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Air Canada Jumps on the Basic Economy Bandwagon, Too

Feb. 21, 2018
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2 min read
Air Canada economy 2
Air Canada Jumps on the Basic Economy Bandwagon, Too
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Air Canada has announced that it will be introducing a basic economy fare class. According to Air Canada's website, "Economy Basic" is "now available on select routes and flights within Canada."

The basic economy trend continues to build as Air Canada hops on the same train that Delta started in 2012 and that American and United joined last year. Air Canada claims that these fares will be lower than Economy, but as we've seen in the states, that's not always true.

Like with its American counterparts, Economy Basic is pretty restrictive especially compared to Economy Tango, the airline's lowest "regular" economy fare:

So no upgrades, no redeemable or elite miles, no changes or cancellations and no credits towards future travel for Economy Basic flyers. Fortunately, Economy Basic will still allow for a free carry-on, unlike American and United. Additionally, seat assignments will cost more in the new fare class, ranging from $20 to $100, while Economy Tango would pay only $10-$50.

Most US flyers won't see these fares since they are just available on routes within Canada, although it's possible that Air Canada will introduce Economy Basic on more routes in the future. Air Canada faces competition from low-cost carriers like West Jet and the soon to launch ultra-low cost startup Swoop.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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