How much does it cost to change my Air Canada flight?

Air Canada is one of the leading airlines in North America, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights. However, travel plans don’t always go as expected, and you might find yourself needing to change your flight.

Whether due to emergencies, shifting schedules, or unforeseen changes, Air Canada provides options to modify your booking. But how much does it cost to change an Air Canada flight? The answer depends on various factors such as fare type, destination, and timing of the change. Let’s explore these in detail.

Air Canada’s Flight Change Policy

Air Canada’s flight change policies are designed to accommodate passenger flexibility while adhering to fare rules. The cost to change your flight varies based on the ticket type you purchased. The primary categories of fares include:

1. Basic Fare
2. Standard Fare
3. Flex Fare
4. Comfort Fare
5. Latitude Fare
6. Premium Economy and Business Class
7. Award Tickets (Aeroplan Miles)

Each fare comes with its own change fees and conditions.

Cost to Change Air Canada Flights by Fare Type

1. Basic Fare
2. Basic fares are the most restrictive and budget-friendly tickets offered by Air Canada.
3. Changes are not permitted under this fare type. If you need flexibility, it’s recommended to opt for a higher-fare class.
4. Standard Fare
5. Standard fares allow changes but with a fee.
6. For flights within Canada, the fee can range from $100 to $150 CAD per direction, plus any fare difference.
7. For international flights, fees are higher and can range from $150 to $200 CAD, depending on the route and destination.
8. Flex Fare
9. Flex fares offer more flexibility compared to Standard fares.
10. For domestic flights, the change fee is typically $50 CAD, in addition to any fare difference.
11. On international routes, change fees may vary but are usually around $100 CAD.
12. Comfort Fare
13. Comfort fares provide enhanced flexibility.
14. Changes to Comfort fares within Canada or internationally are allowed for a fee, usually ranging between $25 to $50 CAD, plus any fare difference.
15. Latitude Fare
16. Latitude fares are fully flexible tickets.
17. Passengers can change their flights free of charge, with no additional fees, although you must pay any fare difference if applicable.
18. Premium Economy and Business Class
19. Premium Economy and Business Class tickets offer more lenient change policies.
20. Depending on the fare rules, change fees may be waived entirely, or minimal fees will apply.
21. Changes made to premium tickets typically incur no additional charges except for any fare differences.
22. Aeroplan Award Tickets
23. If you booked your flight using Air Canada’s Aeroplan points, change fees apply based on your status.
24. For non-elite Aeroplan members, the fee is typically $100 CAD.
25. Aeroplan Elite members can enjoy reduced fees or even free changes depending on their tier.

What is the Fare Difference?

In addition to the flat change fee, Air Canada charges any fare difference between your original ticket and the new flight. If your new flight is more expensive than your original booking, you’ll need to pay the difference. If the new flight is cheaper, you may receive a travel credit or voucher for future use, depending on the fare conditions.

For example, if you originally paid $300 for a flight and the new flight costs $400, you’ll pay the $100 fare difference plus the applicable change fee.

How to Change an Air Canada Flight

Air Canada offers multiple options for passengers to modify their flights:

1. Online: Visit the Air Canada website or use their mobile app to make changes to your booking.
2. Contact Center: Call Air Canada’s customer support for assistance with flight changes.
3. At the Airport: You can also make changes at an Air Canada counter or kiosk.

Be sure to have your reservation number and personal details handy when requesting a flight change.

Tips to Save on Air Canada Flight Change Fee

1. Book a Flexible Fare: If your travel plans are uncertain, opt for Flex, Comfort, or Latitude fares, which allow cheaper or free changes.
2. Change Early: Fees are often lower when changes are made well in advance.
3. Use Aeroplan Points: If you’re a frequent traveler, Aeroplan Elite status can help reduce or eliminate change fees.
4. Travel Insurance: Some travel insurance policies cover flight change fees, depending on the reason for the change.

Final Thoughts

Air Canada offers various fare types to suit different travelers’ needs. While Basic fares are restrictive and don’t allow changes, other fare classes like Flex, Comfort, and Latitude provide more flexibility with lower or no fees. When planning your trip, consider your likelihood of needing changes and choose a fare that aligns with your travel needs.

Understanding Air Canada’s flight change policies and fees can help you make informed decisions and potentially save money. Always check the fare conditions during booking, and if flexibility is a priority, opt for higher fare classes or consider purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind.