JumboJet

Yes they can, especially internationally, but at least he wouldn't have to pay the change fee to the airline.

RangerNS

Welcome to Flyer Talk, @unsatisfied. Sadly, but understandably, you will get no compassion from Air Canada.

But you have been through something and deserve and need compassion. I implore you to seek out a friend, or trusted coworker. At least, dig through the papers the police gave you and call the local victim services group. You need that even if FL can miracle you to Vancouver today. FT can not give you a hug.

global happy traveller

Sorry this has happened to you, but it can happen anywhere including Canada.
For such instances, my suggestion is to engage the police and hotel management ASAP.

With regards to hotel, I also suggest using social media (i.e. twitter/facebook of the hotel and putting a warning note on Trip Advisor/Yelp). Hopefully this will catch the attention of the hotel management and make your stay more safe & secure.

Not sure what the airline can help you with, but you may want to search for AC fares out of SJC as alternative to SFO. I find SJC fares are a lot lower (to YYZ - $160 vs $455 on Tango One Way). In addition to searching SJC to YVR, try SJC to YTZ, YYZ, YYC, YEG and just drop the last leg.

Also you may want to travel domestic to a border city and find a ride home (i.e. Seattle, Buffalo etc...). In my recent stay (a few weeks back), one way rental fee with Enterprise from San Fran downtown to SJC was $25 on top of car rental cost.

Hope this helps and if you require further help, feel free to reach us.....

Ace Cdn

I didn't see anything inexpensive for today but if you fly tomorrow you can take Allegiant Airlines from Oakland to Bellingham $139.00
and then you can hop a bus to get you back to Vancouver

pt flyer

Here is the website for the shuttle between Bellingham and YVR
https://www.ridebooker.com/transfers.../quick-shuttle

Plumber

It looks like all AC flights direct SFO-YVR for today, Feb 23 are pretty much sold out....not even an Aeroplan seat using Priority Rewards is available.

As others have mentioned, if you want to get home today, so will need to look at alternative airlines, and possibly airports.

Very sorry to hear what happened to you.

Often1

Regretable as the situation is, I am not sure why it is AC that should take the financial hit here. The desire to return home is absolutely understandable. But, the entity which could and likely would facilitate this is the hotel. OP has chosen for social reasons not to involve the hotel (although by contacting the police, she has effectively done so).. Those social reasons may be valid as well. We have to take OP's word for that.

But, why is AC the deep pocket of last resort? OP chose an inflexible fare and has someone (or some thing) which would handle the change. Either pay the cost of the change (or likely simply purchase a new ticket) or run whatever risk there is in asking the property to pay up.

1Newflyer

Why do you assume the change of flight would necessary cost AC anything. If there is a space now it will cost nothing other than the administrative cost to rewrite the ticket. I don't think they will do it but the financial angle is guessing and not debating.

1Newflyer

[QUOTE=unsatisfied;29448920]Long-time creeper, first-time poster. Unfortunately it is a negative experience tonight that has brought me to create an account and seek your advice and experience./QUOTE]

You should have indicated an emergency situation requiring an immediate return ............. If required a doctors note would be appropriate to get the change even on your credit card.

RangerNS

And an additional 200lb sack of meat flying their longest route will cost pennies in gas and a few dollars in "food". It is an industry heavily weighted capitol and fixed operating costs. Fees are how they have any income at all.

1Newflyer

Oh, its you again, don't expect much more than you deliver.

useyourname

I would suggest reaching out to the hotel next since you reached out to the police, they are probably your best bet, especially since it was on their property. Most hotels would at least have lobby cameras, so that should be of some help. If it was just a knock on the door, likely you were targeted, which would mean he was following you at some point.

The Lev

Sorry to hear of your difficulties.

I agree with others that while it would be a nice gesture for AC to wave change fees, doing so should be seen as a pleasant surprise not an expectation.

If you are open to a different kind of travel experience, you could take Amtrak to Seattle tonight and then connect to a bus to Vancouver - takes about 24 hours, but consider it a scenic adventure. Cost per amtrak.com for the journey is anywhere from $117 to $368 US depending on what level of comfort you want.

There are also some regular posters to this forum who live in SFO and might be willing to provide some company/emotional support over the weekend if you elect to stay until Sunday.

Jagboi

Amtrak does go to Vancouver (Pacific Central station, same as Via) but I don't know if it can be bought as one ticket from San Francisco. You may have to change trains in Seattle.

unsatisfied

Thanks for checking for me. Actually, I do not, as I just emptied out my account for an upcoming trip.

Also looked into this; would take me two days to drive up and the money would be the same as a flight change.

Thanks for your replies, expert7700, super helpful. The American fare was in USD and after being on the phone with AC until 2:40am (wait times were 90 minutes+) and with what happened yesterday, I needed some rest.

More a case of I am unwilling. I work for the hotel brand, am here on an associate rate approved by my boss, and going after the hotel would essentially mean having to disclose the extent of the assault to my employer, which I am not comfortable with right now. Need to give this more thought, though I will eventually report it for sake of future guests' safety to the brand. This is not an avenue that will help me get home today anyway -- not like this franchised hotel is going to buy me $1000 flights.

Thank you for saying this and for your concern. I absolutely will be doing so, for the reasons you stated.

Great point, never thought of SJC. I will start looking for that now and hopefully can find something reasonable.

While I did not want to dignify your post, I just want to point out AC would not be taking any financial hit. They may miss out on a $200 change fee, but still have an opportunity to resell a seat two days out. No financial hit there. I work in revenue management so I'm well-aware of what their counter-argument would be. When somebody's house burns down, as a hotelier, we offer reduced rates as to not 'take advantage' of an unfortunate situation, even if it is our last available room. Clearly wishful thinking, but I assumed some level of the same courtesy would be offered here.

Thank you everybody for your kind suggestions and help. Still working on a way to get back home, with more avenues to explore thanks to you!