Overview
Missing an Air Canada flight can have significant consequences depending on your ticket type, fare conditions, and the circumstances of the missed flight. Air Canada, Canada’s flag carrier, classifies passengers who miss their flights without prior notification as "no-shows," which may lead to the cancellation of the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights. Below is a comprehensive guide to Air Canada’s missed flight policy based on available information.
Consequences of Missing a Flight
- No-Show Policy: If you miss a flight without notifying Air Canada in advance, you are considered a no-show, and all subsequent flights in your itinerary, including return or connecting flights, will be canceled without a refund for non-refundable tickets. This can leave you stranded, potentially requiring costly new bookings.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable fares (e.g., Economy Basic), missing a flight typically results in the loss of the ticket value. You may request a refund for unused airport taxes and fees, but a processing fee may apply. Refund requests must be made within the ticket’s validity period (one year from issuance).
- Flexible Tickets: Flexible fares (e.g., Economy Flex, Latitude, Premium Economy, Business Class) allow rebooking without no-show penalties, provided you notify the airline. Rebooking may incur a fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. Aeroplan flight rewards can be changed or refunded up to 2 hours before departure, subject to a non-refundable fee.
Options if You Miss a Flight
- Rebooking: If you miss a flight, contact Air Canada within 24 hours to avoid losing the entire itinerary. Rebooking is subject to availability, and non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Basic) may incur a change fee (typically $100–$200, depending on fare type) plus any fare difference. Flexible fares may allow changes without fees. You can rebook via the Air Canada website’s “Manage My Booking” section, the mobile app, or by calling . A passenger reported paying a $100 change fee for a later flight after missing a connection.
- Tax Refund: For non-refundable tickets, you can request a refund of unused airport taxes and fees via the Air Canada website’s refund form. Refunds are processed within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods, subject to U.S. Department of Transportation rules for U.S. flights.
- Medical or Emergency Exceptions: If you miss a flight due to a medical emergency or sudden death, Air Canada may rebook you on the next available flight without additional fees, provided you provide documentation (e.g., a doctor’s letter). Contact Air Canada to discuss your situation.
- Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check if it covers missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., traffic delays, medical emergencies). You must prove you left for the airport with sufficient time and provide documentation (e.g., police report for traffic delays). Keep receipts and booking confirmations for claims.
- Airport Assistance: Visit an Air Canada ticket counter or customer service desk at the airport for assistance. However, rebooking fees may apply, and availability is not guaranteed. Some passengers have reported high rebooking costs (e.g., $2600 for a new ticket) if no excusable reason is provided.
Missed Connecting Flights
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation:
- Same Booking (Through-Ticket): If all flights are on the same Air Canada booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost if the delay was within their control (e.g., maintenance issues, staff shortages). You may be eligible for compensation of $296–$700 CAD ($218–$515 USD) under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) if you arrive 3+ hours late at your final destination due to airline-controlled reasons. For EU/UK departures, EU Regulation 261/2004 may apply, offering up to €600 ($650).
- Separate Tickets: If flights are on separate bookings (e.g., a connecting flight with another airline like Air Premia), Air Canada is not obligated to assist, and you may need to purchase a new ticket or pay a rebooking fee. Allow at least 4 hours for connections at busy airports like Los Angeles (LAX) to clear customs and security.
- Compensation Eligibility: For eligible delays within Air Canada’s control, compensation includes $296 CAD for 3–6 hour delays, $592 CAD for 6–9 hour delays, and $700 CAD for 9+ hour delays. Claims can be submitted via the Air Canada website’s or through services.
How to Avoid No-Show Consequences
- Cancel or Change in Advance: Cancel or change your flight within 24 hours of booking (for travel 7+ days away) for a full refund to the original payment method, regardless of fare type. After 24 hours, refund eligibility depends on fare rules, which can be found on the Trip Review page during booking or your itinerary receipt. Notify Air Canada before departure via the website, app, or by calling to avoid no-show penalties.
- Arrive Early: Air Canada recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60–90 minutes for international flights, depending on the airport (e.g., 90 minutes for U.S. flights due to customs). Missing check-in deadlines may result in losing your reservation.
- Online Check-In: Check in online 24 hours to 45 minutes before departure to secure your boarding pass and avoid delays, especially at busy airports like Toronto (YYZ) or Vancouver (YVR). Mobile boarding passes are available at most airports.
- Monitor Flight Status: Check flight status via the Air Canada app or website, as gate changes or delays are common. Air Canada notifies passengers of changes via email or SMS if contact details are provided.
Compensation and Regulations
For flights to, from, or within Canada, Air Canada complies with the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). For flights departing from EU/UK airports, EU Regulation 261/2004 and UK Regulation 261 apply. You may be eligible for compensation of up to $700 CAD ($515 USD) or €600 ($650) if:
- The flight is canceled with less than 14 days’ notice, and no comparable alternative is offered.
- You arrive at your destination 3+ hours late due to airline-controlled reasons (e.g., maintenance, staff shortages, not weather or air traffic control).
- You are denied boarding due to overbooking.
