How Upgrades Work on Canadian Airlines (And How to Actually Get One)

Upgrades are less random than most people think. Airlines have clear rules about who gets moved up and when. Understanding how the system works gives you a real shot at getting upgraded instead of just hoping for it.

The Two Types of Upgrades

Complimentary upgrades: Given by the airline for free, based on status, availability, and operational needs. These are becoming rarer as airlines fill premium cabins with paying customers.

Paid/points upgrades: You use Aeroplan points, WestJet dollars, or cash to upgrade at booking or check-in. This is the more reliable route.

How Complimentary Upgrades Work on Air Canada

Air Canada’s upgrade process is automated based on a waitlist. Your position in that waitlist is determined by:

Aeroplan status — Super Elite > Aeroplan 75K > Aeroplan 50K > Aeroplan 35K > Aeroplan 25K > no status
Fare class — Higher fare classes within economy get priority
Length of membership — Tie-breaker between members with the same status

Upgrades clear anywhere from a few days before departure to at the gate. The higher your status, the earlier you typically receive confirmation.

Key point: Basic economy tickets (Basic fare class on Air Canada) are not eligible for complimentary upgrades. You need to be in at least Standard fare to be considered.

How to Request a Complimentary Upgrade on Air Canada

Ensure your Aeroplan number is on your booking
Log into your Air Canada account and check the “Upgrade options” for your flight
If you are on the waitlist, the system tracks your position automatically
You are notified by email or app when an upgrade is confirmed

You cannot “request” a complimentary upgrade at check-in the way movies suggest. The process is automated and based on the waitlist, not on asking nicely.

Paid Upgrades: The More Reliable Option

Air Canada and WestJet both allow you to purchase upgrades using either:

Aeroplan miles (Air Canada):

Cost depends on route, cabin availability, and fare class
Domestic upgrades: 15,000–25,000 miles
Transborder (US): 20,000–40,000 miles
International: 50,000–100,000+ miles
Can be done at booking or by checking the “Upgrade” section before departure

eUpgrade Credits (Air Canada):

Elite members receive eUpgrade credits based on their status level
Credits can be used to request upgrades on eligible fares
Availability opens at different times depending on status level

WestJet Dollars:

WestJet offers cabin upgrades to Premium cabin using WestJet dollars or credit card during booking, check-in, or at the gate if seats remain

Best Practices for Getting Upgraded

Book early in a high fare class. Even within economy, a Flex or Standard ticket puts you higher on the upgrade waitlist than a Basic or Econo Basic.

Get status first. Complimentary upgrades almost always go to elite members. If you fly Air Canada 2–4 times per year on paid tickets, reaching Aeroplan 25K is achievable and opens upgrade access.

Watch for upgrade offers at check-in. Airlines often offer discounted cash upgrades 24–48 hours before departure when premium cabin seats remain unsold. Check the Air Canada app at check-in time.

Ask for operational upgrades — politely and at the right time. If a flight is oversold in economy and there are business class seats available, gate agents sometimes move people. Being polite, flexible (willing to help with airport logistics), and a known frequent flyer helps. This is genuinely rare, but it happens.

Choose flights with lower premium load factors. Red-eye flights and flights to less-popular business destinations often have emptier business cabins. Friday afternoon YYZ-YVR is full of business travellers. Wednesday morning the same route has fewer.

What Upgrades Actually Get You on Canadian Airlines

Air Canada Business Class (domestic, Transcontinental):

Fully lay-flat seats on widebody aircraft
Dedicated meal service
Increased baggage allowance
Maple Leaf Lounge access before boarding
Porter Business: wider recliner seats with extra legroom, included meal, dedicated service

WestJet Premium:

Extra legroom (not lay-flat)
Dedicated overhead bin space
Complimentary drinks and meal
Priority boarding and baggage

The Honest Assessment

If you fly once or twice a year, chasing complimentary upgrades is not worth building a strategy around. Buy the cheapest fare that includes the bags and flexibility you need.

If you fly Air Canada 4+ times per year on business, getting to Aeroplan 25K or 35K status is genuinely achievable with normal travel — and that is when upgrade access starts becoming a realistic part of your travel experience.

Paid upgrades using points are often the best value in the loyalty program. Business class to Europe for 100,000 Aeroplan points is significantly cheaper than paying cash for the same seat.

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