)
• Vancouver (YVR)
  • Lounge in the domestic departures area
  • Lounge and Maple Leaf Lounge Express in the U.S. departures area
  • Lounge in the international departures area
• Winnipeg (YWG)
• Frankfurt (FRA)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Paris (CDG)

Inflight Inclusions, Amenities, and Seat Specs

Economy

Passengers traveling in economy generally receive the following at no extra charge (on most medium- and long-haul flights):

• Personal in-flight entertainment and a selection of free entertainment content
• 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item
• Complimentary premium snacks on all flights
• Free beer and wine on flights between Canada and North American destinations
• Basic amenities like a blanket and pillow (on long-haul flights)
• Access to purchasable additional food, drinks, or upgraded services

Premium Economy

In premium economy, you get enhanced perks such as:

• More legroom and seat width
• Upgraded meal offerings and beverage service
• Priority boarding and baggage handling
• Increased checked baggage allowance (often 2 checked bags)

Business Class

Business class (often referred to as Signature Class on long-haul flights) includes:

• Fully lie-flat seats or pod-style suites with aisle access
• Premium dining service with multicourse meals and elevated beverage choices
• Lounge access
• Priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage services
• Amenity kits
• Upgraded bedding
• Enhanced inflight entertainment systems
• Some planes offer faster or complimentary Wi-Fi for business passengers

Seat Specs

Air France Customer Satisfaction

Most Common Complaints

Frequent complaints about Air Canada revolve around delays, cancellations (especially in inclement weather or crew constraints), tight seating in economy, and unpredictable add-on fees. On review sites like Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Trustpilot, users also point to inconsistent customer service experiences and opaque change or cancellation policies as pain points.

Consumer Rankings and Ratings

• Skytrax ranking: 4-Star Airline (out of 5)
• Tripadvisor airline review rating: 3 out of 5 (average from 32,457 reviews)
• Kayak customer rating: 7.1 out of 10 (average from 10,000 verified reviews)

Safety and Performance

Air Canada generally maintains a strong safety record, and as a mature airline in developed markets, it’s subject to stringent regulatory oversight. While occasional operational disruptions (weather, crew, mechanical) occur, the airline has invested in more modern aircraft (like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330) and upgraded processes to improve on-time performance. There have been few major safety incidents in recent years, and the airline has responded to challenges by adjusting schedules, improving crew logistics, and investing in reliability.

Recent Awards

Air Canada has earned recognition in industry rankings beyond Skytrax anchors, including regional awards, customer-choice awards from online voting, and alliance-level distinctions. The Skytrax rankings tend to be the most prominent airline awards, though.

Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025

Air Canada remains a 4-star airline, which reflects solid but not top-tier status in global rankings. Air Canada was also recognized with several regional Skytrax awards:

• Best airline in North America
• Best business class in North America
• Best airline cleanliness in North America
• Best airline staff in Canada

Final Thoughts

Air Canada is a solid choice for travelers wanting broad connectivity, especially if your route involves Canada or uses Star Alliance partners. Its cabins, loyalty program, and amenity offerings (like complimentary alcoholic drinks in economy) give it an edge over many carriers that nickel-and-dime aggressively.

That said, the true value you get depends heavily on how well you navigate fees, choose your fare class, and leverage loyalty and credit card benefits. If you play it smart, you can enjoy many of Air Canada’s premium perks at minimal extra cost.