Ahead of the launch of the new Aeroplan on Nov. 8, Air Canada is making some changes to the eUpgrade process, aiming to improve the ability to secure Business Class and Premium Economy seats and premium cabin experiences.
“We spoke with thousands of our most frequent flyers as we designed the transformed Aeroplan program, and we received feedback covering all aspects of the upgrade experience,” said Mark Nasr, Vice President, Loyalty and eCommerce at Air Canada.
According to the airline, the changes include:
- Simplified eUpgrade Request Process – Beginning Oct. 6, members or their travel agents can request upgrades when they book, or any time prior to check-in at aircanada.com or with Air Canada Reservations. When seats are available, members will clear automatically within their upgrade clearance window.
- Simplified eUpgrade Requirements – Beginning Oct. 2, all Air Canada fare options will be eligible for eUpgrades, with the exception of Economy Basic fares. Plus, members will be able to upgrade all Aeroplan flight rewards. What’s more, Air Canada has further simplified the eUpgrade requirements across its network, and in most cases reduced the credits and add-ons required for an upgrade.
- eUpgrades for Companions – The transformed Aeroplan is built for families, with all-new features like Family Sharing and Status Pass. Our members told us how important it is to be able to share the experience of our premium cabins with their travel companions. With that in mind, beginning November 8, when seats are available, upgrade requests for companions traveling in the same reservation will clear with the priority of the member’s Altitude status – including at the airport.
“We’re excited to put those ideas into action ahead of the Aeroplan relaunch on November 8. With these changes, we’re improving the value of eUpgrades, simplifying the program, and making it easier for our status members and their travel companions to enjoy a more comfortable trip,” said Nasr.
eUpgrades have traditionally been a difficult game to secure depending on which fare class tickets have been purchased under, so some of these changes can be hopeful for Aeroplan Elite flyers.
