Air Canada Seat Selection (2026) — Fees, Free Options & How to Choose
Free for Flex, Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy, and Business Class. Basic and Standard fares must pay a fee for advance seat selection.
Seat Selection Fees
| Seat Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard | $20 - $50 CAD/USD per flight segment. |
| Preferred | $30 - $100+ CAD/USD per flight segment (closer to the front). |
| Extra Legroom | Preferred seats with extra legroom (e.g., bulkhead) cost $50 - $150+ CAD/USD. |
| Exit Row | Exit row seats cost $50 - $150+ CAD/USD. |
Free Seat Selection
No — Free for Flex, Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy, and Business Class. Basic and Standard fares must pay a fee for advance seat selection.
When Can You Select a Seat?
Available for purchase at the time of booking or anytime before check-in for Basic and Standard fares.
How to Select Your Seat
- During booking, choose your seat from the seat map.
- After booking, go to 'My Bookings' on the Air Canada website.
- Enter your booking reference and last name.
- Click on 'Change Seats' and select your preferred seat.
- Pay any applicable fees to confirm your selection.
Tips for the Best Seats
- Check-in exactly 24 hours before departure for the best selection of remaining free seats.
- Basic fare passengers may be automatically assigned a seat at check-in.
- Aeroplan Elite Status members get complimentary advance seat selection.
- If traveling with children under 14, Air Canada will assign seats together for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is seat selection free on Air Canada?
- Free for Flex, Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy, and Business Class. Basic and Standard fares must pay a fee for advance seat selection.
- How much does Air Canada charge for seat selection?
- Standard: $20 - $50 CAD/USD per flight segment.. Preferred: $30 - $100+ CAD/USD per flight segment (closer to the front).. Extra Legroom: Preferred seats with extra legroom (e.g., bulkhead) cost $50 - $150+ CAD/USD..
- When can I select a seat on Air Canada?
- Available for purchase at the time of booking or anytime before check-in for Basic and Standard fares.
- What happens if I don't select a seat on Air Canada?
- You'll be assigned a seat at check-in, typically a middle seat in the back of the plane.