Overview
Air Canada, a leading Star Alliance carrier, offers a flexible flight change policy to accommodate passengers needing to modify their travel plans. Changes can be made online, via the mobile app, through the contact center, or at airport counters, subject to fare rules and availability.
Key Policy Highlights
- Risk-Free Period: Changes or cancellations are free within 24 hours of booking for tickets purchased directly through Air Canada’s website, mobile app, or contact center, regardless of fare type, provided the booking is made at least seven days before departure.
- Eligible Tickets: Most fare types, except Basic Economy, allow changes. Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable after the 24-hour window, except in specific cases like significant schedule changes. Standard, Flex, Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy, and Business Class fares permit changes with varying conditions.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference. If the new flight is cheaper, a refund for the difference is issued for Comfort, Latitude, and flexible Premium Economy or Business Class fares.
- Change Fees: Fees depend on fare type and destination. Standard, Lowest Premium Economy, and Lowest Business Class fares incur a fee per change. Flex, Comfort, Latitude, and flexible Premium Economy or Business Class fares allow changes without fees. Aeroplan award tickets may incur a fee for changes, except for top-tier Altitude Super Elite members.
- Same-Day Changes: Same-day changes are allowed up to two hours before departure, subject to availability. A fee applies for Standard tickets, but Flex, Comfort, Latitude, and flexible Premium Economy or Business Class fares allow fee-free same-day changes. Standby is available for free on select routes for Standard ticket holders.
- Name Changes: Minor name corrections (e.g., spelling errors) are allowed before midnight on the booking day without a fee. After this period, changes may incur a fee, subject to fare rules.
- Third-Party Bookings: Tickets booked through travel agencies or third-party platforms must be changed through the original booking source, and Air Canada’s policy may not fully apply.
- Schedule Changes: If Air Canada changes a flight schedule by two hours or more, passengers can rebook without fees or request a refund for the unused portion. For changes over three hours, passengers may refuse rebooking and request a refund to the original payment method.
How to Change Your Flight
Online:
- Visit the Air Canada website or mobile app and navigate to the “Manage My Bookings” section.
- Enter your booking reference and last name to retrieve your reservation.
- Select the flight to modify, choose a new flight, and review any fees or fare differences.
- Complete the payment process, if applicable, and receive confirmation via email.
Offline:
- Contact Air Canada’s customer service via phone for assistance.
- Visit an Air Canada ticket counter or office at the airport for in-person changes.
Special Circumstances
- Airline-Initiated Changes: For cancellations or delays of three hours or more, passengers can rebook on the next available flight without fees or request a refund for the unused portion. Notifications are sent via email or text, and rebooking options are provided.
- Medical or Bereavement: Fee waivers or refunds may be granted for medical emergencies, military orders, or bereavement (e.g., death of a traveling companion), subject to documentation.
- Labor Disruptions: In cases of labor disruptions, Air Canada may offer one free change for travel within a specified period, subject to availability in the same cabin class.
Additional Notes
- Non-Transferable Services: Extras like seat selection or baggage allowances may not transfer to the new flight and may need to be repurchased.
- International Flights: Changes to international flights may involve additional taxes or restrictions based on destination-specific regulations.
- Aeroplan Award Tickets: Changes to award tickets are allowed up to two hours before departure but may incur a fee, depending on fare type and member status.
- Connecting Flights: For schedule changes causing misconnections, rebooking is permitted on Air Canada-operated flights or alternate stations within a certain distance, with no change fee but possible fare differences.
