In the past week, Air Canada has rolled out several important updates that will impact frequent flyers, casual travelers, and Aeroplan Elite members alike. From reduced baggage benefits for Aeroplan 25K members to new lounge renovations and expanded in-flight offerings for economy passengers, there’s a lot to unpack.
Below, we break down the key changes and what they mean for you as a traveler.
Table of Contents
Baggage Policy Shake-Up for Aeroplan 25K Members
Reduced Free Checked Bag Allowance Starting February 2026
Beginning February 1, 2026, Aeroplan 25K members will see a significant change to their complimentary baggage allowance. Currently, these members receive two free checked bags at 23kg each, regardless of fare type.
However, starting in 2026, this benefit will be reduced to one additional complimentary checked bag, layered on top of whatever baggage allowance is included with the fare.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
How Your Fare Affects Your New Baggage Allowance
- Economy (Basic) & Economy (Standard) – Aeroplan Redemption Fares:
- 1 free checked bag from 25K status.
- +1 if you hold a core or premium Aeroplan co-branded credit card (total: 2 bags).
- Economy (Standard) – Paid Fare (within North America or Sun destinations):
- No baggage from fare.
- 1 free bag from 25K status.
- +1 with an Aeroplan credit card (total: 2 bags).
- Economy (Standard) – Paid Fare (International destinations):
- 1 bag from fare.
- 1 from 25K status (total: 2).
- Credit card benefit does not stack.
- Economy (Flex) & Economy (Comfort):
- 1 bag from fare.
- 1 from 25K status (total: 2).
- Economy (Latitude):
- Already includes 2 bags.
- No additional benefit from status or credit card.
This policy change only applies to Aeroplan 25K members. All other elite tiers retain their current baggage benefits.
Is This a Push Toward Aeroplan Credit Cards?
Many frequent flyers see this as a strategic push by Air Canada to increase the appeal of Aeroplan credit cards, which restore some of the now-reduced benefits. If you’re a 25K member flying lower fare classes and checking bags often, having a credit card may now be essential.
New Partner Airline Baggage Benefits for Aeroplan 25K and 35K Members
Starting February 1, 2026, Air Canada will expand baggage benefits for 25K and 35K members on the following partner airlines:
- United Airlines
- Lufthansa Group airlines, including:
- Lufthansa
- SWISS
- Brussels Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Discover Airlines
- Lufthansa City
- Air Dolomiti
Passengers flying on these airlines will receive one additional complimentary checked bag beyond what’s included with the fare, up to a maximum of two bags.
Note: This benefit doesn’t apply to Lufthansa Group “Light” fares, which exclude checked baggage by default.
This move gives 25K and 35K members better parity with Star Alliance Gold-level perks when flying internationally — a welcome boost.
Maple Leaf Lounge Revamps and New Air Canada Cafés
Lounge Renovations Begin in Montreal and Halifax
Air Canada has begun a multi-year renovation of its Maple Leaf Lounges to modernize and expand its lounge network across Canada.
Current Lounge Closures:
- Montreal (YUL) Domestic Lounge:
- Closed since September 29, 2025 for a ~3-month renovation.
- Passengers can use the newly opened Air Canada Café or Aspire | AMEX Lounge.
- Halifax (YHZ) Domestic Lounge:
- Closed from October 1, 2025, and won’t reopen until early 2027.
- No alternative lounge access during the closure.
New Cafés Launching in Montreal and Vancouver
- Montreal (YUL) Transborder Air Canada Café: Opening in early 2026.
- Vancouver (YVR):
- A new domestic Air Canada Café will open this fall (2025).
- A second café in domestic departures to open in early 2026.
These cafés will offer quicker service, premium beverages, and lighter fare, catering to travelers who prefer a grab-and-go lounge experience.
Air Canada Upgrades In-Flight Service for Economy Passengers
Complimentary Drinks and Snacks Now Expanded
As of June 2024, Air Canada introduced free beer, wine, and snacks in economy on domestic and transborder flights. That benefit has since expanded:
As of September 1, 2025:
- Mexico and Caribbean flights now also include complimentary drinks and snacks.
- New beverage option: Heineken 0.0, a non-alcoholic beer.
- Morning flights now offer:
- MadeGood Mornings Cinnamon Bun Oat Bars (for flights departing before 10am).
- Flights departing Toronto Billy Bishop (YTZ) after 10:30am:
- Receive Greenhouse Ginger Defence Wellness Shots — also now featured in premium snack baskets and Bistro menu.
New Canadian Snacks Added to Bistro Menu:
- Summer Fresh Hummus & Crackers
- Quaker Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cups
- TWIGZ Sour Cream & Onion Pretzels
- Smarties
These updates mark a significant enhancement to the economy travel experience, showing that Air Canada is investing in more than just premium cabins.
Final Thoughts: Who Wins and Who Loses?
Baggage Policy: A Mixed Bag for 25K Members
This change definitely places a higher premium on credit card ownership for lower-tier elite members. If you’re a frequent flyer on discount fares without a card, this change could be costly.
However, it also rewards those who fly international routes or invest in flexible fares, where the impact will be less noticeable.
Lounge Strategy: Promising Upgrades, But Inconvenience in the Short Term
The vision for revamped lounges and expanded Air Canada Cafés is promising — especially in overcrowded hubs like Montreal and Vancouver. But long closures, like in Halifax, are going to be a pain point for affected passengers.
In-Flight Service: A Win for All Economy Passengers
Adding quality snacks and beverages — including a non-alcoholic beer option — is a tangible improvement that should resonate well with travelers. These changes help close the gap between Air Canada and U.S. competitors offering elevated economy experiences.
Conclusion: Air Canada’s 2026 Strategy is Clear — Reward Loyalty, Modernize Spaces, and Upgrade the Basics
Air Canada’s sweeping updates show a focus on aligning benefits more closely with spending patterns, increasing credit card integration, and upgrading passenger experience both on the ground and in the air.