The updated Air canada flight change policy offers more flexibility to travelers, allowing them to modify their bookings without incurring additional charges in the following scenarios:
- Within the first 24 hours of booking, regardless of the fare type selected.
- For trips scheduled until July 5, 2023, if the ticket (excluding Basic fares) was purchased on or before July 5, 2022.
- For tickets (excluding Basic fares) booked on or after July 6, 2022, travelers have the option to convert their booking into an Air Canada Travel Voucher or Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus. This option allows for travel at a later date without penalty.
- If adjustments are needed for the fares listed below:
- Comfort Fares (at least 60 days prior to departure).
- Latitude Fares (at least 2 hours prior to departure).
- Premium Economy Flexible Fares (at least 2 hours prior to departure).
- Business Class Flexible Fares (at least 2 hours prior to departure).
- Award Fares (at least 2 hours prior to departure, exclusive to Altitude Super Elite 100k members).
Air Canada Flight Change Tips
Helpful Tips for Changing Your Air Canada Flight
When it comes to making changes to your Air Canada flights, keeping a few key points in mind can streamline the process:
Contact Your Original Booking Source:
- If you booked directly through Air Canada or via platforms like Airlines Info Desk, Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak, you can easily manage your reservation online through the “My Bookings” section on AirCanada.com.
- For bookings made through a travel agent, whether online or in-person, it’s best to reach out to them directly for assistance.
- If you made your reservation through Aeroplan, Air Canada for Business, or Air Canada Vacations, contact them directly to facilitate any changes.
Options for Direct Bookings with Air Canada:
- If your ticket was purchased directly from Air Canada, you have flexibility in your options:
- Convert your ticket into an Air Canada Travel Voucher, which is transferable and carries no expiry date.
- Alternatively, you can opt for Aeroplan points and enjoy a 65% bonus.
Timing and Flexibility:
- You have the flexibility to modify your Air Canada flight booking up to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- In cases where changes are made free of charge, you’re required to complete your travel within 24 months from the purchase date.
- While there’s no change fee, you may need to cover any fare difference, if applicable.
By following these guidelines, navigating changes to your Air Canada flight should be a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Air Canada Change Fees
Air Canada’s policies regarding flight modifications are contingent upon your travel class and the timing of the change. Here’s a breakdown:
- Basic Economy tickets cannot be altered beyond the 24-hour grace period.
- No change fee is applied to the following fares:
- Comfort fares modified more than 60 days prior to departure
- Latitude, Premium Economy, and Business fares (if Flexible)
- Passengers with Altitude Super Elite 100k status
- For all other fares, a change fee is applicable, determined by your fare type and the timing of the change.
- For Standard Economy fares:
- Within 60 days of departure: USD/CAD 100
- More than 60 days before departure: USD/CAD 25
- For Flex fares:
- Within 60 days of departure: Fee applicable
- More than 60 days before departure: USD/CAD 25
- For Comfort fares:
- Within 60 days of departure: USD/CAD 25
These policies ensure transparency and flexibility for passengers while managing flight changes.
In every instance, you’ll be required to cover the price discrepancy if your replacement flight ticket is more expensive.
For easy access, consult the table provided below.
Air Canada Fee for Flight Change | |
Type of Ticket | Change Fee |
Basic Economy | Not permitted |
Standard Economy | 0–60 days USD/CAD 100 + Fare Difference60+ days USD/CAD 25 + Fare Difference |
Flex | 0–60 days USD/CAD 50 60+ days USD/CAD 25 |
Comfort | 0–60 days USD/CAD 25 60+ days USD/CAD 0 |
Latitude (Flexible) | USD/CAD 0 Fare Difference Only |
Premium Economy (Flexible) | USD/CAD 0 Fare Difference Only |
Business (Flexible) | USD/CAD 0 Fare Difference Only |
Award Tickets | USD/CAD 0–100/direction + Fare Difference |
Same-Day Changes | USD/CAD 0–100 + Fare Difference |
Air Canada Flight Change Fee—Basic Economy
Please note that Air Canada’s Basic Economy tickets have restrictions regarding flight changes. Passengers are only allowed to make changes within 24 hours of purchasing their ticket. This means that if you wish to modify your flight, you must cancel your ticket and rebook within this 24-hour window.
Air Canada Flight Change Fee Standard Economy
If you have a Standard Economy ticket, please note that there is a flight change fee of USD/CAD 100 for flights departing within 60 days, and USD/CAD 25 for flights departing after 61 days or more, unless changes are made within the 24-hour grace period. Additionally, upgrading to a higher fare will require payment of the fare difference.
Air Canada Flight Change Fees for Flex Fares
For travelers holding Flex tickets, please note that a change fee of USD 50 applies for flights departing within 60 days, while a fee of USD/CAD 25 is applicable for flights departing after 61 days or more, unless changes are made within the 24-hour window. Additionally, opting for a higher-priced option will require payment of the fare difference.
Air Canada Flight Change Fee Comfort Fares
For Comfort fare passengers, changes made after the initial 24-hour period will incur a fee of USD/CAD 25 for flights departing within 60 days, and the same fee for flights departing after 61 days or more. Should you decide to upgrade to a more expensive fare, the fare difference will need to be settled accordingly.
