Air Canada Fare Types — Complete Comparison

Pick the right fare for your trip — compare baggage, cancellation, seat, meal and miles across all Air Canada (AC) fare classes. Last verified 2026-07-07.

Air Canada sells branded economy fares — Basic, Standard, Flex, Comfort and Latitude — plus a dedicated Premium Economy cabin and Business Class (branded Signature Class on long-haul), each sold in Lowest and Flexible variants. On routes between India and Canada, Air Canada uses a piece concept and the checked allowance rises with the fare brand (Basic includes no checked bag; Standard and Flex include one; Comfort and Latitude include two; Business allows two heavier bags), with a maximum of 23 kg per economy bag and 32 kg per business bag, and the exact allowance shown at booking. Basic is non-changeable and non-refundable, while Latitude is fully flexible and refundable. The carry-on bag has no weight limit. Loyalty is via Aeroplan across the Star Alliance.

Quick Pick — Which Air Canada Fare Should You Choose?

Cheapest
Economy Basic
Cabin-baggage-only travel on confirmed dates
Best Value
Economy Flex
Economy travellers who may change dates
Most Flexible
Economy Latitude
Maximum flexibility in economy
Fare details verified on 2026-07-07 from official Air Canada sources. Airlines update fare structures periodically — always confirm at www.aircanada.com before booking.

Air Canada Fare Types — Side-by-Side Comparison

This comparison shows the typical inclusions for each Air Canada fare class. Inclusions can vary by route — the fare comparison shown at booking is always authoritative.

  Economy Basic Economy Economy Standard Economy Economy Flex Economy Economy Comfort Economy Economy Latitude Economy Premium Economy Premium Economy Business / Signature Class Business
Description The cheapest Air Canada economy fare — no checked bag included, seat assigned (paid to choose) and no changes or refunds. Best for light packers on confirmed dates who can add a bag separately.Standard Air Canada economy with one checked bag on India-Canada routes, advance seat selection and changes for a fee. A common leisure choice.A more flexible Air Canada economy fare — one checked bag plus changes with the change fee waived (fare difference applies). Suited to travellers whose dates may move.A higher economy fare with two checked bags on India-Canada, preferred seat selection and more flexibility than Flex. Good for travellers who need more baggage.The most flexible Air Canada economy fare — two checked bags, free seat selection, fully changeable and refundable, and eligible for upgrades. The top economy tier.A dedicated Premium Economy cabin on long-haul aircraft — wider seat, more legroom, upgraded dining and priority services, sold in Lowest (more restrictive) and Flexible variants. Higher checked allowance than economy.Air Canada's business class — branded Signature Class on long-haul — with lie-flat seats, Maple Leaf/Signature Suite lounge access, premium dining and a generous checked allowance. Sold in Lowest and Flexible variants.
Cabin baggage 1 carry-on + 1 personal item (carry-on has no weight limit)1 carry-on + 1 personal item (no weight limit)1 carry-on + 1 personal item (no weight limit)1 carry-on + 1 personal item (no weight limit)1 carry-on + 1 personal item (no weight limit)1 carry-on + 1 personal item (no weight limit)2 carry-on pieces + 1 personal item (no weight limit)
Checked baggage Not included on India-Canada (chargeable to add; 23 kg per bag when added; allowance shown at booking)Typically 1 bag × 23 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)Typically 1 bag × 23 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)Typically 2 bags × 23 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)Typically 2 bags × 23 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)Typically 2 bags × 23 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)Typically 2 bags × 32 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)
Seat selection Assigned; chargeable to choose in advanceStandard seat selection (may be chargeable on some fares)Free standard seat selectionPreferred seat selection includedFree seat selection (incl. preferred seats)Free Premium Economy seat selectionFree seat selection
Meals Complimentary meal and drinks on long-haulComplimentary meal and drinks on long-haulComplimentary meal and drinks on long-haulComplimentary meal and drinks on long-haulComplimentary meal and drinks on long-haulEnhanced dining with premium beveragesMulti-course business dining with premium beverages
Cancellation fee Non-refundable; no credit to Air Canada travel voucherChange/cancel for a fee to an Air Canada travel voucherCancel for a fee to an Air Canada travel voucherCancel for a lower fee to travel voucher (check fare conditions)Fully refundableLowest is more restrictive; Flexible is refundable (check conditions)Lowest more restrictive; Flexible refundable (check conditions)
Reschedule fee Not permittedChange fee + fare differenceNo change fee; fare difference appliesNo change fee; fare difference appliesFree changes; fare difference appliesFlexible fare allows easier changes; fare difference appliesFlexible fare allows easier changes; fare difference applies
Refundability NON-refundable beyond statutory taxesNon-refundable to cash; value kept as travel credit per fare rulesNon-refundable to cash; travel credit per fare rulesPartly refundable per fare conditionsFully refundableDepends on Lowest vs Flexible fareDepends on Lowest vs Flexible fare
Miles earning Reduced Aeroplan points and Status Qualifying MilesStandard Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying MilesStandard Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying MilesHigher Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying MilesHighest economy Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying MilesHigher Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying MilesHigh Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying Miles
Ideal for Cabin-baggage-only travel on confirmed datesMost India-Canada leisure travellers who need a checked bagEconomy travellers who may change datesTravellers who want two checked bags and a better seatMaximum flexibility in economyLong-haul comfort without business-class spendLong-haul India-Canada business travel

