Booking Air Canada: Fare Classes, Aeroplan & APPR Passenger Rights

Air Canada Fare Classes Explained

Air Canada maintains six main fare tiers in economy/standard cabins:

• Basic: Cheapest, no changes or cancellations after 24 hours, no seat selection until check-in
• Standard: Change fee applies, travel credit on cancellation, seat selection available
• Flex: No change fee, full credit on cancellation, earliest economy upgrade window
• Comfort: All Flex benefits plus priority upgrade waitlist position
• Latitude: Fully refundable, no change fee, highest upgrade priority in economy

Above these: Premium Economy (separate cabin), and Business Class (branded Signature Class on certain routes with premium features including Maple Leaf Lounge access).

Aeroplan Upgrades: How They Work

Aeroplan miles can be used for upgrades on eligible fare classes (Standard and above). Upgrade requests go on a waitlist that opens up to 365 days before departure. Priority clearing is based on AC Altitude status tier: Super Elite 100K, Elite 75K, Elite 50K, and 25K are the tiers.

International Business Class upgrades using Aeroplan points typically require higher fare classes (Flex/Comfort minimum) and may need upgrade instruments in addition to points on some routes. The combination of points + upgrade instruments can be confusing — our specialists help you determine the exact requirement for your specific flight.

Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR)

APPR is Canada's equivalent of U.S. DOT passenger protection rules — but in some respects it provides stronger rights:

Cash Compensation for Delays (Not Available Under U.S. Rules)

If delayed 3+ hours due to controllable reasons (crew scheduling, mechanical issues within the carrier's control), Air Canada must pay:

• $125 CAD for delays of 3–6 hours
• $250 CAD for delays of 6–9 hours
• $500 CAD for delays of 9+ hours

Weather delays, ATC, and security issues are not controllable and don't trigger compensation. We help passengers determine whether their specific delay qualifies.

Denied Boarding Compensation

For controllable involuntary denied boarding, Air Canada must pay $900–$2,400 CAD depending on delay length, in addition to arranging rebooking.

Tarmac Delays

Air Canada must offer food and water within 90 minutes of a tarmac delay, and must disembark passengers after 3 hours if there is no reasonable prospect of departure.

How to Claim APPR Compensation

1. Request compensation from Air Canada within 1 year of the incident
2. Submit via aircanada.com's feedback form or in writing
3. Air Canada has 30 days to respond with a decision
4. If denied or unsatisfied, escalate to the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) at cta.gc.ca

Our specialists assist with APPR compensation claims as a service — including writing the formal request and escalating to the CTA when needed.