Canadian North’s cancellation policy offers flexibility based on ticket type, fare rules, and timing, with specific protections under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). Below is a concise overview based on the latest available information:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy: You can cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund, provided the departure is at least seven days (168 hours) away. This applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets, and is supported by the Arctic Reporting Corporation (ARC) for U.S. bookings.
After 24 Hours:
- Cancellations: Beyond 24 hours, cancellation fees apply based on fare type, route, and timing. Non-refundable fares typically only allow refunds of taxes and fees, while refundable fares may incur penalties. Fees can range from $100–$400 CAD, depending on the ticket and when you cancel (e.g., within 7 days of departure may incur higher fees).
- No-Show Policy: If you fail to cancel before departure, you’re considered a no-show, and the ticket value may be forfeited or subject to higher cancellation fees.
Special Circumstances:
- Airline-Canceled Flights: If Canadian North cancels your flight due to reasons within their control (e.g., maintenance, overbooking), you’re entitled to a full refund, rebooking on the next available flight, or compensation under APPR. For small carriers like Canadian North, compensation for delays at arrival is:
- 3–6 hours: $125 CAD
- 6–9 hours: $250 CAD
- 9+ hours: $500 CAD Compensation is issued within 48 hours if notified 14 days or less before departure, unless caused by safety or uncontrollable factors (e.g., weather, air traffic control). If rebooking isn’t possible within 48 hours, a refund is offered.
- Delays: For delays of 3+ hours within the airline’s control, you’re eligible for the same compensation as cancellations, plus standards of treatment (e.g., meals, communication access). For delays outside their control, rebooking within 48 hours or a refund is provided.
- Medical or Compassionate Reasons: Under the Compassionate Care Program, you may qualify for a discretionary reduced fare or fee waivers for cancellations due to serious illness, injury, or death of a loved one, with documentation (e.g., medical certificate from a Class A Grade A hospital). Contact customer service for eligibility.
- Overbooking: If denied boarding due to overbooking (within airline control, not safety-related), you’re entitled to compensation based on delay length, rebooking, or a full refund. Compensation is issued at the time of denial or within 48 hours.
- Weather or Uncontrollable Events: If cancellations or delays are due to weather, security, or other factors outside the airline’s control, no compensation is owed, but you’re entitled to rebooking or a refund if rebooking isn’t feasible within 48 hours.
How to Cancel:
- Phone: Call the customer service hotline at +1-877-240-6770 (available 24/7) with your reservation number.
- In-Person: Visit a Canadian North ticket counter or kiosk at the airport, especially for last-minute changes.
- Third-Party Bookings: If booked through a travel agency or third-party platform, cancellations must be processed through them.
Refund Process:
- Refunds for eligible cancellations are processed within 7–30 days to the original payment method (e.g., credit card). For expired or canceled cards, contact your financial institution.
- Fully unused e-tickets are processed automatically, while partially used tickets may take months and are processed manually. Refunds are valid for one year from the issuance date.
- Non-refundable fares only allow refunds of taxes and fees unless canceled within 24 hours or due to airline-controlled issues.
- Miles-based tickets are refunded as miles, with validity matching the original ticket (voluntary cancellation) or 36 months (involuntary cancellation).
- Full refunds are issued if:
- Canceled within 24 hours (with 7+ days to departure).
- Canceled 60+ days before departure (depending on fare rules).
- Flight is delayed 2+ hours, rescheduled unsuitably, or canceled by the airline, and you choose not to travel.
Additional Notes:
- Canadian North is classified as a “small carrier” under APPR, which affects compensation amounts compared to larger airlines.
- Fare types (e.g., restricted fares) have specific cancellation rules, so check your ticket’s fare rules on your itinerary receipt or during booking.
