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As we inch closer to the launch of New Aeroplan Program on Nov 8, 2020, today Air Canada announced improvements to eUpgrades – all members can now request upgrade at any time prior to check-in, and priority eUpgrade clearance for companions of Aeroplan Elite Status members. Thats right, Air Canada has also confirmed that Air Canada Altitude is becoming Aeroplan Elite Status.
For the uninitiated, Aeroplan members can earn eUpgrade Credits, and enjoy a better onboard experience by exchanging them for upgrades to premium cabins on eligible flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge. Lets take a closer look at the new improvements to Air Canada eUpgrades.
Air Canada eUpgrade request process
- Starting October 6, members can request upgrade any time prior to check-in at aircanada.com or with Air Canada Reservations, and when seats are available, it will clear automatically within their upgrade clearance window;
The upgrade clearance window is based on the destination, booking class (including reward tickets), and Aeroplan Elite Status. For example, the upgrade request for Aeroplan Super Elite members booked in Standard fare, will clear 14 days prior to departure for North America and Sun Destinations, and 7 days prior for International destinations.
- Members will also have the option to request upgrades at check-in on the day of departure
Air Canada eUpgrade Eligibility
- Starting today, all Air Canada fare options will be eligible for eUpgrades, with the exception of Economy Basic fares
- All Aeroplan flight rewards are now eligible for eUpgrades
- For the purposes of eUpgrades, Canada, US, Mexico, and Caribbean are grouped as ‘North America and Sun Destination‘. The rest of the world is categorized as ‘International‘
- The number of eUpgrades required depend on destination of travel, fare class, and Aeroplan Elite Status. Also, note that the lists below are applicable for one-way travel and on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express or Air Canada Rouge
- For North America and Sun Destinations – eUpgrades to Business Class ($ add-ons do not apply for SE 100K members)
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- For North America and Sun Destinations – eUpgrades to Premium Economy ($ add-ons do not apply for SE 100K members)
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- For International – eUpgrades to Business Class ($ add-ons do not apply for SE 100K members);
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- For International – eUpgrades to Premium Economy ($ add-ons do not apply for SE 100K members)
- For a limited time, members can enjoy an eUpgrade add-on waiver for upgrades from Premium Economy to Business Class on international flights operated by Air Canada. This applies for upgrade requests through March 31, 2021.
- For International – eUpgrades to Premium Economy ($ add-ons do not apply for SE 100K members)
eUpgrade Clearance for Companions
Starting November 8, when seats are available, upgrade requests for companions traveling in the same reservation as an Elite Status member will clear with the priority of the member’s status – including at the airport
As a newly minted Super Elite 100k member, I am excited to use my eUpgrades, whenever travel permits, and more importantly, share the priority clearance with family. Air Canada continues to roll out these improvements with full transparency, and enough window for members to fully understand the process and new requirements. Impressed.