Air Canada Fare Classes — Detailed Breakdown

Economy Basic Economy

The cheapest Air Canada economy fare — no checked bag included, seat assigned (paid to choose) and no changes or refunds. Best for light packers on confirmed dates who can add a bag separately.

1 carry-on + 1 personal item (carry-on has no weight limit)
Not included on India-Canada (chargeable to add; 23 kg per bag when added; allowance shown at booking)
Assigned; chargeable to choose in advance
Complimentary meal and drinks on long-haul
Non-refundable; no credit to Air Canada travel voucher
Not permitted
NON-refundable beyond statutory taxes
Reduced Aeroplan points and Status Qualifying Miles
Cabin-baggage-only travel on confirmed dates
Lowest Air Canada fareCarry-on with no weight limit
Economy Standard Economy

Standard Air Canada economy with one checked bag on India-Canada routes, advance seat selection and changes for a fee. A common leisure choice.

1 carry-on + 1 personal item (no weight limit)
Typically 1 bag × 23 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)
Standard seat selection (may be chargeable on some fares)
Complimentary meal and drinks on long-haul
Change/cancel for a fee to an Air Canada travel voucher
Change fee + fare difference
Non-refundable to cash; value kept as travel credit per fare rules
Standard Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying Miles
Most India-Canada leisure travellers who need a checked bag
Checked bag includedSeat selection
Economy Flex Economy

A more flexible Air Canada economy fare — one checked bag plus changes with the change fee waived (fare difference applies). Suited to travellers whose dates may move.

1 carry-on + 1 personal item (no weight limit)
Typically 1 bag × 23 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)
Free standard seat selection
Complimentary meal and drinks on long-haul
Cancel for a fee to an Air Canada travel voucher
No change fee; fare difference applies
Non-refundable to cash; travel credit per fare rules
Standard Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying Miles
Economy travellers who may change dates
No change feeChecked bagFree seat
Economy Comfort Economy

A higher economy fare with two checked bags on India-Canada, preferred seat selection and more flexibility than Flex. Good for travellers who need more baggage.

1 carry-on + 1 personal item (no weight limit)
Typically 2 bags × 23 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)
Preferred seat selection included
Complimentary meal and drinks on long-haul
Cancel for a lower fee to travel voucher (check fare conditions)
No change fee; fare difference applies
Partly refundable per fare conditions
Higher Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying Miles
Travellers who want two checked bags and a better seat
Two checked bagsPreferred seatMore flexible
Economy Latitude Economy

The most flexible Air Canada economy fare — two checked bags, free seat selection, fully changeable and refundable, and eligible for upgrades. The top economy tier.

1 carry-on + 1 personal item (no weight limit)
Typically 2 bags × 23 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)
Free seat selection (incl. preferred seats)
Complimentary meal and drinks on long-haul
Fully refundable
Free changes; fare difference applies
Fully refundable
Highest economy Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying Miles
Maximum flexibility in economy
Full refundFree changesTwo checked bags
Premium Economy Premium Economy

A dedicated Premium Economy cabin on long-haul aircraft — wider seat, more legroom, upgraded dining and priority services, sold in Lowest (more restrictive) and Flexible variants. Higher checked allowance than economy.

1 carry-on + 1 personal item (no weight limit)
Typically 2 bags × 23 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)
Free Premium Economy seat selection
Enhanced dining with premium beverages
Lowest is more restrictive; Flexible is refundable (check conditions)
Flexible fare allows easier changes; fare difference applies
Depends on Lowest vs Flexible fare
Higher Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying Miles
Long-haul comfort without business-class spend
Wider seatSeparate cabinTwo checked bags
Business / Signature Class Business

Air Canada's business class — branded Signature Class on long-haul — with lie-flat seats, Maple Leaf/Signature Suite lounge access, premium dining and a generous checked allowance. Sold in Lowest and Flexible variants.

