Air Canada introduces new refund policy for COVID-affected flights

Zurich, Switzerland - May 10, 2020: Two Air Canada airplanes at Zurich Airport during the corona crisis.
By Travel Weekly


Air Canada is now offering refunds on all fares for flights affected by COVID-19 since February last year.

Eligible customers who purchased a non-refundable ticket for travel with the airline on or after 1 February 2020 but did not fly can now obtain a refund by submitting a request online or with their travel agent.

The revised COVID-19 refund policy covers tickets and Air Canada Vacations packages purchased before 13 April 2021 for flights cancelled either by the airline or by the customer for any reason.

Lucie Guillemette, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Air Canada, said the airline is committed to processing these refunds “as fast as possible”.

The airline confirmed it will not recall agency sales commissions on refunded tickets that they process.

In addition, Air Canada has revised its booking policies for all future travel.

For new tickets purchased on or after 13 April 2021, the airline will provide customers with the option of a refund to the original form of payment in instances where it cancels their flight or reschedules the departure time by more than three hours, irrespective of the reason.

Air Canada customers will also have the option of accepting a travel voucher or Aeroplan points with a 65 per cent bonus.

For customers who make voluntary changes, normal fare rules will apply.

Air Canada has also extended its existing goodwill policy so customers can make a one-time change without a fee for all new or existing bookings made through to 31 May 2021 for original travel until 31 May 2022.

Since March 2020, the airline has refunded more than C$1.2 billion ($1.23 billion) to customers holding refundable tickets.

Featured image source: iStock/Fabian Gysel

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

The NT tops list of hidden gem attractions out of Aussie states

As Australia steps into spring with temperatures set to rise above average, new research has revealed the states with the most must-see hidden gem attractions with the great outdoors proving a winner! The study, conducted by travel and luggage experts at Bounce, used Tripadvisor and search data to uncover Australia’s most treasured destinations. The Northern […]

  • Health & Wellness
  • Hotels

Fusion Hotel Group celebrates World Wellness Weekend

Vietnam’s wellness-inspired Fusion Hotel Group is celebrating World Wellness Weekend from 20-22 September with yoga and other healthy living activities. Fusion Hotel Group has introduced a series of events and activities for guests at five of its luxury beachfront resorts in Vietnam to World Wellness Weekend. The exclusive offers include yoga, meditation, onsen baths, Zumba, […]

  • Hotels

InterContinental Wellington unveils new Health Club and Classic Rooms makeover

InterContinental Wellington has announced the completion of its newly revamped Health Club and a stylish makeover of its Classic Rooms. Bringing a new level of luxury to its 79 Classic Rooms, including eight accessible rooms, the hotel has meticulously re-styled these spaces in collaboration with Y-6, an acclaimed Interior Architecture and Design studio based in […]

  • Cruise
  • Cruise Lines

Celestyal Journey celebrates its first anniversary

Celestyal Journey has notched up one year with Celestyal, travelling 66,100 nautical miles in its first year, mostly around the Greek Islands. The 55,877-tonne ship joined the Celestyal fleet following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment made her maiden voyage for the Greek cruise line on 2 September 2023, a seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruise to Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion […]