Moderator note: This thread was rendered obsolete by the launch of the new Aeroplan program in 2020. Please see this thread for information on mixed cabin rewards in Aeroplan 2.0

This post has been written to help everyone when they inevitably make an Aeroplan booking where one or more AC segments could not be confirmed in the cabin for which miles were redeemed.

This only applies to Aeroplan Fixed Mileage redemptions. It does not apply to Aeroplan Market Fare redemptions, or X class bookings through other programs.

For example, if I book:

SFO-YYZ / Business / I class
YYZ-YOW / Economy / X class

This costs 25k points, which is the same as if both segments were in business.

Therefore, I have an entitlement to sit in premium economy or business.

The best and easiest way to get the second segment moved to a higher cabin is to find regular reward space (or IKK as the case may be), and call Aeroplan. There will be no change fee as long as you remain on the same flight. This can be done any time up until two hours before departure.

However, if space does not open before departure, you're eligible to be added to the onload list for flights operated by Air Canada (including Express and rouge). Flights operated by other airlines are not eligible for this process.

This has been a long-standing issue for many FTers, myself included, as recently as two weeks ago. Two concierges and a gate supervisor said I was on the list for business class. The app did not show my name, and a competent check-in agent finally made it happen, after several other check-in agents were unable.

I have since talked to several more competent people, and can now tell you exactly how this needs to be handled.

First, approach an agent at the airport the flight in question is departing from. This can be a concierge if you're Super Elite (central concierge can do this for any airport), a check-in agent, Maple Leaf Lounge agent, customer service agent, or gate agent. This must be done at the airport, and it must be done before check-in closes (or the list will be processed before you're on it).

Next, mention that you have a business or premium economy Aeroplan booking (don't say "first", say "business", as it is less likely to confuse them), but this segment is only confirmed in economy or premium economy.

Then mention you need to be placed on the upgrade list. Use that word. It's what shows up on their screen.

Based on my above example:
"Hi, I have a business class Aeroplan redemption, but this segment is only confirmed in economy. Can you please add me to the upgrade list for business class?"

Hopefully that's good enough. When they do it properly, your name will show up on the upgrade list in the app. If your name does not show up, they have not done it properly.

If your name doesn't appear, or they seem confused or uncertain about the process, you can walk them through it.

1. In DCS, pull up your flight (give them the boarding pass to make it easier)
2. Edit
3. Variable class
4. Select: 1
5. Preferred class: J (for business) / O (for premium economy)
6. Free or Paid upgrade: F
7. Add edit to connection: N



There may be some consternation on this forum over "free", but I have verified this with several people. It's the correct option.

After this is done, you will be on the list in the app, and properly listed for a seat in the cabin (if you’re confirmed in economy but listed for business, you’ll also be eligible for any open premium economy seat).

Five minutes after the flight closes, PDM will process the list, and if a checkmark appears beside your name, you can go collect a new boarding pass. If you still haven’t cleared, it may be worth waiting due to YBYL (You Board You Lose) on AC?.