Air Canada cancellation policy is planned to be user-friendly, but without awareness, canceling a flight can be confusing, costly, and time-consuming. This comprehensive guide provides all the important information related to Air Canada cancellation policy, enabling you to understand which policies apply to your specific situation.
By reviewing this guide, you'll gain a clear image of how Air Canada cancellation policy operates, enabling you to make informed decisions that save both time and money.
Air Canada flight Cancellation Compensation
Under the Air Canada flight compensation policy, you may be eligible for compensation if your flight is extremely delayed, canceled, or if you were not allowed to board despite having a confirmed booking. The eligibility conditions are as follows:
For delayed or canceled flights, compensation is provided under the following conditions:
If your flight is canceled or delayed, and you arrive at your destination at least 3 hours late due to a situation within Air Canada's control, and you were not informed of the cancellation or delay at least 15 days before departure.
Compensation amounts for delays are as follows:
USD/CAD 400 for arrival delays of 3–6 hours.
USD/CAD 700 for arrival delays of 6–9 hours.
USD/CAD 1,000 for arrival delays of at least 9 hours.
If you decline the alternative travel arrangements offered to you, you are entitled to receive compensation of USD/CAD 400.
In cases of denied boarding due to circumstances within the airline's control, where an alternative flight causes a delay, compensation is provided as follows:
USD/CAD 900 for delays between 0–6 hours.
USD/CAD 1,800 for delays between 6–9 hours.
USD/CAD 2,400 for delays of at least 9 hour
Eligibility during a flight disruption or cancellation
In the event of flight disruption or cancellation due to reasons within Air Canada's control, passengers will receive the following amenities:
Food and drink in reasonable quantities.
Electronic communication means, such as free Wi-Fi.
Suitable hotel accommodation near the airport.
Transportation to and from the airport and the hotel.
These amenities will be provided under the following conditions:
Passengers were informed of the flight disruption less than 12 hours before departure.
Passengers have waited for at least 2 hours after the scheduled departure time.
In the event of flight disruption or cancellation due to reasons within Air Canada's control, passengers will receive the following amenities:
Food and drink in reasonable quantities.
Electronic communication means, such as free Wi-Fi.
Suitable hotel accommodation near the airport.
Transportation to and from the airport and the hotel.
These amenities will be provided under the following conditions:
Passengers were informed of the flight disruption less than 12 hours before departure.
Passengers have waited for at least 2 hours after the scheduled departure time.
24-Hour Cancellation Policy of Air Canada
According to Air Canada 24-hour cancellation policy, you can cancel your flight ticket within 24 hours of booking and get a full refund, irrespective of the type of ticket you've booked.
However, if you cancel your ticket more than 24 hours after booking it, you will have to pay a fee unless you hold a refundable ticket.
Air Canada Cancellation Policy for Medical Illness
You are permitted to cancel your booking due to medical illness if it prevents you from catching your flight. In the event of a sudden illness or medical condition preventing you from boarding your flight, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund. However, documentary evidence may be required to substantiate the illness, as per the rules.
Air Canada Weather Cancellation Policy
Cancellations due to flight disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions are permitted. According to the rules, if your flight is canceled due to bad weather, you have the option to cancel your flight booking and receive a full refund. Instead , you can prefer accepting a substitute flight provided by the airline for free of cost, only if it suits your preferences.
In situations where your flight is rescheduled because of bad weather, resulting in a missed connecting flight or if the alternative travel options provided by the airline does not meet your travel needs, you may cancel your flight and request a full refund.
Air Canada Cancellation Fees
Unless you cancel your ticket within 24 hours of purchasing it, Air Canada cancellation fee depends on the type of ticket you've purchased. The charges are as follows:
Basic Economy: Not permitted
Standard Economy: USD 200
Flex: USD 200
Comfort: USD 200
Latitude: USD 0
Premium Economy Flexible: USD 0
Premium Economy Non-Flexible: USD 200
Business Class Flexible: USD 0
Business Class Non-Flexible: USD 200
Award Ticket: USD 0 – 150
Air Canada Cancellation Policy—Basic Economy Tickets
Air Canada does not permit the cancellation of a Basic Economy ticket unless it is canceled within 24 hours of purchase. Yet , you may be eligible to cancel your ticket and request a refund under the following situations : if your flight is delayed by 3 hours or more, if you suddenly get a military order, or if you get into a sudden illness that prevents you from taking the flight.
Air Canada Cancellation Policy—Non-Refundable Tickets
Non-refundable tickets, including Standard Economy, Flex, Comfort, and non-flexible Premium Economy/Business Class tickets, do not qualify for a full refund. Upon cancellation of such tickets, a fee of USD 200 per ticket will be charged. However, following cancellation, you will have the option to apply the unused balance of your ticket toward future travel within 1 year from the original date of issue of the ticket.