Air Canada Updates Policies Regarding Flight Changes for Different Fare Classes
For passengers holding fully flexible fares such as Latitude, Premium Economy, and Business Class, changing flights incurs no additional fees. Should you opt for a higher-priced fare, you’ll be required to cover the fare difference. Conversely, if you switch to a lower-priced option, you’ll receive a refund for the fare difference.
What is the Air Canada flight change fee for Award tickets?
For Award tickets, changes can be made up to 2 hours before departure, subject to a fee of USD/CAD 100 for all types of Award tickets. However, Aeroplan Diamond members will incur a reduced change fee of USD/CAD 75, while Altitude Super Elite 100k status holders can make changes without any additional charges.
What is Air Canada Same Day Flight Change Fee?
Air Canada policy for same-day changes offers flexibility for passengers wishing to switch to an earlier or later flight on the same day. Here are the corresponding change fees:
- Basic Economy Fares: Not permitted for same-day changes.
- Standard Fares: USD/CAD 150, except USD/CAD 100 for flights between Toronto and LaGuardia, JFK, or Newark.
- Flex and Comfort Fares: USD/CAD 75, with exceptions of USD/CAD 0 for flights between Toronto and LaGuardia, JFK, or Newark.
- Latitude, Premium Economy, Business: No change fees, but applicable only if the fare is Flexible.
- Award Tickets: USD/CAD 100 for all tickets, USD/CAD 75 for Aeroplan Diamond members, and USD/CAD 0 for Altitude Super Elite 100k members.
How to Change Air Canada Flight Booking?
To change your Air Canada flight booking, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the Air Canada Website: Go to the Air Canada website using your preferred web browser.
- Log In: Log in to your Air Canada account using your credentials. If you don’t have an account, you may need to create one to access your booking.
- Access Your Booking: Once logged in, locate the “Manage Booking” or “My Bookings” section on the website. Enter your booking reference number and the last name of the primary passenger to access your reservation.
- Select the Flight to Change: Find the flight you wish to change and select it. You should see options to modify your booking.
- Choose New Flight: Follow the prompts to select a new flight that fits your desired travel schedule. You may be able to search for available flights based on your preferred departure and arrival times.
- Review Changes and Fees: Before confirming the change, review any fees associated with the change. Different fare types may have different change fees, as outlined in Air Canada policies.
- Confirm Changes: Once you’re satisfied with the new flight selection and any associated fees, confirm the changes to your booking. You may be prompted to enter payment information if there are additional charges.
- Receive Confirmation: After confirming the changes, you should receive a confirmation email with the updated details of your flight.
Important Updates Regarding Your Air Canada Flight Itinerary
When you book a flight with Air Canada, rest assured that you’ll stay informed about any changes to your itinerary. Here’s what you can expect:
You’ll receive notifications if your flight is delayed by 15 minutes or more, or if it’s cancelled. These notifications will be sent out 24 hours before departure, then again 4 hours before departure. Additionally, you’ll receive periodic updates for any changes within 4 hours of departure time. Please note that departure notifications will cease 15 minutes before your scheduled departure, and you won’t receive any notification if your flight is on time.
Involuntary Schedule Changes with Air Canada
Should your Air Canada flight experience an involuntary schedule change, you have certain rights, including:
- The option for a full refund if you’re unable to be rebooked on an alternate flight departing or arriving within 3 hours of your original flight’s schedule, or
- If Air Canada adds a connecting flight to your itinerary.
Need Help?
If you want more information about our airline policies, refunds, terms & conditions, and fares, give us a call today to speak with our experts.
FAQs – Air Canada Flight Change Policy
Q1: What is Air Canada’s policy on flight changes?
A: Air Canada allows passengers to make changes to their flights, subject to certain conditions and fees.
Q2: Can I change my flight online?
A: Yes, you can manage your booking and make changes to your flight online through the Air Canada website or mobile app.
Q3: What are the fees for changing my flight?
A: The fees for changing your flight vary depending on factors such as the fare type, destination, and the timing of the change relative to the departure date.
Q4: Are there any restrictions on changing my flight?
A: Certain fare types may have restrictions or limitations on changes, and changes may also be subject to seat availability.
Q5: Can I change my flight to a different date or destination?
A: In many cases, you can change your flight to a different date or destination, but this is subject to availability and any applicable fees or fare differences.
Q6: What if my flight is cancelled or delayed by Air Canada?
A: If Air Canada cancels or significantly delays your flight, you may be entitled to a refund or rebooking on an alternate flight.
Q7: How can I request a flight change or refund?
A: You can request a flight change or refund through the Air Canada website, mobile app, or by contacting Air Canada customer service.
Q8: Are there any waivers or exceptions due to COVID-19?
A: Air Canada may have implemented special policies or waivers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check the Air Canada website or contact customer service for the latest information.
Q9: Can I change my flight if I purchased travel insurance?
A: If you purchased travel insurance, it may cover certain flight changes or cancellations. Be sure to review your policy or contact your insurance provider for details.
Q10: Where can I find more information about Air Canada flight change policy?
A: For more detailed information about Air Canada flight change policy, including specific terms and conditions, visit the Air Canada website or consult the airline’s customer service team.