DanGalender

I'll be flying from San Francisco to Montreal next week which means flying an Air Canada code share. As a Mileage Plus Lifetime Gold member I'm wondering if anyone here can suggest a way to get Air Canada's equivalent of an Economy Plus seat. If I book with UA, I don't have access to the seating plan and if I book with AC, they don't recognize my Gold status. I really don't want a middle seat. Is this a solvable problem?

Any suggestions are most welcome.

Thanks.

-Dan

WineCountryUA

AC does not have an equivalent to E+.

There are some preferred seats but there is no access for UA elites (although a few have been successful asking at the gate).

bocastephen

As mentioned, there is no true E+, although the preferred seats on most aircraft have an extra inch or two of legroom. I am 100% getting preferred seats at the airport if any remain available, and as a *G, you are entitled to a preferred seat at check-in - however, this does not include exit row seats or bulkheads (ie 777) , only seats in the preferred seating area.

Just check-in with an agent at the *G/Elite check-in desk and ask for a new seat towards the front - the nomenclature I use is "do you have any seats for *G at further up?" I've had a couple YYZ agents say I needed to pay, but a quick reminder that *G does not (at check-in) or a request for a supervisor to clarify took care of it.

It's really nothing to be anxious about - AC service in the front of the cabin is just as bad and ornery as the service in the back.

Also take careful note of your departure gate - if you get lucky, you leave from the G gates and can use the UC or the SQ lounge if open, but if you get the A gates, you'll be sent to the AF lounge (unless it recently changed) which serves, at that hour, basically nothing.

restlessinRNO

The AF lounge does serve champagne, even in the morning.

aacharya

I could not find the *G waiver on ACs site. I was 1 for 2 in asking at the gate...though the time I was denied it was a pretty full flight.

EnvoyBoy

While true, it 's not very good. The good stuff comes out later in the day when their own passengers show up. It's an interesting lounge, serving a number of airlines. The far back room tends to be cooler than the room behind the check-in desk.

bocastephen

Asking at the gate has always worked for me too - but it depends if any seats remain. I have Expert Flyer, so I can check the seat map for what I want to ask for specifically, before asking. Usually by the time you ask at the gate, it's too late.

cfischer

I have been consistently given E+ seats when buying W-class or higher ... not sure if there is a correlation or not. Even an OPUP to J the other day from a K fare

Wpgjetse

I find it has great benefits booking a codeshare flight. It is also my first choice if my airline doesn't fly to my destination city or does not have direct flight. Why would you not do this? You get no benefits by booking a flight with no tie-ins to you main airline.

iflyuaaa

There will be 3 on our PNR two of us are 1k. LAX-YVR. Will we get any free checked bags?

Bruin1K

I'm traveling on AC in march and my research says yes you can have 3 but double check

eigenvector

3x70lb bags for all Star Alliance Gold members on Air Canada. Applies to each *G member but no one else on the PNR.

Bruin1K

appreciate the eigenvaluable info

eigenvector

iflyuaaa

thank you! and go bruins!