# Air Canada Rolls Out Business Class Basic Fares

_Jul 28 14:23_

Tags: Air Canada, Lufthansa, Lufthansa Group, United Airlines, Aeroplan, Canada, Caribbean, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East

Air Canada is introducing 'Business Class Basic' and 'Premium Economy Basic' fares in key markets. These fares earn 1x Aeroplan points per dollar, accumulate 4x SQC, and restrict eUpgrade usage

## Summary

Air Canada has announced the rollout of two new premium fare categories: **Business Class Basic** and **Premium Economy Basic**. **Availability:**
The fares will be available in the Caribbean, Latin America, Mexico, South America, and in transatlantic joint venture markets alongside United and the Lufthansa Group. **Key Details:**
* **Points Earning:** These fares earn 1x Aeroplan points per dollar spent. Aeroplan elite status members can earn between 2x and 6x Aeroplan points depending on their status tier.
* **SQC Earning:** Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulate at a rate of 4x SQC per dollar, aligned with other fares in those cabins.
* **Benefits & Restrictions:** Aeroplan elite status and credit card benefits still apply, with the notable exception that **eUpgrade cannot be used** on these fares.
* **Pricing:** Air Canada markets these as priced below existing premium fare options, though industry analysis suggests they may effectively be the previous cheapest fares rebranded to encourage upselling. This move aligns Air Canada with industry trends seen in its transatlantic joint venture partners (United, Lufthansa Group) regarding basic premium cabin offerings

Sources add:
• LoyaltyLobby: Air Canada has launched two new BASIC fare classes for the Premium Economy and Business cabins
• Prince of Travel: Air Canada Launches Premium Economy Basic and Business Class Basic Fares Flights, hotels, credit cards, points

## Why it matters

Affects 6 airline programs (Air Canada, Emirates, Lufthansa...).

## What each source adds

- **LoyaltyLobby**: Air Canada has launched two new BASIC fare classes for the Premium Economy and Business cabins
- **Prince of Travel**: Air Canada Launches Premium Economy Basic and Business Class Basic Fares Flights, hotels, credit cards, points

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/air-canada-business-class-basic-fares) — Air Canada Rolls Out Business Class Basic Fares, Because Of Course
- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/07/28/air-canada-launched-premium-economy-basic-business-class-basic?omhide=true) — Air Canada Premium Economy & Business Class Basic Fares
- [Prince of Travel](https://princeoftravel.com/news/air-canada-launches-premium-economy-basic-and-business-class-basic-fares) — Air Canada Launches Premium Economy Basic and Business Class Basic Fares

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