Question: Getting change fee waived? (Pregnant!)
Feb 11, 2016, 2:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 3
Getting change fee waived? (Pregnant!)
hello experts!
I hoped someone might help me.
I'm living in the UK and months ago booked a flight back to Canada for July 2016. However in the meantime I've become pregnant and my due date is within 2 weeks of my flight date. I wanted to change the flight to go later in the year but the cost of changing the flight is more than the fare was (I got a good deal, haha).
Do you know if air Canada are likely to waive the change fee, considering the circumstances, or would I be wasting my time?
Thanks!
MH
I hoped someone might help me.
I'm living in the UK and months ago booked a flight back to Canada for July 2016. However in the meantime I've become pregnant and my due date is within 2 weeks of my flight date. I wanted to change the flight to go later in the year but the cost of changing the flight is more than the fare was (I got a good deal, haha).
Do you know if air Canada are likely to waive the change fee, considering the circumstances, or would I be wasting my time?
Thanks!
MH
Feb 11, 2016, 3:01 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: YOW
Posts: 1,024
"Any woman with a normal pregnancy and no previous history of premature labour may travel up to and including her 36th week on Air Canada, Jazz and Air Canada coded flights operated by Tier 3 carriers."
http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelin...cialneeds.html
Since you will be more than 36 weeks on your flight date, according to AC's policy you would not be able to fly. Seems like a pretty good reason to call in and request the change. If they say no, quote the policy on the website.
http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelin...cialneeds.html
Since you will be more than 36 weeks on your flight date, according to AC's policy you would not be able to fly. Seems like a pretty good reason to call in and request the change. If they say no, quote the policy on the website.
Feb 11, 2016, 3:07 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
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You may need a doctor's note for that, but I assume AC doesn't even want you flying within 2 weeks of your due date.
I'd try calling and asking for the medical desk.
I'd try calling and asking for the medical desk.
Feb 11, 2016, 3:10 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 3
Ahh thanks for that, appreciate the advice.
Only issue is I'm due before the flight... So I'm more likely to have a 2 week old baby at the time of the flight than still be pregnant! Perhaps they'd still be sympathetic to the cause...?
Only issue is I'm due before the flight... So I'm more likely to have a 2 week old baby at the time of the flight than still be pregnant! Perhaps they'd still be sympathetic to the cause...?
Feb 12, 2016, 10:44 am
#6
Join Date: May 2012
Location: YOW
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mromalley has the best wording - even if you do give birth first, if it turns into a c-section then you wouldn't be able to travel medically, and since you may not know what type of delivery you'll have until during it.
The other aspect is (at least in Canada) your newborn needs a passport photo, and typically is supposed to be able to support their own head propped up. You can get around this by holding up their head from behind, but if your hand, arm, or fingers show they'll reject the photo.
So regardless of the timing, 2-3 weeks may not even be enough time for recovery or a passport for your newborn.
Feb 12, 2016, 12:39 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: YOW
Programs: AC E75 / Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 952
Give it a try as stated up-thread. I wouldn't be surprised if the response you get is that it's your responsibility to be within the rules (eg can't fly while more than X weeks pregnant) so the change is your responsibility to make. If you don't change and try to fly, you'd likely be denied boarding so it sounds like you need to make the change even if they don't waive it.
Feb 13, 2016, 4:43 am
#8
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Yul
Programs: SE, tdaero, amexaero
Posts: 133
Seems like a no brainer to me. Children are great, a life event you dont always plan. I would think any large organization would be sensitive to that. Congratulations and take care. Do tell us the answer you get from ac.
Last edited by Jessee Paa; Feb 13, 2016 at 4:55 am
Feb 13, 2016, 6:37 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2012
Location: YOW
Programs: UA*1K, Marriott Titanium (LTP), Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,665
Edit: Link here - http://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/29/av...nes/index.html
In fact, it looks like you'll have even more difficulty flying, as your passport will specifically note that you weren't born "in" a country.
