Air Canada

Airline Information

• IATA code: AC
• Country: Canada
• Hub: Toronto Pearson
• Alliance: Star Alliance
• Tier: Full-Service
• Customer support: 1-888-247-2262

Cabin Classes

• Economy (Standard): Air Canada economy seats have 31–32 inches of pitch on domestic routes and 31–34 on international wide-body. Seat width is 17–18 inches. International economy includes personal IFE screens with AC power on most aircraft. Domestic flights include limited entertainment on newer aircraft. Free carry-on allowance is 9 kg; checked bags are free only for Aeroplan Elite Status or higher-tier fares.
• Comfort (Economy+): Air Canada Comfort is an upgraded economy seat available on select aircraft with 34–36 inches of pitch and priority boarding. On domestic flights, Comfort seats are available in the forward economy rows. Comfort does not include complimentary checked baggage unless fare type or status qualifies.
• Premium Economy (Latitude): Air Canada Premium Economy (formerly 'Latitude') seats are available on select transatlantic and transpacific routes. Seats feature 38–40 inches of pitch, 19-inch width, and a 6-inch recline. Includes enhanced dining, priority boarding, and one complimentary checked bag (23 kg). Not all international routes have a dedicated Premium Economy cabin.
• Business Class (Signature): Air Canada Signature Class features fully flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 direct-aisle configuration on 787 and select A330 aircraft. Seat length is 78 inches with 21-inch width. Includes Maple Leaf Lounge access at Canadian airports, priority check-in, and 2 × 32 kg checked baggage. New pods on 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft include a 16-inch IFE screen, a privacy divider, and improved storage.

Aeroplan Loyalty Program

Elite tiers: Aeroplan (entry), 25K (25,000 Status Qualifying Miles/year), 35K, 50K, 75K, Super Elite (100,000 SQM)

Aeroplan was re-launched in 2020 after Air Canada repurchased it from AIMIA. The program now uses a spend and miles dual-qualification system: Aeroplan Points are earned per dollar spent (on Air Canada) plus miles flown, with a minimum of 0.15 APC per mile. Points can be transferred from Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and TD/CIBC cards. Redemptions cover Air Canada, Star Alliance, and 45+ partner airlines. Super Elite status (100K SQM) provides an 'E' fare guarantee that blocks off the last seat in premium cabins.

In-Flight Wi-Fi

Available on most domestic and international Air Canada flights

Cost: Free messaging (iMessage, WhatsApp, SMS) on all Air Canada routes; from CAD $7.99 for full Wi-Fi on domestic; from $16.99 on international

Air Canada offers complimentary messaging Wi-Fi (text and image sending only) on all equipped aircraft — a standout benefit among North American carriers. Full internet access is a paid upgrade. Elite members do not receive complimentary full Wi-Fi, but the free messaging tier is genuinely useful for staying in touch during flights.

Pro Tips

• Air Canada's free messaging Wi-Fi is one of the best domestic benefits offered by any North American carrier — iMessage, WhatsApp, and SMS over the Gogo or Viasat network at no charge. This is not the case on most US competitors.
• Aeroplan has some of the most flexible award booking rules in North America: no close-in booking fees, the ability to make one free stopover per itinerary, and the ability to include an open jaw. Routing flexibility makes Aeroplan one of the best programs for complex international itineraries.
• The Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson Terminal 1 (accessible to Signature Class and Concierge Key members) is an intimate 36-seat lounge with plated dining and cocktail service — meaningfully better than the main Maple Leaf Lounge and comparable to international First Class lounges.
• Aeroplan transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio — making Chase Sapphire cards one of the most efficient ways to accumulate Aeroplan points for US-based travelers booking transatlantic or transpacific itineraries on Air Canada or Star Alliance partners.

Frequently Asked Questions