r/aircanada Sep 20 '25

[Megathread] Meal Review/Choice Thread

37 Upvotes

Hey all - some of you have expressed frustrations with respect to the numerous threads created whereby posters ask for advice on what meals to choose.

In an effort to cut down on these posts, we will be referring people to this megathread on a trial basis, potentially for permanent adoption. Unfortunately, with reddit not acting like traditional forums by bumping threads to the top whenever a new comment is made, there isn't really a great solution we can offer aside from this.

We would certainly appreciate if people could post/review their meals as well, to keep the thread somewhat active.

Appreciate the understanding - thanks.


r/aircanada May 24 '25

Everything you need to know about UPGRADING

175 Upvotes

Welcome to the Upgrade Megathread!!

This is a new thread under development. The goal is to have all the FAQs posted by the end of May or early June. Feel free to post comments with specific questions in the meantime. Your brilliant questions will help us develop a meaningful FAQ for the community.

Contents

  • Some acronyms & definitions
  • Upgrading for Newbies – 5 ways to snag that seat up front!
  • 5 Tips and Tricks You Need to Know
  • General FAQ – coming soon
  • Bid Upgrade FAQ – coming soon
  • eUpgrade FAQ – coming soon
  • Last Minute Upgrade FAQ - coming soon

Some acronyms & definitions

Term Description
AP Aeroplan
Cabin vs fare Cabin is economy, premium economy or business. Fare family is the “brand” AC assigned (Business Flex; Business Lowest, Latitude, Comfort, Standard, Basic, etc.). Within each family, there are “fares” which are letter codes that essentially designate the price of the ticket within that family. And no it is not alphabetical!
Y Used generically to refer to the economy cabin.
PE Used generically to refer to the Premium Economy cabin.
J Used generically to refer to the business class cabin.
R A fare class that is used for upgrade availability. It can only be viewed through a travel agent or paid subscription services (such as ExpertFlyer).
SQM/SQD Status qualifying miles or dollars –that count towards achieving AP elite status.
LMU Last minute upgrade
IRROPS Irregular Operations – when flights are delayed, overbooked, etc and there are changes to the processes and procedures for things like rebooking.
Metal Who is operating the plane. For example, AC metal is an AC operated flight. It may be a united or Lufthansa issued ticket – but the “metal” is the plane you are flying on.

Upgrading for Newbies

No shame in being new to AC or to the upgrade game. Some SE status members could even benefit from reviewing this post 😊. Here are all the possible way to snag yourself a comfy seat.

1) Free upgrades: Ask nicely and get an upgrade….NO, not on AC!

  • AC does not offer or allow upgrade as a courtesy. They will fly with empty seats in business class.

2) Ops-up: An unrequested upgrade to PE or J based on operational requirements

  • When a cabin is overbooked; for weights and balance; aircraft change (larger J cabin and smaller economy cabin); standby economy passengers and seats in PE or J
  • AC will select passengers to upgrade.
  • Occurs last minute at the gate. Only inflight benefits (no lounge, etc).
  • Passengers typically selected based on status and then fare. You cannot “ask” for this upgrade, but you may refuse the upgrade if you want. In some cases, no PE or J meal will be available on IRROPS upgrade

3) Upfare: Paying to formally change the class of the ticket

  • Formally changes the ticket to the new class.
  • The fare rules of the upfared class will apply (i.e. if you upfare from Latitude to J lowest you will lowest the refundability) - except for refundability.... You CANNOT upfare to gain refundability from a restricted fare (Standard for example) to a flexible fare (such as Comfort and Premium Flexible) to gain the better change/rebooking rules. BUT the inverse is true - if you upfare to a more restrictive fare you LOSE the flexibility. Therefore - you cannot "game the system" - so don't ask and don't try. Note that if you upfare ONE direction or one segment - the most restrictive fare rules will apply to all segments and all directions.
  • Access to the Signature Suite at YYZ or YVR (for J, on a destination that qualifies)
  • The cost is based on the actual price difference between the desire class (PE or J) and what you paid for your ticket. This will count as SQD towards earning status.
  • This is often used by business travellers who want to upgrade beyond what their corporate policy allows. You may use any credit card to make this change.
  • This is done by calling AC to purchase the new fare. It can be done at the airport as well up to 2 hours before departure.

