Not sure if this is another intentional change - or just the standard class of web site mistake.
Anyway, back in October of last year, Mark Nasr sent a nothing-burger of an email out, proudly boasting about a bunch of improvements that were not really improvements (at least, not for SE's).
Included in that email, was:
More generous seating benefits
All Aeroplan Elite members and their travel companions can now enjoy the comfort of Preferred Seats, free of charge, when travelling with Air Canada on Standard fares and up. As of October 2, 2023, your Status and your travel destination determines when you’ll be able to select your complimentary Preferred Seat:- Aeroplan 25K and Aeroplan 35K: At check‑in, for all destinations
- Aeroplan 50K: Anytime when travelling within Canada and the U.S. (incl. Hawaii), and at check‑in for all other destinations
- Aeroplan 75K: Anytime, for all destinations
- Aeroplan Super Elite: Anytime, for all destinations, including on Basic fares
Well, if you go to this page
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...red-seats.html you'll see:
Enjoy free Preferred Seat selection*:- When you travel on a Latitude or comfort fare**
- For you and your travel companions (on the same booking) if you are:
- An Aeroplan Super Elite Member travelling on a Flex or Standard fare or on an Aeroplan flight reward
- An Aeroplan 75K Member travelling on a Flex or Standard fare
- An Aeroplan 50K Member travelling on a Flex or Standard fare within Canada or between Canada and the U.S. (available at check-in only for all other itineraries)
- An Aeroplan 25K or 35K Member when checking in for your flight and travelling on a Flex or Standard fare.
Those of you with sharp eyes will notice that Mark Nasr's email explicitly said that SE's can get free preferred seats "including on Basic fares". The web site does not state that.
We might need a volunteer SE to book a basic fare seat and report back to FT.