Feb 4, 2022, 8:08 pm
Last edit by: Adam Smith
This thread serves as a replacement/continuation of two long-running COVID-related threads on AC's change and refund policies:
If AC has changed or cancelled your flight, there's a specific thread for that.
[TO BE ADDED: QUICK SUMMARY OF VOUCHER AND VOLUNTARY CHANGE POLICIES]
If AC has changed or cancelled your flight, there's a specific thread for that.
[TO BE ADDED: QUICK SUMMARY OF VOUCHER AND VOLUNTARY CHANGE POLICIES]
Change fees & travel vouchers on revenue tickets (2022 onwards)
Jun 21, 2022, 12:58 pm
#91
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 139
I plan to purchase an international business ticket (lowest), as the ticket is more than $7,000, that's why I want to ask few questions prior to buying the ticket.
If I cancel this non-refundable ticket, I understand that I would get a travel voucher with no expiry date.
Can I use this travel voucher (under my name) to buy a ticket for my mother?
Thanks!
If I cancel this non-refundable ticket, I understand that I would get a travel voucher with no expiry date.
Can I use this travel voucher (under my name) to buy a ticket for my mother?
Thanks!
Jun 22, 2022, 9:38 am
#93
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,632
I note they changed the date on which the free change policy is currently scheduled to end from June 30th 2022 to July 5th, 2022, which coincides with the end of the new AMEX promotion.
Pure speculation on my part, but this could signal an end to the rolling extension of the change policy.
Just a guess, but it doesn't make much sense to extend it 5 days for any other reason.
Pure speculation on my part, but this could signal an end to the rolling extension of the change policy.
Just a guess, but it doesn't make much sense to extend it 5 days for any other reason.
Jun 22, 2022, 9:42 am
#94
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE MM, FB Plat, WS Plat, BA Silver, DL GM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,775
I note they changed the date on which the free change policy is currently scheduled to end from June 30th 2022 to July 5th, 2022, which coincides with the end of the new AMEX promotion.
Pure speculation on my part, but this could signal an end to the rolling extension of the change policy.
Just a guess, but it doesn't make much sense to extend it 5 days for any other reason.
Pure speculation on my part, but this could signal an end to the rolling extension of the change policy.
Just a guess, but it doesn't make much sense to extend it 5 days for any other reason.
The last few extensions to AC's policy have also generally (a) come closer to the expiry of the policy than previous extensions, (b) been for shorter periods, and (c) been published with less fanfare, which all suggest the same thing.
Jul 7, 2022, 3:45 pm
#97
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,632
And the ones earlier in the spring took about the same amount of time.
Speaking of, I notice this in the fine print on the Travel Ready--Changes and Cancellations Page on the AC site:
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...ovid-19.html#/
For changing or cancelling your booking:
- All eligible fare tickets issued on or before July 5, 2022 for original travel between March 1, 2020 and July 5, 2023 can be cancelled and the full value can be transferred to an Air Canada Travel Voucher or converted into Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus.
- Eligible fare tickets other than Basic issued on or after July 6, 2022 can be cancelled and the full value can be transferred to an Air Canada Travel Voucher or converted into Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus.
- Basic fare tickets issued on or after July 6, 2022 are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to an Air Canada Travel Voucher or converted into Aeroplan points.
- Existing bookings may only be changed or cancelled up to 2 hours prior to departure.
- Refundable tickets will be refunded as per the applicable fare rules; a cancellation fee may still apply.
Jul 7, 2022, 8:52 pm
#98
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 141
My latest took less than one week. June 23-29
And the ones earlier in the spring took about the same amount of time.
Speaking of, I notice this in the fine print on the Travel Ready--Changes and Cancellations Page on the AC site:
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...ovid-19.html#/
My reading is that they are extending this policy for the foreseeable future on all but Basic fares?
And the ones earlier in the spring took about the same amount of time.
Speaking of, I notice this in the fine print on the Travel Ready--Changes and Cancellations Page on the AC site:
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...ovid-19.html#/
My reading is that they are extending this policy for the foreseeable future on all but Basic fares?