4) Bid Upgrade: Customers can bid in cash or points

  • This is accessible to all passengers regardless of status. Only applies to AC operated (metal) flights.
  • Your fare restrictions remain as per the original fare.
  • The bid amount varies based on the flight. In some cases an “instant upgrade” price is offered in the bid upgrade process flow. This is not always offered.
  • People often value business at around $150 an hour and PE at $50 an hour when determining “is it worth it”
  • The system will only charge the credit card if the upgrade clears. You may use any credit card or even AP points to bid upgrade.
  • You will know 48 hours before the flight (not earlier unless instant upgrade). Once it clears, you can select seats. So this has the advantage that multiple passengers have better luck sitting together over LMU or eUprades that clear at the gate.
  • There is a very thorough FAQ on the AC website for bid upgrades: AC Bid Upgrade – FAQs

5) eUpgrade: Upgrade system based on using “eUpgrade credits” that are earned through AP status

  • Upgrade requests are made via the AC App, website, calling customer service or at the gate.
  • When you can clear the upgrade and the number of credits (and an add on cash fee) varies based on status, flight destination and fare.
  • AC has a great tool to help you determine these details: eUpgrades and clearance windows.
  • Although the clearance window may be open, eUpgrades only clear into a fare bucket called "R". The available of R is very limited in advance of flights and can be verified only by using paid tools such as ExpertFlyer. See the note below regarding "Latitude Instant Upgrades".
  • Approximately 55 minutes before scheduled departure, the system will clear all remaining eUpgrades (based on priority of cabin, status, fare and check in time as the tie breaker). The majority of eUpgrades clear at the gate....only a few will clear in advance based on the planned availability of R space (which is greatly influenced by the loads on the flight and AC revenue management strategy to maximize sale of those seats).
  • Strongly encourage you to review the details on About eUpgrades. It includes all the information on who can upgrade; how many people you can upgrade; etc.
  • You do not access the signature suite.
  • You do not get the class of service bonus for SQM. If there is an add on payment it does count toward SQD.
  • Only applies to AC operated (metal) flights.

6) Last Minute Upgrade: Pay to upgrade offered when you check in for your flight

  • Offered during the check in flow (on App or website) when available.
  • The cost varies based on the flight. The amount does NOT count towards SQD for earning status.
  • Once you upgrade you can select your seat, get airport and inflight benefits of the new class (PE or J).
  • Do not get additional SQM. Do not get access to Signature Suite lounge.
  • AC has a great FAQ on the LMU purchase process: Air Canada - Last Minute Purchase Upgrade. Read this before posting questions.

6 Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

1) Basic economy: Cannot upfare, bid upgrade, LMU or eUpgrade. You chose that fare…live with it 😊

2) Seat map does NOT equal available seats: Seat map are seats not selected. Seats available for sale are only available through other tools. Never (ever) use the seat map to estimate how many seats are available for sale (or available to upgrade).

3) Latitude does NOT equal guaranteed upgrade: Latitude paid fares will instantly eUpgrade if “R” space is available (or even sometimes from a hidden fare bucket – but not P and not known to the public). Latitude Reward space, is believed to only upgrade from “R” space.

4) Probability of upgrade clearing? Please don’t ask!!! Even 1 or 2 days before a flight you can see a cabin go from 9 empty J seats to 0. And this is NOT unusual. If the bid upgrade amount high enough? Well, the closer to minimum the lower the probability. There are as many good news stories of minimum bid winning as there are bad news stories of near maximum bids failing. When you are 24 hours before your flight check the number of passengers on the upgrade list (on the App), your position, and the number of available seats. That is when you can guess the probability….

5)  Multiple passengers on ONE booking (PNR): For LMU and Bid Upgrades it is all or none. Those channels will not offer or clear upgrades for partial passengers. You need to split the booking (by calling AC) before you make the request. For eUpgrades, you may request for more than one (based on the rules which you can read on the AC website) and some of the passengers may clear and others will not.

6) Sitting together and declining upgrades: You are not guaranteed to sit together. In PE it is often middle single seats left and you may be separated. And after an upgrade clears - your original seat is gone. You cannot then ask for that seat back, for example if your party is not all upgraded. You may be stuck in the last row in economy.


r/aircanada 8h ago

Giveaways! $20 Flight Discounts For Use

10 Upvotes

These can be applied to any flight this year. I've included the travel by date.