Air Canada Cancellation Policy—Refundable Tickets
Refundable tickets, such as Latitude, Premium Economy Flexible, and Business Flexible, are eligible for a full refund. However, you must cancel your ticket prior to your flight's departure. After canceling, the refund will be credited back to your original form of payment during 7 business days. It may take up to 2 billing cycles for the refund to reflect on your billing statement.
Air Canada Cancellation Policy—Award Tickets
For Award tickets, cancellations made after 24 hours of booking will result in a cancellation fee of USD 125 if canceled online via Aeroplan.com, and USD 150 if canceled through an Aeroplan contact center. However, for Aeroplan Diamond members, the fee is USD 30 for online cancellations and USD 100 for cancellations via an Aeroplan contact center. Altitude Super Elite 100k members will not incur any cancellation fees.
How to Cancel an Air Canada Booking
You have the option to cancel Air Canada flight bookings online, by phone, or at a ticket center.
Air Canada Cancellation online
To cancel your Air Canada flight booking online , follow these steps:
Visit the Air Canada website.
Locate the "My Bookings" tab.
Fill your Booking Reference or Ticket Number and Last Name to retrieve your flight bookings.
Click on the "Find" button.
Choose the flight you want to cancel.
Choose the "Cancel Booking" link.
Confirm and make your cancellation.
You will get a confirmation email , including the refund voucher for the remaining funds after subtracting any cancellation fees, if applicable.
You can make online cancellation only if:
If you booked directly through Air Canada.com or the mobile app, canceling at least 2 hours before your flight’s departure, and canceling an Aeroplan reward booking, you can cancel your entire booking. Individual segments within an itinerary cannot be canceled.
Air Canada Canceled Flight Refund
To request a refund after you've already traveled, you can apply online using the Air Canada Ticket Refund Application Form.
If you haven't yet traveled and need a refund, follow these steps based on your original point of purchase:
If you booked via the Air Canada official website, you can cancel the booking online. If your fare is fully refundable, your refund will be automatically initiated after canceling your ticket.
If you booked directly through an Air Canada agent, or if you need to cancel a flight booking with a confirmed upgrade, contact Air Canada directly.
If you booked your Air Canada ticket through a travel agent, website, or another airline and wish to cancel, call them directly and request a refund.
Air Canada Refund Policy
Air Canada flight cancellation policy allows for a full refund on the unused portion of your ticket in the following circumstances:
If your flight is canceled by Air Canada.
If you cancel within 24 hours of booking.
If you hold a fully flexible ticket (Latitude, Premium Economy Flexible, Business Flexible).
If you are denied boarding on a confirmed reservation.
If your flight is delayed for at least 3 hours.
If your flight is rescheduled, causing you to miss a connecting flight.
If special circumstances, such as the death of a passenger/immediate family member, serious illness, military orders, etc., prevent you from catching your flight (subject to documentary evidence and Air Canada approval).
For all other situations, a fee will be charged depending on your fare booked .
Frequently Asked Questions on Air Canada Cancellation Policy
Can I cancel my flight with Air Canada?
Yes, you can cancel your Air Canada flight, depending on the fare type you booked. Anyways , cancellation fees will be involved.
How much does Air Canada charge for flight changes?
The Air Canada flight cancellation fees differ depending on the fare type booked and the duration of the cancellation. Some fares may be non-refundable, while others may be allowed for cancellations but it may incur additional charges.
How to cancel an Air Canada flight?
You can cancel your Air Canada flight online via the Air Canada website or through Air Canada mobile app, or by contacting Air Canada's customer service.
Will Air Canada give me a refund after canceling my flight?
Your eligibility for a refund depends on the fare type you booked and the timing of your cancellation. Refunds are generally provided for refundable fares, while non-refundable fares may only qualify for travel credits.
What happens if my flight is canceled by Air Canada ?
If Air Canada cancels your flight, you will be eligible for a full refund of your ticket price, irrespective of the fare type. You may also get an option to rebook on another flight or receive travel credits.
What are the exceptions for Air Canada cancellation policy?
Air Canada may provide waivers to its cancellation policy in certain situations, such as during widespread flight disruptions, natural disasters, or medical emergencies. It's recommended to contact Air Canada directly for assistance in such cases.
How can I prevent cancellation fees with Air Canada?
To prevent cancellation fees with Air Canada, prefer booking a flexible or refundable fare, or make changes to your itinerary within the given timeframe specified by your fare rules.