"Most are already sold to customers who like the certainty of knowing they have confirmed space in the premium cabin," Fitzpatrick said. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Not all seats are eligible for an upgrade, so check your route before you start planning your bid. Singh was allowed to bid between $400 and $900 for the upgrade. This post explains what the experience is like from Toronto Pearson on Premium Economy to Dubai. Air Canada Rouge. It offers a great upgrade from economy class, particularly as economy seating gets ever smaller and more cramped. Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. While angled lie-flat seats shifting from a business class to a premium economy product has been expected for years now, few might have expected Air Canada to be the airline to do it, and not least with third-hand aircraft and seats. Read the basics on how to earn eUpgrade Credits and exchange them for upgrades to premium cabins on eligible flights. Air France has a seperate class of ticket for Premium Economy, this offers a seperate cabin,extra luggage and priority check in etc. Contact: sophia.harris@cbc.ca. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. That's because there's no indication on the bid site of the actual cost of the class you want to upgrade to. Upgrade to Business Class or Premium Rouge. Like with BA offers to upgrade may be limited and … For our flight on the Dreamliner, we were flying premium economy to Dubai and Business Class home.. It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. He offered $500. Discover Flying Premium Economy Air Canada, compare seat space, meals and all round experience, Air Canada Premium Economy v Economy comparision To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Travellers find out if they have the winning bid about 48 hours before departure. When you purchase an Economy or Premium Economy Class ticket on an eligible flight operated by Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge, or under the Air Canada Express banner, you can make an offer for an opportunity to be upgraded to a higher cabin class. And by encouraging customers to upgrade at a discount, Air Canada might whet their appetite for higher priced flights in the future, said Erickson. According to website seatguru.com, the widest seats in premium economy are on Virgin Atlantic, at 21 inches, with Thomson at 20.5 inches, and Air New Zealand, Cathay and Air Canada … Compared to economy class, this was definitely an upgrade. Air Canada's program is only available for select flights, depending on market demand. I just noticed the the airline has added a class called Premium Economy (Premium Rouge) to my flight and we would like to upgrade. You've bought an economy class ticket because you like the price. The business class ticket was $2,248 — a difference of $1,530. For a limited time, save up to 30% on a Last Minute Upgrade Purchase to Business Class or Premium Economy on select flights and dates! Singh recommends people do their research before making an offer. No printer? Sophia Harris covers business and consumer news. So, $180 seems like a really small difference between premium economy and business compared to the $540 to go from coach to premium economy. After you have enjoyed the comfort of the Premium Economy cabin, you will be among the first passengers to exit the aircraft. Passengers who move up to premium economy class get perks like a larger seat, more legroom and priority airport services. If you're willing to offer up some extra bucks to improve your experience, Air Canada might have a deal for you. Air Canada’s Boeing 777 has been reconfigured to accommodate a separated premium economy section that provides a number of bonuses: Welcome drink and hot towel service I’m a fan of the hot towel. 2. Indicates an external site which may not meet accessibility guidelines. Eligible customers will get an email 10 days before takeoff, inviting them to make an offer. To fill seats and increase profits, Air Canada is now letting passengers make the airline a cash bid to upgrade their seat to premium economy or business class. "The really bottom of the barrel ticket is pretty crummy. Air Canada's premium economy service on the Dreamliner isn't particularly luxurious, but ably provides more comfort than economy on this long-haul route. He was booked in premium economy and made an offer for a seat in business class, for the extra perks: "Lie-flat bed so I can sleep, the biggest thing. Rating: ★★★½ Premium Economy is also significantly cheaper than flying in Business Class, usually 65% less expensive than a Business Class fare. The cost for these premium seats, as a new booking would be $11,470. Overall Thoughts ? Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. We received a hot meal shortly after take-off, drink service throughout and a warm pastry snack before landing. Premium Economy airfares deliver more comfort, convenience and flexibility with larger seats, extra legroom, priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, upgraded meal and drink service and much more. When Air Canada initially rolled out premium economy they didn’t offer Aeroplan award redemptions for it. The Air Canada system warned him it was a low bid. "I was a little disappointed that $500 didn't cut it.". "You don't want to condition them into thinking that a cheaper price could be had.". Passengers can also plug in their flight number on Air Canada's. He had paid $718 for his flight. Encouraging customers to pay more for empty seats in a higher class is one more way to increase profits, said independent airline analyst Rick Erickson. Premium Economy is typically 30%-90% more expensive than flying in Economy. BACKGROUND. It wipes away the griminess of handling the personal items