Overview
- Air Canada, which announced the fares Tuesday, July 28, 2026, launched Premium Economy Basic and Business Class Basic in select international and transatlantic markets.
- Both Basic fares keep the same seat and onboard service but remove refunds, make changes subject to fees, charge for advance seat selection, and disallow eUpgrade use.
- Business Class Basic includes Maple Leaf Lounge access but excludes Signature Suite access, while Premium Economy Basic offers no lounge entry; both include one checked bag and carry-on allowance.
- Aeroplan accrual is set at 1x points per dollar for most members with elite multipliers of 2x–6x and 4x Status Qualifying Credits per dollar, which preserves SQC earning but reduces base points and upgrade pathways.
- The rollout follows a wider industry move to unbundle premium cabins seen at carriers such as Delta, Lufthansa Group and KLM, a pattern that critics say repackages lower-tier inventory to push travelers toward higher-priced fares and could tighten award and upgrade availability over time.