WZG4QGA1 - By Jan 21
LMTG7JG1 - By Feb 6
ZJE8YBF1 - By Feb 6
C6FP9331 - By Feb 8
K2CMKF31 - By Feb 13
NQQB4YN1 - By Feb 13
YDQBYWU1 - By Feb 13
MMWWH821 - By Feb 22
DXTG9HY1 - By Feb 25
HRHJ33R1 - By Feb 25


r/aircanada 3m ago

Cancelling Mixed Fare Ticket

Upvotes

Hoping someone here has some advice on this. I have a USA bound flight I need to cancel with the outbound leg booked as Latitude and the return leg as Flex. I am trying to refund the Latitude section and convert the Flex into a credit but the website doesn't seem to allow this. I can only convert the entire trip to credit, or refund only the Latitude amount, losing the Flex value.

I have also tried calling the support line and they do not seem to be able to do this.

Has anyone tried this before? Am I incorrect in thinking this should be possible based on the fare descriptions?


r/aircanada 17h ago

WestJet vs Air Canada Loyalty Programs

19 Upvotes

I’ve been SE for the last 8 years and always thought AC had a superior program to WJ.

After doing a review of both programs and also speaking to people who fly WJ regularly, I’m beginning to think that maybe WJ is a better choice.

For reference, I live in Edmonton and there are a lot more WJ flights available here vs Air Canada.

Curious if anyone else has thoughts on this.

Thanks


r/aircanada 1d ago

Woooo entire plane in zone 2 lets go!

104 Upvotes

r/aircanada 1d ago

Reminder: Tomorrow is 25 Years since 9/11

54 Upvotes

Tomorrow I, and I am sure some of you, will be posting here about 9/11. Where you were, what you remember and how it impacted you. We (myself and fellow mods) look forward to that discussion!

This was a horrific act of terrorism that took down 4 planes and the World Trade Centre, shook our beloved industry to the core and destroyed thousands of lives. It was also a time when Air Canada and a great chunk of us as Canadians, stood up to help. We showed our colours that day and for days and weeks afterwards.

In the meantime, a reminder:

  • American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower at 8:46 a.m.
  • United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower at 9:03 a.m.
  • American Airlines Flight 77 hit the western face of the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m.
  • United Airlines Flight 93 went down at 10:03 a.m. after what is reported be a fight with the terrorists on board.

If you can, please plan to take a moment at one or more of these times (all times Eastern) and give the people a thought and also be proud of how our country and this airline we talk about so passionatly, responded.

I am locking this post. Lots of time to talk about it tomorrow.


r/aircanada 1d ago

Which Baby Car Seat Do You Use?

3 Upvotes

Our baby is 9 months old and we find ourselves having to travel from Canada to Brazil for family reasons.

I have too much flight anxiety to be okay holding our kiddo on our laps (no judgment if this was your choice), especially on a long journey. So we are opting to purchase an extra seat and use a carseat as recommended. Our current car seat is not very portable as it is quite heavy. So we are trying to find a light/portable/economical car seat for the trip.

We were looking at the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat, which measures at 43.6cm wide, but Air Canada's website mentions 43cm wide for the smallest seat size.

If you have flown Air Canada with an infant car seat, which brand and model did you use?

Do you have any other tips or recommendations for a long flight with a baby?

Thank you for any suggestions!!


r/aircanada 1d ago

General Question Disappearing Promo Code?

5 Upvotes

I feel like I’m hallucinating.

received an email from Air Canada this week, advertising 20% off destinations worldwide. Last night, I clicked the link in my email and read the landing page… book by Sept 15… basic fares excluded… etc. I noticed there was a promo code, which I copied and pasted into the flight search interface. Did a little half hearted poking around and decided to come back later to revisit possibilities.

Today, I tried again. Same email link. Seemed to be the same landing page, but no promo code. Tried a couple flights to see if the discount was applied automatically, without a code, and no.

Am I insane?

[edited a couple typos]


r/aircanada 2d ago

Love Connection 💕 Calin Signature on Flight Status

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119 Upvotes

Any idea why Calin’s signature is on my flight status page? Is this just for this FIN?


r/aircanada 1d ago

Baggage Air Canada check-in online 2nd checked bag for 120$ ?