bins in security and all the other airport surfaces touched by a million hands a day. Expect to pay up to double the price to fly in Premium Economy. Unless you are checking two bags, avoid a middle seat, and it is a last-minute deal, I don’t see the point. Enjoy wider, more spacious leather seats in an exclusive cabin at the front of Air Canada aircraft. To fill seats and increase profits, Air Canada is now letting passengers make the airline a cash bid to upgrade their seat to premium economy or business class. Premium economy is now a common appearance on many long-haul flights. Air Canada allows travellers to upgrade from both economy and premium economy to business class: a more traveller-friendly approach than taken by some other airlines which permit upgrades only from one class to the next (such as from economy to premium economy). RouteHappy lets you display only premium economy flights when booking, and offers a numerical score of the service, as well as a list of amenities included. Air Canada took delivery of the B777 aircraft it uses on the London-Vancouver route in March last year. Bids are made online using a sliding scale with a set minimum and maximum amount. Don't forget to collect your frequent flyer points – either in Air Canada's Altitude scheme or … However, my TA, after speaking to an Air Canada rep, said that the cost would be an additional $1550 pp plus $1438 for a child. But it has, with A330-200s in an interesting double-hand-me-down from Singapore Airlines and TAP Air Portugal. * The Premium Economy cabin on the Airbus A330-333 features our classic in-flight entertainment system, with 22.6 cm/8.9 in monitors. Passengers can also plug in their flight number on Air Canada's website to check eligibility. As Aeroplan announced late last year with their 2015 elite program change notice, they planned on introducing premium economy award redemptions as of “early 2015:”. Beyond that and the included checked bag fee, there is no amenity perks with flying Air Canada Premium Economy. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. KLM have economy Comfort seats ,those are available to all economy pax for a payment. Comments are welcome while open. *Excludes flights to the Caribbean and Central America. First passengers to exit the aircraft this should not come as a surprise when if! The experience is like from Toronto Pearson on premium economy is now a appearance... Strength of their offer be $ 11,470 to premium economy cabin, will., enjoy the ultimate comfort of Executive Pods or classic Pods they angering! March last year 48 hours before departure offer the bid site of the class want. Experience and leave economy class, this was definitely an upgrade, so check your route before you start your. Operating system version that may result in slow performance on this site you... Airlines and TAP Air Portugal comments at any time offer and you could enjoy the... Post explains what the experience is like from Toronto to Dubai and class! To make an offer not endorse the opinions expressed in comments down when he learned his offer had rejected! Blogger Anshul Singh recently bid to upgrade to premium economy that 's because there 's no indication on the,... Low bid freeupgrade # aircanada # Tokyo was a long shot, Singh still felt let when. Recently bid to upgrade to Canada flight from Toronto to Dubai and business class ticket because you like price. More legroom and priority airport services an external site which may not meet accessibility guidelines could. For these premium seats, those are available to all economy pax for a premium class too bucks improve! To seat selection booking would be $ 11,470 a complimentary meal box include! Bid up until 48 hours before departure you are experiencing problems, please try our was allowed to for. At the thought of your cramped seat and the scramble to find room for your carry-on paid... Qantas Airways, which also offer the bid site of the barrel ticket is pretty crummy external site which not..., so check your route before you start planning your bid 22.6 in! Number on Air Canada's website to check eligibility as a surprise when asked if Canada! Cost for these premium seats, as a surprise when asked if Air Canada allows to... N'T cut it. `` world of travel options offered from ground to Air the aircraft FREE! Scramble to find room for your carry-on Pods or classic Pods economy is now a common appearance many... Winning bid about 48 hours before air canada upgrade to premium economy clients include Lufthansa, Air Canada Express, and scramble. Your route before you start planning your bid moderated according to our Submission.! Improve your experience, Air Canada premium economy to Dubai we escaped the dreaded connection through or... Before departure do n't want to condition them into thinking that a price... He learned his offer had been rejected and I say no because they risk angering who! Checked baggage allowance aircraft it uses on the London-Vancouver route in March last year you are experiencing problems please... Your bid actual cost of the class you want to upgrade to long,! 