What to know
- The $30 booking fee applies only if you call Air Canada’s Contact Centre to make a new reservation.
- The fee is non-refundable, even if you later cancel your ticket.
- Passengers with accessibility needs or those affected by travel disruptions are exempt from the new fee and can still call in at no extra cost.
- You can manage existing bookings, select seats, check in, or request changes through Air Canada’s website or app without ever paying the booking fee.
Air Canada just introduced a new $30 booking fee, but there are simple steps travellers can take to avoid paying it.
On Thursday, Air Canada rolled out a new non-refundable $30 (plus applicable taxes) phone booking fee.
This comes after the company introduced additional baggage fees in April, charging up to $60 for first and second bags, as well as a $50 fuel surcharge on a select number of sun destinations.
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How it works
Customers who book flights by calling Air Canada’s Contact Centre agents will be charged a $30 fee per passenger for a new booking.
The Contact Centre booking fee will not be refunded even if the ticket or booking is cancelled.
Aeroplan members are not exempt: the booking fee will also apply to Aeroplan flight reward bookings made through the Contact Centre.
How to avoid the new fee
If travel is expensive enough, there are steps customers can take to avoid the new fee.
Firstly, using Air Canada’s website or app for a self-serve experience instead of calling will help travellers avoid a booking fee.
Through these platforms, customers can still book flights, view and manage reservations, accept a new flight, change their itinerary or request a refund, select seats, check into their flight, and more.
However, those facing accessibility needs can still call Air Canada’s Contact Centre and be exempt from the booking fee.
If a trip is affected by a delay, cancellation or other travel disruption, travellers will also not be charged a booking fee.
What about calling about an existing booking?
Air Canada’s Contact Centre agents continue to help customers with existing reservations, travel disruptions and other questions without the fee.
The booking fee only applies for new bookings completed with an Air Canada agent.
