Review: Is Air Canada Premium Economy Worth it? [2024]

Are you considering upgrading your flying experience and contemplating Air Canada’s Premium Economy? Wondering if the perks justify the higher fare? Look no further! In this detailed Air Canada Premium Economy review, we’ll answer “Is Air Canada Premium Economy worth it?” by dissecting its offerings and advantages.

Throughout this article, we’ll navigate the various aspects that define the Air Canada Premium Economy experience. From the booking process and in-flight amenities to the seat comfort and overall service quality, we’ll leave no stone unturned. Discover whether the additional legroom, enhanced dining options, priority services, and other features make a noticeable difference in your journey.

This is my Air Canada Premium Economy review between Montreal and Vancouver.

How to Book Air Canada Premium Economy?

New York is an expensive city. As noted in my three days in New York write-up, it felt like we were gouged around every corner. So why, oh why, would I want to pay more money on this trip and upgrade my seat home? It boils down to being impatient.

As our connecting flight to Montreal was delayed later, I got bored. This boredom led to keeping tabs on the last-minute upgrade fare for our flight from Montreal to Vancouver. It started out laughably high, to say the least:

What I can only imagine was a glitch later turned into a decent deal. Just before take-off from Newark, the price dropped to $210 USD. With a swing of over $22 million, it seemed like a hell of a deal 🙂

Even with the huge discount, I wondered if Air Canada Premium Economy is worth it. Upon touchdown in Montreal, I realized it wasn’t.

Does Air Canada Premium Economy get Lounge Access?

If you ask, “Does Air Canada Premium Economy get lounge access?” you may be disappointed to hear that it doesn’t.

With a short turnaround in Montreal, I didn’t think I would have time to check out the Air Canada lounge. To my surprise, the lounge at YUL was next to my boarding gate, so I thought I would pop in for a pre-flight cocktail. This was quickly squashed. Air Canada Premium Economy does not get you access to Air Canada lounges.

This would typically make sense; however, I thought otherwise after flying Norwegian Airlines’ premium economy service and getting access to the LAX OneWorld lounge.

Still, this is similar to other premium economy services such as Westjet Plus or Porter Airlines Reserve. As such, I suggest carrying a credit card that gets you Priority Pass access so you can get into Plaza Premium lounges or equivalent.

What Are the Seats Like in Air Canada Premium Economy?

Much like Norwegian Airlines Premium Economy, seats are in a 2-3-2 configuration. If you get a middle seat, in my mind, that voids any value in upgrading. Be sure to select/change if you can.

The seats on this Air Canada Premium Economy review are comfortable, with plenty of legroom. No complaints here! I like the use of dark greys and blacks with red accents. This clean, modern look is very similar to what you will find on Air Canada’s 737 Max 8 business class, which I also love.

What Is Air Canada Premium Economy Service Like?

Service on this Air Canada Premium Economy review was just meh. I say this as there is not much difference between premium and economy. I find service on Air Canada pretty good for the most part, although I had asked several times for a second beer. If you have followed along, that is enough to lose points with me.

Air Canada Premium Economy Menu

When you board, you get a small Air Canada Premium Economy menu, which includes a couple of main choices. This is similar to what is offered in short-haul Air Canada business class flights. I had a chicken piri-piri, and that was just OK. Erin had cheese tortellini in a tasty vodka sauce. Overall, the meal service is far better than WestJet Plus boxed lunches, something to consider if you are debating between the two Canadian carriers.

• READ MORE: Is Westjet Premium Economy Worth It?

The drink menu was just OK as well. They embrace Canada’s cocktail, The Caesar, but miss the mark with their beer selection. With Canada having some of the best craft beer in the world (I’m biased, of course), I wish Air Canada would get on board with this. Other airlines, such as Porter, do.

The second meal before landing consisted of a snack – plain chips and Kit Kat bars, the same as Air Canada business class.

• READ MORE: Air Canada Business Class Review
• READ MORE: Turkish Air Business Class Review

What Is the In-Flight Entertainment Like?

In-flight entertainment screens in premium economy are much larger and clearer than those found in economy. That is where the differences stop. Content is the same, meaning this is a negligible perk.

Still, if you have experienced the lag on Air Canada’s old entertainment systems still found in most economy seats, this is a big improvement. Something to factor in if you are in between Air Canada Economy vs Premium Economy.

What are the Amenities like in Air Canada’s Premium Economy?

I am usually the last to board a plane, but with the rise in baggage fees comes the rise in those wanting to beat them. Premium Economy at least gets you priority boarding, guaranteeing your carry-on is not checked due to lack of space.

Beyond that and the included checked bag fee, there is no amenity perks with flying Air Canada Premium Economy.

My Air Canada Premium Economy Review Verdict

So this should not come as a surprise when asked if Air Canada Premium Economy is worth it, and I say no. Unless you are checking two bags, avoiding a middle seat, and it is a last-minute deal, I don’t see the point. In the end, I paid an extra USD 200+ for more room and a hot meal.

If lounge access was included, maybe I could justify the price. Otherwise, this service should be priced around what WestJet charges for their premium offering day off – $99.

• READ MORE: Is Westjet UltraBasic Worth It?
• READ MORE: British Airways Premium Economy Review
• READ MORE: Is Porter Airlines Good? Check out my full Trip Report

What say you?
Is Air Canada Premium Class Worth it to you?
Let’s hear it!

For more luxury travel reviews from business class and beyond, see HERE.

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