The Air Canada Cancellation policy allows for ticket cancellation up to two hours before the scheduled departure time. Though it’s one of the easiest and most accommodating cancellation policies available, there are a few things to keep in mind before requesting a refund or canceling.
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What are the Air Canada cancellation rules in 2023?
Regardless of the fare type or service class selected, Air Canada cancellation policy is applicable to both refundable and non-refundable tickets. Before you cancel your Air Canada flight, there are a few additional crucial considerations to make.
- The final day to cancel an airline ticket is two hours before the scheduled departure.
- If you cancel within 24 hours of departure, no Air Canada cancellation fee will be levied.
- Airlines reserve the right to forfeit your travel funds in case of no show.
- Awardee of Air Canada insurance compensation are not eligible for a refund.
- Refunds cannot be initiated after 60 days.
- Your refund can take 20 business days to 3 months to show in your bank account.
- If you don’t finish the Air Canada check-in process at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time for flights within Canada and the United States, you won’t be allowed to board the flight.
- For international flights, you must check-in at least 90 minutes before your flight departs. If you don’t follow the check-in rules, your travel funds may be canceled and you won’t get them back.
- Air Canada will only cancel unused or unflown flight segments.
Air Canada 24-hour cancellation policy
Air Canada’s 24-hour cancellation policy allows passengers to cancel their flight booking within 24 hours of purchase and receive a full refund, regardless of the fare type. This policy applies to all Air Canada flights, including those booked through partner airlines. The 24-hour period starts from the time the ticket is purchased, not from the time of departure.
Key points regarding Air Canada’s 24-hour cancellation policy:
Time Frame: The 24-hour cancellation period starts from the time of booking. It’s important to note that the 24-hour window is based on the time of booking, not the time of the flight.
Refund Eligibility: If you cancel your flight within this 24-hour period, you are generally eligible for a full refund. This applies to both refundable and non-refundable tickets.
Booking Directly with Air Canada: The 24-hour cancellation policy typically applies to reservations made directly with Air Canada. If you booked through a third-party travel agency or website, you may need to check their cancellation policies.
Online and Customer Service Channels: Passengers can usually cancel their flights within the 24-hour period through Air Canada official website or by contacting Air Canada’s customer service.
How to Cancel Flight With Air Canada?
You can cancel the Air Canada booking online as well as over the phone. Plus, the cancellation of flight booking can be completed at the airport up to a certain stipulated time. Here’s the detailed workflow that you need to know –
Air Canada Cancellation Online
Visit the Air Canada Website: Go to the official Air Canada website using your web browser.
Log In: Log in to your Air Canada account. If you booked the flight without creating an account, you may need to retrieve your booking using your booking reference and last name.
Access Your Bookings: Locate the “Manage Bookings” or “My Bookings” section on the website.
Select Your Flight: Find the specific flight you wish to cancel and select the cancellation option.
Follow Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cancellation process. The website should guide you through any applicable fees or refund information.
Confirmation: After completing the cancellation, you should receive a confirmation email. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Cancel Flight via Customer Service
Contact Air Canada Customer Service: If you prefer assistance or encounter issues with the online process, you can contact Air Canada’s customer service. The airline’s customer service number is typically available on their website.
Provide Booking Details: When you reach a customer service representative, provide your booking details, including the booking reference and passenger information.
Request Cancellation: Request the cancellation of your flight and follow any instructions provided by the customer service representative.
Confirm Fees and Refunds: If applicable, confirm any cancellation fees or refunds during the conversation. The representative should provide you with details.
Receive Confirmation: Ensure you receive confirmation of the cancellation, either verbally or via email. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Flight cancellation at the airport
At the airport, you can also make a last-minute cancellation at the airline’s booking counter. Please be aware that, in accordance with Air Canada cancellation policy, you must submit a cancellation request no later than three hours for international travel and two hours for domestic travel. The airport may charge an additional surcharge, therefore the cancellation fee may change.
