Air Canada Drops Free Seat Selection Option on Some Fares

Air Canada has changed the way seating is assigned for select fares.

Starting this week, the Canadian airline has updated its seat selection policy, removing the option to select a seat free of charge at check-in for Economy (Basic) and Economy (Standard).

Air Canada offers a variety of branded fare options under the Economy class, including Basic, Standard, Flex, Comfort, Latitude, and Premium. Each offers different attributes, such as refundability or free seat selection.

For fares that do not include free seat selection, guests have the option to pay a fee to pick their seats. This policy is in line with practices by other airlines, including WestJet and Flair.

Previously, those flying Basic or Standard could pick their seat free of charge at check-in. Going forward, the airline will assign a seat instead, and guests can opt to pay a fee at check-in to change it.    

“The planned policy change is consistent with our branded fares, and it will be that after seats are assigned at check-in,” an Air Canada representative told TMR. “Customers who would like to change to a different seat from the one we assigned them will have to pay the same fee they would have paid prior to check-in.” 

Although the change rolled out this week, the airline has now paused implementation for operational reasons. Air Canada did not confirm when the new policy would once again take effect.

Customers who are traveling with children will be assigned seats to ensure families on the same booking are seated together.