Air Canada Unveils Expanded Economy Fare

Air Canada has rolled out an expanded range of North America economy fares.

The five new fare types include Basic, Standard, Flex, Comfort, and Latitude. Each includes complimentary carry-on baggage, free in-flight entertainment and the option to purchase onboard Wi-Fi access where available.

The new fares are designed to provide travelers with more flexibility by allowing them the freedom to select the specific amenities they want.

Basic is the most restrictive of the new fare options and is only available for select routes and flights and for booking exclusively through Air Canada channels. The Basic fares don’t allow changes, aren’t eligible for upgrades and don’t allow passengers to earn Aeroplan Miles. However, customers will have the option to pay for checked bags, advance seat selection and food and alcohol once onboard.

Meanwhile, Standard fares permit ticket changes for a fee and feature 50 percent Aeroplan Miles accrual for transborder flights and 25 percent accrual for domestic flights. Flex fares also include advance seat selection, complimentary checked bag, 100 percent Aeroplan Miles accrual and access to the Maple Leaf Lounge for purchase. Flex ticket changes are also permitted for a fee.

Comfort fares feature same-day standby, advance seat selection and access to Preferred Seats when available. These customers will also receive a complimentary alcoholic beverage, complimentary checked bag, early boarding, 115 percent Aeroplan Miles accrual and lounge access for purchase.

Lastly, Lattitude fares include a fully refundable ticket and a slew of other perks, including priority check-in, two complimentary checked bags, advance seat selection, access to Preferred Seats when available, a complimentary Air Canada Bistro Voucher, same-day changes, 125 percent Aeroplan Miles accrual and lounge access for purchase.

The fares are available for purchase across Air Canada’s fleet within North America.

“Air Canada recognizes that people have different requirements when they travel, so we are expanding the range of choice for our Economy customers with our new suite of fares. Each fare type offers customers specific attributes as well as options to purchase additional benefits and amenities that vary based on the type selected, such as extra legroom, upgrade eligibility or lounge access,” said Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada, in a statement.

The rollout comes on the heels of WestJet’s new basic economy fare. Another Canadian carrier, Porter Airlines, has acknowledged it’s weighing the idea of basic economy fares, which have become more prevalent of late.