What Are the Charges for Cancelling an Air Canada Ticket?
The charges for cancelling an Air Canada ticket can vary depending on several factors, including the type of ticket you purchased, the fare conditions, and the timing of your cancellation. The Air Canada Cancellation fee can be different depending on the travel route and the class of service you choose.
Fare Type | Price (in USD) |
Economy Latitude Fares | 250 |
Premium Economy | 250 |
Business Class (flexible) | 250 |
Economy Standard Fares | 225 |
Economy Flex Fares | 225 |
Premium Economy (lowest) | 225 |
Comfort | 225 |
Business Class (lowest) | 225 |
What is Air Canada cancelled flight compensation?
Air Canada provides compensation for cancelled flights based on the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on the length of the delay and whether you are traveling within Canada or internationally.
In accordance with Air Canada cancelation policy, passengers whose replacement flight arrival was delayed by three hours or longer would be eligible for compensation. The following compensation is dependent on how long the arrival delay was; examples include:
LENGTH OF ARRIVAL DELAY | AMOUNT (IN USD) |
3 – 6 hours | 300 |
6 – 9 hours | 600 |
9+ hours | 850 |
Understanding Air Canada Refund Policy
Air Canada Refund Policy depends on the fare type of your ticket and when you booked your flight. The following information is summarized from the Air Canada website:
Refundable Fare Types
Economy Fare: Refundable for the unused portion of the ticket if within 30 days of ticket issuance. Not refundable on forfeited amounts.
Premium Economy Fare: Refundable on fully unused tickets, if within 30 days of ticket issuance.
Business Class Fare: Refundable on fully unused tickets. Not refundable if the ticket is partially used or on forfeited amounts.
Non-Refundable Fare Types
Basic Fare: Not refundable.
Standby Fare: Not refundable.
Navigating Air Canada cancellation policy doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the various aspects, from the 24-hour cancellation window to refundable and non-refundable tickets, you can approach your travel plans with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions-FAQ's
Yes, of course! There is no difference between a refundable and a non-refundable fare, an international or domestic flight, basic economy, economy flex, business, or first class. With Air Canada’s 24-hour cancellation service, you can get your ticket canceled and get a full refund on the method of payment you used the first time.
Air Canada’s policy on flight cancellations says that the company will first let people know when flights are canceled. In the event that the airline stops the flight, it will pay the travelers. People whose flights were canceled are either moved to another flight or given their money back. Also, free food and lodging can be given to people who have to stay overnight because of delays caused by canceled flights.
Air Canada will let guests know as soon as possible that the flight has been canceled. Depending on why the flight had to be canceled, the people will be given money to make up for it. People who bought tickets will either get their money back or be given a new ticket for a different trip. Customers will not get money back, though, if Air Canada has to stop a flight because of bad weather, because that is out of their control.
If a passenger misses a flight, they do not have any real rights. According to Air Canada’s policy for missed flight refunds, if there is a valid reason, the airline officials can help you rebook your ticket for the next available flight. In most situations, there won’t be any additional charge. Sometimes, passengers might have to pay extra money for the fare difference.
Air Canada’s Business Class tickets can be refunded. Passengers might not receive a complete refund if they cancel their Business Class tickets. If you cancel the ticket early, you will receive a higher refund amount. If you cancel your reservation within 24 hours, you will receive a full refund. If the departure date is near, only a small refund will be given.
Other Policies
- Allegiant Cancellation Policy
- Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy
- British Airways Cancellation Policy
- Contour Airlines Cancellation Policy
- Emirates Cancellation Policy
- Norwegian Cancellation Policy
- Virgin Atlantic Cancellation Policy
- United Airlines Cancellation Policy
- Delta Airlines Cancellation Policy
- TAP Portugal Cancellation Policy
- Air New Zealand Cancellation Policy
- Sun Country Cancellation Policy
- KLM Cancellation Policy
- Pegasus Airlines Cancellation Policy
- Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy