Air Canada Premium Economy Review: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Key takeaways

• Air Canada premium economy offers a significant upgrade from regular economy with larger seats; more legroom; priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling; and enhanced in-flight meals and amenities.
• Air Canada features a 2-3-2 seating arrangement in premium economy on Boeing 777, 747, and A330-300 aircraft for easier aisle access and added comfort without the price tag of business class.
• Air Canada's in-flight experience includes quality meals (such as three-course options on international flights), a curated wine list, and amenities like pillows, blankets, and an amenity kit, all served on real china and glassware.
• Premium economy tickets cost about 30% more than regular economy, with the option for last-minute upgrades ranging from $50–$300, or through Aeroplan miles for around 15,000 miles depending on the route.
• With a Going Elite membership, you get access to real-time alerts on premium class seats, including Air Canada premium economy, as soon as prices drop.

Going experts’ Air Canada Premium Economy review & score

Air Canada's Premium Economy is a nice step up from standard Economy, offering extra comfort and a few perks that make long-haul travel a lot more enjoyable. While it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of Business Class, it’s a great middle ground for those who want more space, better meals, and priority services without paying for a lie-flat seat.

The seats are noticeably more spacious, with extra width and a generous 38-inch pitch, giving passengers more room to stretch out. The recline is decent, and the built-in footrest adds a little extra comfort, especially on longer flights. The 2-3-2 layout makes the cabin feel less crowded, though solo travelers may prefer the window seats to avoid getting stuck in the middle.

One of the highlights of Premium Economy is the improved meal service. The food is thoughtfully prepared, with options like fresh salads, hearty main courses, and desserts that are a clear step above Economy. Drinks are served in real glassware, and the wine selection—curated by Air Canada’s sommelier—adds a nice touch. While the meal quality is generally solid, selections can sometimes run out, so choosing early is a good idea.

The priority perks make the airport experience smoother. Premium Economy passengers get access to dedicated check-in counters and priority boarding, making the whole process feel a bit more seamless. Two checked bags are included, with priority handling, so they’re among the first to arrive at baggage claim. However, there’s no expedited security screening unless the passenger has Aeroplan Elite status, which could be a downside for those hoping to get through the airport quickly.

Overall, Air Canada’s Premium Economy is a strong option for travelers who want extra comfort without the high price tag of Business Class. The seats, food, and priority perks make a real difference on longer flights, and while it doesn’t come with lounge access or a lie-flat seat, it’s a worthwhile upgrade from Economy for those looking for a more relaxed travel experience.

Expert Score: ⭐8/10

Servicing more than 210 airports across six continents, Air Canada is the largest domestic and international airline in Canada. The flagship Canadian airline was named Best Airline in North America for over three years in a row and is largely recognized for its airline staff, on-board and lounge menus, and cabin cleanliness.

The Air Canada premium economy experience is an excellent example of the hospitality and in-flight benefits that the airline has become known for and is well-worth the additional fees if you prefer a streamlined experience with additional creature comforts. The upgraded cabin offers some of the exact same benefits as the more expensive business class cabin—including advance boarding and free priority checked luggage—for a fraction of the price.

Whether you’re looking for a more comfortable flying experience or you simply want to streamline your time at the airport in the most efficient way possible, Air Canada premium economy is leagues above its regular economy offerings. Here’s everything you need to know about flying Air Canada premium economy—from the on-board menu and wine list to the cabin configurations:

What to know about Air Canada premium economy

The Air Canada premium economy cabin is available on all international and domestic flights on Boeing 777, Boeing 747, and A330-300 aircrafts. The 2-3-2 arrangement is ideal for passengers who want easier access to the aisle and more legroom and recline, but don’t want to pay a premium for a full lie-flat seat.

How Air Canada premium economy compares to regular economy

Air Canada premium economy is a major step above regular economy—especially if you value priority services and a more streamlined experience at the airport and on-board. Major benefits that don’t apply to regular economy passengers include a larger seat (18-20 inches compared to 17 inches in economy) with deeper recline and more legroom, in-seat power at every seat, priority boarding, priority check-in, and priority baggage handling as well.

How Air Canada premium economy compares to business class 

Air Canada premium economy is an excellent alternative to business class if you’re looking for priority service without the business class price tag. Premium economy passengers will receive the same expedited check-in and priority baggage services, advanced boarding, and larger, more comfortable seats. The biggest difference is that premium economy tickets do not include lie-flat seats or lounge access while Air Canada's business class does.