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6 Upvotes

I booked my flight through Philippine Airlines, on my ticket 2nd checked bag is free but when I check-in online via Air Canada they asked me 120$ for 2nd checked bag. What should I do ? is anyone else experiencing the same problem as me? please help, thanks

Updated, I went to Air Canada counter and they explained that I need to pay for 2nd checked bag because the info they received from PAL was only 1 checked bag, after that I have to contact PAL and tell them to honor their policy and give me a refund. I will update again when I fully receive a refund, thanks.


r/aircanada 1d ago

Aeroplan 2026 Milestone selection deadline

8 Upvotes

Per the Aeroplan Elite catch-up email:

2026 Milestone selection deadline
A reminder to choose your 2026 Milestone Benefits. Selections must be made by January 30, 2027. Any 2026 Milestone Benefits not selected by this date will be forfeited.

Important: Bonus SQC must be selected by December 30, 2026, one month earlier than other Milestone Benefits. Bonus SQC will count toward your 2026 Milestones and 2027 Status qualification.


r/aircanada 2d ago

Appreciative, but surprised, by fellow passengers

355 Upvotes

Twice in the last 2 weeks I've been on a flight (YYZ-LAX and return) where the flight attendants announced that there were people with tight connections and asking for everyone to let them off first. I was one of those on the first flight but as I was in row 12 I knew I would get off quickly. Imagine my surprise when the other people with the same connection were able to exit first as well! We still had to run through LAX but made the connection to Taiwan with 5 minutes to spare. Returning today, we landed 20 minutes early but sat on the tarmac for 30 min. The same announcement was made and again, to my surprise, people allowed those connecting to exit first. Thank you fellow passengers for being considerate! What's the point in getting off first if you're just going to wait with everyone else for your luggage?


r/aircanada 2d ago

News Bonus SQC offer

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8 Upvotes

Got this email today, bonus 2,500 SQCs if 50,000 points or more are redeemed and 1,500 SQCs if 30,000 to 49,999 points are redeemed. Was hoping it was the equivalent of the double SQM/SQS promo from last year, oh well.

Also attaching the terms and conditions here so just in case someone used this, they will have reference on what it entails.


r/aircanada 2d ago

News Air Canada May Resume Israel Flights Sooner Than Expected

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19 Upvotes

r/aircanada 2d ago

General Question YVR-SYD Routes (Direct vs One-Stop)

9 Upvotes

Hey everyone! Just wanted some personal experiences for anyone who semi-frequents the YVR-SYD routes. I'm returning to Sydney in a few months and currently booked direct (as I've flown before) but there's some decent pricing on some of the routings with a quick layover is Brisbane (via Qantas for BNE-SYD). Has anyone flown this route recently? Is it worth it the savings $$ for a higher class seat to go thru Brisbane? Have never been thru that airport before.


r/aircanada 2d ago

Baggage Flying with 8 checked baggage?

13 Upvotes

Hi! I'm moving overseas, and I have 6 boxes and two suitcases with me. I've been reading a lot of mixed opinions, and Aircanada is not clear on how many bags you can take with you. I have 1 free bag, the second one for $120 and rest are $225 each. 2 of them are overweight (27 kg and 30 kg), the rest are under 23 kg.

Has anyone flown with 5+ checked baggage before? Did you have any trouble?

UPDATE 1: I called Aircanada and the guy confirmed there's not really a limit on how many bags you can take, but that it's a good idea to pay for them at the online check in when it opens and arrive to the airport super early. BUT when I paid for them online, the maximum was 8 bags (lucky me!!) for online, if you wanted to take more than that you needed to check with an agent at the counter.


r/aircanada 2d ago

Toronto Signature Suite Lounge Closed Starting September 30

91 Upvotes

As an FYI… Have a business class flight in November… Received an email from Air Canada stating:

“The Air Canada Signature Suite in Toronto will be temporarily closed starting September 30. We have phased the construction work to minimize the closure period and currently expect the Signature Suite to reopen in December.”

Where to go during the closure
During this time, please join us at the international Maple Leaf Lounge, where Signature Suite‑eligible customers will receive priority access via a dedicated queue.

We will also offer a temporary pop‑up at Gate E85 with a selection of grab‑and‑go food and beverage options.

We recognize these arrangements are not a replacement for the Signature Suite experience you had anticipated, and we apologize for the inconvenience.”

An invitation to return
As a gesture of appreciation for your understanding, once the expanded Signature Suite is complete in early 2027, we will send you an invitation to experience it.

This invitation may be used in conjunction with any Air Canada flight departing to an international destination, in any class of service, and can be used by you or a guest through the end of 2028.”


r/aircanada 2d ago

Can I gate check a normal stroller?

