As of October 6, all Air Canada fares except basic economy are upgradeable using eUpgrade certificates.

All Aeroplan flight rewards are also upgradeable using eUpgrades. That means you don’t technically need to purchase a fare to upgrade using one of your perks. Air Canada quietly allowed eUpgrades on most fares for the past few years, but it’s now official policy.

Requesting eUpgrades is easier

As of October 6, members can automatically request eUpgrades during booking, or at any point after, and the flight upgrades will automatically clear if available, once the upgrade window opens, or up to departure. If your upgrade goes through, they’ll let you know.

A win for champions of elite members

Air Canada is changing companion upgrades. Starting November 8, companions of elite members will see the same priority as elite members.

Put simply, a companion of a top tier elite on the same reservation will clear before a mid tier elite on their own. Statistically, companion upgrades are rare, so it’s not much of a big deal for solo travelers, but great help for those who occasionally bring a companion.