Air Canada Review: Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Bags

Core Insights - Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada, operating a hub-and-spoke network with a focus on loyalty and partnerships, particularly through its Aeroplan program [2][4][5] - The airline serves nearly 200 destinations across six continents, with a fleet of 322 aircraft and over 1,600 daily flights [3][9] - Air Canada has been recognized as a 4-star airline by Skytrax, reflecting its solid service offerings and customer satisfaction [8][64] Company Overview - Founded in 1937, Air Canada was initially known as Trans-Canada Air Lines and rebranded in the 1960s [2] - The airline operates subsidiary brands like Air Canada Rouge and regional services under Air Canada Express [2] - Main hubs include Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver, with a significant international presence [9] Loyalty Program - Aeroplan is Air Canada's loyalty program, allowing members to earn points on flights with Air Canada and over 45 partner airlines [7][10] - The program is set to transition to a revenue-based earning system in 2026, linking points earned to the amount spent [10] - Aeroplan offers flexibility with no blackout dates for redeeming points on Air Canada flights, although dynamic pricing can complicate the redemption process [11] Service Offerings - Air Canada provides various cabin classes, including economy, premium economy, and business class, with multiple fare types that include different levels of service [8][54] - The airline has upgraded its long-haul cabins and offers complimentary beer and wine on many North American routes [4][24] - In-flight amenities include personal entertainment systems, complimentary snacks, and options for purchasing meals and drinks [55][30] Fees and Add-Ons - Baggage fees vary by fare class and route, with economy passengers typically allowed one carry-on and one personal item for free, while checked baggage incurs additional charges [17] - Change and cancellation fees depend on fare class, with basic economy tickets often having stricter policies [19] - Additional services such as extra legroom seats, Wi-Fi, and pet transportation come with their own fees [22][23][32] Customer Experience - Air Canada has received mixed reviews regarding customer service, with common complaints about delays, cancellations, and add-on fees [61] - The airline maintains a strong safety record and has invested in modern aircraft to improve operational reliability [62] - Recent awards include recognition for best airline cleanliness and best airline staff in Canada [66]