You booked the flight with points, and now the site wants more money for a seat. Whether that fee is worth paying, or whether you owe it at all, comes down to three things: your status, your cabin, and whether Air Canada or a partner runs the flight. Here is the short version.
What decides the cost
Your status
Elite status holders generally get complimentary advance seat selection, including preferred seats. If you have status, check before you pay, because the seat is likely already free for you.
Your cabin and fare
Premium cabins include seat selection. In economy it varies by fare type: a higher economy award usually includes a standard seat, while a basic-style award may charge for advance selection. Any seat is free at check-in regardless.
Air Canada or partner
On Air Canada metal you select through Aeroplan. On a partner flight the operating airline often owns the seat map, so you may select on their site or wait until check-in.
Partner flights work differently
This is the part that surprises people. When you book a partner airline through Aeroplan, that airline usually controls its own seat assignments. The Aeroplan booking may not let you pick at all.
The fix is to take your booking reference to the operating airline's own website and manage the seat there, or to select at check-in. Premium-cabin partner awards tend to allow seat selection more readily than economy, where some partners hold seats back until departure.
Treat it like any other add-on: pay when the seat does real work for you, skip it when any seat will do.
Pay for a bulkhead or exit row when legroom matters on a long flight.
Pay to keep a family or a couple together, especially with kids, where a free check-in assignment is a gamble.
Skip it on a short hop where you will be off the plane in an hour and any seat is fine.
Check first whether your status or card already includes the seat before you reach for your wallet.
The free fallback always exists. Even if you pay nothing, you will be assigned a seat at check-in at no charge. Paying for selection buys certainty and choice, not the seat itself.
Upgraded later? Claim the seat fee back. If you paid for a preferred or exit-row seat and then clear an upgrade into a better cabin, the seat fee is refundable, but it is not returned automatically. Submit a refund request through Air Canada's online form, or call. Members report these are paid out reliably once asked, so do not leave the money on the table.
Common questions
Is seat selection free on an award ticket?
It depends on status, cabin, and fare. Elite status and premium cabins generally include it. A basic-style economy award may charge for advance selection, though any seat is free at check-in.
Can I choose a seat on a partner award?
Sometimes, but often on the operating airline's site rather than through Aeroplan, since many partners control their own seat maps. Premium cabins allow it more readily than economy.
Should I pay for seat selection?
Pay when the seat matters, such as legroom or sitting together. Skip it on a short flight where any seat is fine and take the free check-in assignment.
Does status or my card waive the fee?
Often. Elite status usually includes complimentary advance selection, and some co-branded cards add a seat benefit. Check before paying for something you may already get.
If I get upgraded, do I get my paid seat fee back?
Yes, but not automatically. A paid preferred or exit-row seat fee is refundable once you clear an upgrade into a better cabin. Submit a refund request through Air Canada's online form or call to claim it.