2 carry-on pieces + 1 personal item (no weight limit)
Typically 2 bags × 32 kg on India-Canada (allowance shown at booking)
Free seat selection
Multi-course business dining with premium beverages
Lowest more restrictive; Flexible refundable (check conditions)
Flexible fare allows easier changes; fare difference applies
Depends on Lowest vs Flexible fare
High Aeroplan points + Status Qualifying Miles
Long-haul India-Canada business travel
Lie-flat seatLounge accessTwo 32 kg checked bags

General Cancellation & Reschedule Notes

Air Canada cancellation terms rise with the fare brand: Economy Basic is non-refundable with no travel credit; Standard, Flex and Comfort keep their value as an Air Canada travel voucher (a fee may apply); and Latitude, plus the Flexible variants of Premium Economy and Business, are fully refundable. Unused statutory taxes are refundable. Check the exact rules shown at booking and in Manage Bookings.

Changes are not permitted on Economy Basic; Standard charges a change fee plus fare difference; and Flex, Comfort, Latitude and the Flexible premium/business fares waive the change fee (a fare difference still applies). Confirm the exact change rules and fees at booking.

Consumer protections: Statutory government taxes are typically refundable on request even for non-refundable fares. EU261 (for EU departures), US DOT rules (for US departures) and similar consumer-protection regulations may also apply to your booking.

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Air Canada Fare Types — Frequently Asked Questions

The cheapest Air Canada fare is Economy Basic — The cheapest Air Canada economy fare — no checked bag included, seat assigned (paid to choose) and no changes or refunds. Best for light packers on confirmed dates who can add a bag separately. It includes not included on india-canada (chargeable to add; 23 kg per bag when added; allowance shown at booking) of checked baggage with 1 carry-on + 1 personal item (carry-on has no weight limit) cabin baggage. Seat selection is assigned; chargeable to choose in advance and meals are complimentary meal and drinks on long-haul. Cancellation: non-refundable; no credit to air canada travel voucher.
Economy Basic is the lowest Air Canada fare that typically includes a complimentary meal — The cheapest Air Canada economy fare — no checked bag included, seat assigned (paid to choose) and no changes or refunds. Best for light packers on confirmed dates who can add a bag separately. Higher tiers above this fare also include meals. Lower fares charge separately for in-flight meals.
Economy Basic is typically the least refundable Air Canada fare — non-refundable beyond statutory taxes. Statutory government taxes (PSF, UDF, GST on taxes) are always refundable on request even on non-refundable fares. For full refundability, choose Economy Latitude or above.
Economy Basic on Air Canada typically includes 1 carry-on + 1 personal item (carry-on has no weight limit) of cabin baggage and not included on india-canada (chargeable to add; 23 kg per bag when added; allowance shown at booking) of checked baggage. Allowances can vary by route — international flights typically have higher allowances than domestic short-haul. Confirm the exact allowance at booking.
Seat selection on Air Canada Economy Basic is assigned; chargeable to choose in advance. Air Canada usually charges separately for advance seat selection on this fare. For free seat selection, look at Economy Latitude or higher fare tiers, which typically include standard seat selection.
Economy Latitude typically has free changes; fare difference applies. Fare difference still applies if the new flight is more expensive. Fully refundable. Change fees vary by route, time-to-departure and destination — confirm exact fees in the fare rules at booking.
For long-haul business trips on Air Canada, Business / Signature Class is the strongest pick — Air Canada's business class — branded Signature Class on long-haul — with lie-flat seats, Maple Leaf/Signature Suite lounge access, premium dining and a generous checked allowance. Sold in Lowest and Flexible variants. For shorter sectors or budget-conscious business travel, Economy Latitude delivers maximum flexibility in economy with typically 2 bags × 23 kg on india-canada (allowance shown at booking) of baggage and fully refundable.
Air Canada does not usually allow direct fare-tier upgrades after booking. To change to a more flexible fare, you would typically need to cancel the existing booking (subject to the original fare's cancellation rules) and book the new fare. Some airlines offer paid upgrades at check-in subject to availability — confirm at the Air Canada website.
No — Air Canada fare-class inclusions can vary between domestic and international routes, and between short-haul and long-haul flights. Baggage allowances are typically higher on international routes; meals and seat selection rules may also differ. Always check the fare comparison shown at booking before paying.
The most authoritative source for Air Canada fare-class rules is the official Air Canada website at https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home/plan/baggage/checked.html. The fare comparison page shows current inclusions at the time of booking. The data on this page was last verified on 2026-07-07.