I just took a look at a random Standard Economy class ticket, and the fare rules indicate that a $100 change fee applies. No mention of full conversion back to AC credit without penalty, though I'm not sure if this was the case when the policy was in effect.
I'd be weary of trying it unless there are positive data points first, or they end up defining what "eligible" means.
Jul 8, 2022, 6:18 am
#99
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YLW
Programs: AC- SE100 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, National Executive, Nexus/GE
Posts: 4,309
This was quietly announced. The only exception is YYZ where they are allowing passengers to make changes such as arrive into YYZ earlier than planned due to the delays. I also heard late last night on CTV that AC is now allowing changes when passengers want to increase their layover time.
I wounder if I can do a big one allowing me time to go watch a Jays game and then continue on
Jul 8, 2022, 7:42 am
#100
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,632
It certainly reads that way... weird they do not advertise that in a very obvious fashion, though.
I just took a look at a random Standard Economy class ticket, and the fare rules indicate that a $100 change fee applies. No mention of full conversion back to AC credit without penalty, though I'm not sure if this was the case when the policy was in effect.
I'd be weary of trying it unless there are positive data points first, or they end up defining what "eligible" means.
I just took a look at a random Standard Economy class ticket, and the fare rules indicate that a $100 change fee applies. No mention of full conversion back to AC credit without penalty, though I'm not sure if this was the case when the policy was in effect.
I'd be weary of trying it unless there are positive data points first, or they end up defining what "eligible" means.
As for "eligible" I can't find a definition, but when I look at the "fare options and fees" page, it mentions explicitly that Basic fares allow "No Refund No Future Travel Credit" while the rest of the fares mention only "No Refund".
Jul 9, 2022, 11:29 pm
#101
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 141
So... anyone booked a flight in the last couple of days want to check what the self-serve cancellation options are available? Is there still an option for free cancellation back to AC credit on non-refundable fares (i.e. Standard)?
I promise to give your post a like.
I promise to give your post a like.
Jul 13, 2022, 7:43 pm
#102
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 2,342
As a datapoint, AC vouchers that require manual processing are still painfully slow. Requested a voucher from a cancelled flight on March 11 and received the voucher details today, more than 4 months after.
Jul 27, 2022, 11:39 am
#103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,889
It certainly reads that way... weird they do not advertise that in a very obvious fashion, though.
I just took a look at a random Standard Economy class ticket, and the fare rules indicate that a $100 change fee applies. No mention of full conversion back to AC credit without penalty, though I'm not sure if this was the case when the policy was in effect.
I'd be weary of trying it unless there are positive data points first, or they end up defining what "eligible" means.
I just took a look at a random Standard Economy class ticket, and the fare rules indicate that a $100 change fee applies. No mention of full conversion back to AC credit without penalty, though I'm not sure if this was the case when the policy was in effect.
I'd be weary of trying it unless there are positive data points first, or they end up defining what "eligible" means.
i assume any cancelations on a standard ticket (or above) should still generate a full value voucher?
Jul 27, 2022, 12:10 pm
#104
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,638
anyone have any experience trying to change or cancel a post-July 5 ticket. With the free change language gone and showing $100 change fees for standard tickets, seems you now need to go to a flex ticket for free changes. However, looked up an itin on the mobile website, and seems they advertise ‘1 free change’there, but doesn’t appear on the main website when looking on a laptop, so trying to confirm whether this is still a benefit (see below).
i assume any cancelations on a standard ticket (or above) should still generate a full value voucher?
i assume any cancelations on a standard ticket (or above) should still generate a full value voucher?
I just purchased a number of UA codeshare (on AC metal) just to avoid AC change fee.
Last edited by Adam Smith; Sep 20, 2022 at 9:45 am Reason: Remove large quoted image
Jul 27, 2022, 5:12 pm
#105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,889
i also dread trying to get in touch with AC when needed - last time I wanted to talk to someone, e ended up calling the local Japan number so I didn’t have a crazy long wait time.