Overview
Air Transat, a Canadian leisure airline, offers a flexible flight change policy to accommodate passengers needing to modify their travel plans. Changes can be made online via the Manage My Booking portal, through the Air Transat app, via the Customer Service Center, or at airport ticket 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 Transat’s website, app, or Customer Service Center, provided the departure date is at least seven days away. This applies to individual bookings but not group reservations, reward tickets, or certain promotional fares.
- Eligible Tickets: Most fare types, including Eco Budget, Eco Standard, Eco Flex, Club Standard, and Club Flex, allow changes. Eco Budget fares have stricter conditions and may be non-changeable, while Eco Flex and Club Flex fares offer greater flexibility with no change fees.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference. No refund is provided if the new flight is cheaper, unless specified by the fare type (e.g., Eco Flex or Club Flex).
- Change Fees: Fees vary by fare type and route. Eco Budget and Eco Standard fares may incur a fee per passenger per flight segment, while Eco Flex and Club Flex fares allow changes without fees. Club Standard fares may also permit fee-free changes up to 24 hours before departure. Additional service fees may apply for changes made through the Customer Service Center or airport counters.
- Same-Day Changes: Same-day changes are permitted up to 24 hours before departure, subject to availability in the same booking class. Fees apply for Eco Budget and Eco Standard fares, while Eco Flex and Club fares may allow fee-free changes. The new flight must have the same origin and destination.
- Name Changes: Full name changes or ticket transfers are not permitted. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage) are allowed with documentation, typically free within 24 hours of booking.
- Third-Party Bookings: Tickets booked through travel agencies or third-party platforms must be changed through the original booking source, and Air Transat’s policy may not fully apply.
- Time Restrictions: Changes must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure. No-show passengers who fail to change or cancel before departure may forfeit the ticket’s value, and onward or return flights may be canceled.
- Codeshare Flights: For flights operated by partners like WestJet or Porter Airlines, the operating carrier’s change policy applies, which may differ from Air Transat’s rules.
How to Change Your Flight
Online:
- Visit the Air Transat website or app and navigate to the “Manage My Booking” section.
- Enter your booking reference and last name to retrieve your reservation.
- Select the flight to modify, choose a new date or destination, and review any fees or fare differences.
- Complete the payment process using a debit or credit card, and receive confirmation via email.
Offline:
- Contact Air Transat’s Customer Service Center via phone or email for assistance.
- Visit an Air Transat ticket counter or office at the airport for in-person changes.
Special Circumstances
- Airline-Initiated Changes: If Air Transat cancels or significantly delays a flight (e.g., by two days or more), passengers can rebook on another flight without fees or request a full refund. For EU/UK departures, passengers may be eligible for compensation under EC 261/2004 for delays or cancellations within the airline’s control, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances like weather.
- Medical or Bereavement: Fee waivers or refunds may be granted for medical emergencies or bereavement with documentation (e.g., medical or death certificate), subject to approval through customer service.
- Option Flex: For South and Europe packages, Option Flex Standard and Option Flex Extra allow changes to departure date, destination, or hotel, or even transferring the package to another person, with varying conditions.
Additional Notes
- Non-Transferable Services: Extras like seat selection or baggage allowances may not transfer to the new flight. If a flight change results in a different aircraft type, seat selection fees may be refunded if paid upfront.
- Baggage Policy Changes: As of a specific date in August, Eco Standard fares no longer include checked baggage for domestic and U.S. flights. Eco Flex, Club Standard, and Club Flex fares include one or two checked bags. New terms apply to bookings changed after this date.
- International Flights: Changes to international flights may involve additional taxes or restrictions based on destination-specific regulations.
- Customer Service Challenges: Some passengers report difficulties with customer service responsiveness for change requests, so early action is recommended.