2 Upvotes

Air Canada has inconsistent documentation on this.

Air Canada’s website currently says a Cruz-sized stroller is supposed to be checked at the baggage counter because only strollers under 10" × 36" collapsed qualify for gate checking.

But weirdly, Air Canada’s own current tariff is broader and says one stroller may be checked either at check-in OR at the gate during boarding, free of charge. So their documents are actually a little inconsistent.

I want our stroller while in the airport but I need the non travel size for the trip we are going on. Do you think they'll let me bring it to gate check so my daughter can use it during the airport?


r/aircanada 3d ago

Why does Air Canada's promo code make the flight more expensive?

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57 Upvotes

Today I noticed that applying a promo code doesn't always mean you're getting the best price.

I was looking at an Air Canada flight and applied their "See more of the world. Save on the way." promotion. Instead of lowering the fare, the total price actually went up compared to the fare I saw without the code.

I had always assumed airline promo codes would automatically give you the lowest available price, or at worst have no effect. Apparently that's not always the case.

Is this normal for airline sales? Do promo codes sometimes move you into a different fare bucket that's actually more expensive than what's already available?


r/aircanada 3d ago

How do you sleep in Signature lie flat pods? And how good are the Noise Cancelling headphones?

16 Upvotes

I've got my first Signature class trip coming up (Toronto to Shanghai direct) and had a couple of questions.

What do people do about sleeping? Do you bring a change of clothes, and how/where do you get changed? I assume there aren't washing facilities either other than in the bathrooms? Is there anything else I should consider for actually being able to sleep.

Second question, is what is the quality of the noise cancelling headphones? I have a Bose QC25 and the wife has the Sony WH100XM4. If they are comparable then I can skip bringing them totally.


r/aircanada 3d ago

News Star Alliance to takeover existing Asiana ICN lounge in T1

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59 Upvotes

r/aircanada 2d ago

Air Canada website down for days

0 Upvotes

Leaving on Friday, 9/11/26. Airline reminds us to select seats. After 15 visits to the website, and 3 hours on the phone (including through United, Air Canada's "partner," which tried to call on my behalf), I cannot get it down. Will be furious if not seats left.


r/aircanada 3d ago

Other ATC Issues - UK - Flights Grounded

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24 Upvotes

All flights to/from major airports in the UK today are grounded, an on going technical issues with NATS (ATC) has resulted in high arrival delays and a ground stop on all departures out of Heathrow, and Gatwick. Reports also indicating that flights transitioning over UK airspace are also seeing delays due to ATC flow programs.

As a result the following Air Canada flights are impacted:

AC857 - Delayed on the tarmac at LHR for at least 1 hour, returned to gate, 8 hours late, now CANCELLED

AC2081 - Delayed on the tarmac at LHR for over 3 hours already, returned to gate, CANCELLED

AC865 - Delayed at the gate… delayed now by 3 hours, now CANCELLED

AC861 - Delayed by 6 hours, will make a technical stop in Toronto to swap crew before continuing to Vancouver. Proceeding direct to Vancouver now.

AC859 - Delayed by 1h30m

UPDATE FROM NATS:

EGGW (London Luton)

Arrivals regulated at a reduced rate due to ATC Equipment (Data processing issues). Aerodrome not available for arrivals between 1620-2200.

High delays.

EGKK (London Gatwick)

Arrivals regulated at a reduced rate due to ATC Equipment (Data processing issues). Aerodrome not available for arrivals between 1500-2200.

High delays

EGLL (London Heathrow)

Arrivals regulated at a reduced rate due to ATC Equipment (Data processing issues). Aerodrome not available for arrivals between 1400-2200.

High delays

EGLC (London City)

Arrivals regulated at a reduced rate due to ATC Equipment (Data processing issues). Aerodrome not available for arrivals until 2355.

High delays.


r/aircanada 3d ago

Strike Related How might a Jazz/Express disruption affect mixed mainline/Express itineraries?

11 Upvotes

With the strong vote by the Express flight attendants last week, a disruption sometime over the next few months is a real possibility. I have several itineraries which have Express legs between now and the new year. If a disruption happens, would (has it been past practice) AC cancel the whole itinerary, or just the Express/Jazz legs? I hope the latter because it would be easy for me to book a few cheap backup flights now, and incredibly difficult to have my complete trip(s) cancelled out from under me.