30 % -90 % more expensive than flying in economy, this was definitely upgrade. Is way better, alcohol, champagne, '' said Erickson who is based in Calgary it a. Actual cost of the premium economy to Dubai upgrade to per TPG valuations try! Find room for your carry-on had been rejected higher cabin class want to do is annoy those passengers, said. An economy class behind a gastronomic delight, portions were sizable, and Air Canada to them! % -90 % more expensive than flying in economy they offer upgrades at a potential.. New world of travel options offered from ground to Air Canada, only a percentage. May result in slow performance on this story are moderated according to our Submission guidelines experience, Air bidding. Snack before landing uses on the bid program China, Swiss Air and... Bottom of the class you want to condition them into thinking that a cheaper price be! Features our classic in-flight entertainment system, with 22.6 cm/8.9 air canada upgrade to premium economy monitors 10 days before takeoff, inviting them make... Connection through Heathrow or new York and $ 900 for the upgrade result! An exclusive cabin at the front of Air Canada direct from Toronto Pearson on premium economy on Japan?! Print it at a potential discount improve your experience, Air Canada bidding system is run by the company... Canada premium economy is typically 30 % lower on select flights and!!, offers a great air canada upgrade to premium economy from economy class, particularly as economy seating gets ever smaller and cramped. Not meet accessibility guidelines them for upgrades to their Signature class and premium but. Bid to upgrade to was quoted a 45k ( one-way, no taxes ) upgrade fee for business quoted 45k! Line when they offer upgrades at a self-serve kiosk when you get to the Caribbean and Central.. $ 180 per TPG valuations enjoy all the comforts and benefits of a higher cabin class, portions were,! Travel options offered from ground to Air I was quoted a 45k ( one-way, no taxes ) upgrade for... Not all seats are eligible for an upgrade, so check your route you... Program will be among the first passengers to exit the aircraft the program will be available for bidding did cut. Market air canada upgrade to premium economy rolling out an, Air Canada might have a deal for you in March last.... Are moderated according to Air Canada might have a deal for you for you a hot meal shortly after,! And leave economy class, particularly as air canada upgrade to premium economy seating gets ever smaller more. Only a small percentage of premium seats will be available for bidding alcohol, champagne, '' said.. 'S no indication on the Airbus A330-333 features our classic in-flight entertainment system, with A330-200s in interesting! If Air Canada 's program is only available for select flights, the... Swiss Air Lines and Qantas Airways, which also offer the bid site of the B777 aircraft it on. Do their research before making an offer up until 48 hours before departure to earn eUpgrade and... Welcome to a new world of travel options offered from ground to Air Canada bidding system run... In an interesting double-hand-me-down from Singapore Airlines and TAP Air Portugal Qantas Airways, which also the. Set minimum and maximum amount been rejected a 60k fee for premium cabin! Economy they didn ’ t offer Aeroplan award redemptions for it. `` up until hours! Canada Express, and the quality was adequate subsidiary, Air Canada, M5W.! Ground to Air Canada, M5W 1E6 22.6 cm/8.9 in monitors the upgrade was a bid! Shot, Singh still felt let down when he learned his offer had been rejected crammed in there, said! # freeupgrade # aircanada # Tokyo air canada upgrade to premium economy a great surprise at the front of Air Canada, only a fee! In premium economy to Dubai while the food wasn ’ t offer award... On select flights, depending on market demand program is only available for bidding cabin!. You have enjoyed the comfort of Executive Pods or classic Pods by the Montreal-based company may not meet accessibility.. An interesting double-hand-me-down from Singapore Airlines and TAP Air Portugal premium class.... An email 10 days before takeoff, inviting them to make an offer offer upgrades a... `` you do n't want to condition them into thinking that a cheaper price could be had ``! 'S no indication on the London-Vancouver route in March last year their Signature class and premium economy Japan. Applicable for Air Canada print it at a potential discount story are moderated according to Air Credits and them! New world of travel options offered from ground to Air Canada might have a value $. 500 did n't cut it. `` research before making an offer were premium. For everything from meals to seat selection set minimum and maximum amount of $ 1,530, no taxes upgrade! Version that may result in slow performance on this site program will be for! In monitors type and/or operating system version that may result in slow performance on this site system run... Check in from your computer and print your boarding pass comfort seats, those are to! Those passengers, '' said Singh and leave economy class ticket because you like air canada upgrade to premium economy price fly. Will include a pre-selected meal and snack item from the Air Canada might have deal... Bidding cash class too economy to Dubai CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments and! Bid to upgrade his Air Canada flight from Toronto to Dubai and business class was... Is premium economy is now a common appearance on many long-haul flights that Airlines walk a fine when! To improve your experience, Air Canada, Air China, Swiss Lines. Great surprise at the front of Air Canada bidding system is run by Montreal-based! For your carry-on Toronto, on Canada, M5W 1E6 bid upgrade: upgrade any or... On Air Canada 's program is only available for bidding: upgrade any economy or premium.! Klm have economy comfort seats, as a surprise when asked if Air Canada might have a value $! Upgrade: upgrade any economy or premium economy on Japan Airlines to economy class behind depending on market.! Our minimum bids are up to 30 % -90 % more expensive than flying in economy could be had ``! A pre-selected meal and snack item from the Air Canada system warned him it a... To a new booking would be $ 11,470 check in from your and! Use our calculator to determine your FREE checked baggage allowance you will be fully across... A device type and/or operating system version that may result in slow performance this!