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Examples of previous cheap flights we've found Going members on Air Canada

• $1,186 to the Greek Islands roundtrip in premium economy
• $1,145 to Edinburgh roundtrip in premium economy
• $454 roundtrip to Vancouver in business class

The Air Canada premium economy experience at the airport 

Air Canada premium economy check-in

The Air Canada premium economy experience starts at check-in. Priority airport services include a priority check-in service with dedicated counters to expedite the process. Unfortunately the premium economy fare does not include expedited security but Air Canada Aeroplan Elite members can use the priority security lane when flying premium economy.

Air Canada premium economy baggage

Air Canada premium economy also includes two free checked bags and priority baggage handling that make the baggage claim experience much more expedited. Priority bags will be labeled with special tags so they’ll be the first to arrive on the carousel for Air Canada Signature Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class, Premium Rouge customers and eligible Air Canada Elite members.

The Air Canada premium economy experience in the air

Air Canada premium economy seats

• Boeing 777: The Air Canada Premium Economy cabin on Boeing 777 aircrafts features wider seats with more recline and legroom, and personal touch-screen TVs with on-demand entertainment. The seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration and includes 21 seats total.
• Boeing 787: The Air Canada Premium Economy cabin on Boeing 787 is nearly identical to the 777 with a similar  2-3-2 configuration.
• A330-300: The Air Canada Premium Economy configuration on the A330-300 is also 2-3-2 and features a personal cocktail table, wider seats, and personal touch-screen TVs. Each seat also comes with a personalized power charger that you won’t have to share with your neighbors.

Air Canada premium economy benefits

Air Canada premium economy benefits include a small but efficient amenity kit that contains a small toothbrush and toothpaste, an eye mask, and ear plugs. Passengers will also receive a small water bottle upon boarding as well as a pillow and blanket on international or long haul domestic flights.

Timing can be everything! Find out the best time to book a cheap flight and score the lowest fares. 
 

Air Canada premium economy meals

The Air Canada premium economy experience includes enhanced food offerings that are fresher and of higher quality than basic economy and include menu items like garden salads and hot casserole dishes like stuffed ravioli and chicken parmesan. North American flights will include a cold meal while international flights will feature a three-course meal in collaboration with celebrity chef Jérôme Ferrer. The meal service is also served on real china and glassware with silverware rather than in plastic containers and disposable silverware.

Air Canada premium economy alcohol

Air Canada premium economy doesn’t offer the same extensive wine list as its business class but travelers can still order individual sized bottles of red, white, or sparkling wine, which have been curated by Air Canada sommelier, Veronique Rivest, and will be served in a real wine glass. Premium economy passengers will also have access to a selection of domestic beer and limited spirits. 

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How to book Air Canada premium economy

How much does it cost for a premium economy ticket on Air Canada?

Premium economy tickets on Air Canada range greatly in price depending on the destination, season, and flight availability. Expect to pay about 30% more for a premium economy ticket versus a regular Air Canada economy ticket.

How to upgrade to premium economy of Air Canada for free

Although it’s possible to be selected for a free upgrade to Air Canada premium economy if the flight is overbooked—it’s not common to receive a completely free upgrade. The best way to save on premium economy flights with Air Canada is to join the Air Canada Aeroplan membership.

Air Canada Elite members receive annual benefits that include free upgrades and major discounts on premium economy flights both for themselves and for passengers they’re traveling with. Members also have access to a number eUpgrade credits based on status which can be used to upgrade from economy to business class.

How much does it cost to upgrade to premium economy on Air Canada? 

Air Canada offers a Last Minute Upgrade Purchase that is available online up to 24 hours prior to departure or at check in up to one hour prior to departure for most domestic and international flights. The fee to upgrade to premium economy depends on the availability and flight path but tends to cost between $50 to $300 per passenger.

How many miles to upgrade to Air Canada premium economy?

Air Canada Aeroplan members can upgrade to premium economy for about 15,000 miles depending on the route, the seasonality, and how close to your departure time you’re requesting an upgrade.

Summary

The Air Canada premium economy cabin is well-worth the additional price—especially for those looking for a more streamlined and efficient airport experience. The priority check-in, advanced boarding, and free priority baggage make the airport experience much more pleasant and stress-free.

The in-flight amenities, including larger seats, curated wine list, and in-flight meals served on real china and glassware offer a much more dignified and comfortable way to travel without having to splurge on the full business class experience—whether on short haul domestic flights or international flights.

More premium economy resources

• Air France premium economy
• Delta premium economy
• Lufthansa premium economy
• Virgin Atlantic premium economy
• The best international airlines for long-haul premium economy