Air Canada’s Economy Basic fare is the lowest price

MONTREAL — Air Canada is taking on competition from ultra low-cost carriers with its new Economy Basic fare.

Now available on select routes and flights within Canada, the new fare class is billed as Air Canada’s lowest fare. The airline says the new Economy Basic is a restricted fare for Economy Class passengers looking for the lowest price, but with fewer options than Economy Tango fares (https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/fare-options-and-fees/economy-basic.html).

Here’s a quick look at Economy Basic:

Baggage

Complimentary carry-on baggage only

Changes

No changes are permitted.

Flights can only be used in sequence from the place of departure specified on the itinerary.

Cancellations

Tickets are non-refundable and are non-transferable.

Cancellations are not permitted.
Customers who no-show for their flight will forfeit the fare paid.
Air Canada will provide a full refund without penalty when passengers cancel a new ticket (i.e. when a new booking is made and passengers are assigned a booking reference) within 24 hours of purchase.

Seat Selection

Paid Advance Seat Selection is offered on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, subject to availability.
Taxes are included.

Aeroplan Miles/Altitude Qualifying Miles

Economy Basic fares do not allow for the accumulation of Aeroplan Miles, Altitude Qualifying Miles, Altitude Qualifying Segments or Altitude Qualifying Dollars, or for the accumulation of miles/points with other partner frequent flyer programs.

Upgrades

eUpgrades, Last-Minute Upgrades and AC Bid Upgrades are not permitted on Economy Basic fares.

In-flight

A personal 22.6 cm (8.9”) touch-screen TV with access to inflight entertainment; in-seat power for a laptop and a single-pin audio jack for a headset; snacks, drinks and meals for purchase

Air Canada’s domestic fares now include: Economy Basic, Economy Tango, Economy Flex, Economy Latitude, Premium Economy (lowest), Premium Economy (flexible), Business Class (lowest) and Business Class (flexible).

Several airlines have launched basic no-frills fares within the past couple of years, including British Airways, Air France KLM, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.