Air Canada refund for cancellation.
Are you entitled to receive it? What are the specific rules to consider?
The guidelines for flight cancellations are clearly defined in European Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This regulation outlines the responsibilities of airlines and the rights of passengers in such cases. It specifies the compensations and conditions that European airlines must comply with when cancelling a flight.
For Air Canada, (EC) No 261/2004 only extends to their flights departing from Europe.
Air Canada Refund For Cancellation
Are you eligible for an Air Canada refund for cancellation?
When are you entitled to flight cancellation compensation?
There are two conditions to consider. It depends on the timing of the flight cancellation.
So, let’s address the crucial question — when was your flight cancelled?
Scenario 1: Flight Is Cancelled Less Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You are entitled to: Refund or new flight + compensation (if it’s due to Air Canada’s fault).
This is considered a last-minute flight cancellation.
If they cancel your flight within 14 days, Air Canada provides two solutions: a complete refund or a new reservation to your target destination. You are entitled to choose the option that best fits your situation. If the cancellation was due to a mistake by Air Canada, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
Both the refund and compensation will be wired to your bank account.
Check your compensation online!
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Read more:
- Air Canada Flight Cancellation Compensation
- Your Air Canada Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Your Air Canada Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
Scenario 2: Flight Is Cancelled More Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You are entitled to: Air Canada refund for cancellation or a new flight to your destination.
If your flight is cancelled more than 14 days before departure, you won’t be eligible for compensation. However, you can still choose to request a refund instead of rebooking the flight. Air Canada is required to give you the option of a new flight or a refund, so you can choose the best alternative for your needs.
Your Air Canada refund should be processed within a week.
Visit the website of Air Canada to review the status of your refund request.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
What If You Miss a Connecting Flight Due to Cancellation?
If your Air Canada flight is cancelled and you miss your connecting connection, Air Canada will have to arrange a replacement trip to your destination at no extra cost.
What about compensation? The same regulations apply to flight delays. Calculate the difference between your initial schedule and your arrival time at your destination. You may be entitled to reimbursement if the delay exceeds 2 hours.
Refer to our guide to Air Canada missed connection compensation.
Note that compensation rules are only applicable for Air Canada flights from Europe.
Air Canada Cancelled Flight Refund: FAQ
If My Flight Is Cancelled, Do I Get a Refund?
Indeed, if you are flying with Air Canada, and it’s a flight from Europe.
You have the choice to request an Air Canada refund for cancellation instead of rebooking a new flight. You cannot, however, claim both.
Moreover, if Air Canada cancels your flight less than 14 days before your trip and the fault is theirs, you may be entitled to both a refund (or new flight) and Air Canada flight cancellation compensation.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Air Canada Voucher Refund or Cash, Can I Get Money?
What if Air Canada is proposing a voucher overcompensation?
If Air Canada proposes a voucher as compensation, you are within your rights to turn it down and request a cash payment. Airlines are obligated by European Union regulations (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004) to offer compensation and refunds in cash or via bank transfers.
Have you already accepted a voucher?
You can ask Air Canada to convert your travel voucher into cash.
What if it’s a flight from a country not in the EU?
As you may be aware, the EU regulations are only applicable to Air Canada flights from Europe. If it’s a flight from outside the EU/UK, a voucher might be your only viable option. European rules specify that a voucher is not the same as a refund/compensation.
What If Air Canada Is Refusing Refund For Cancellation?
If it’s a flight from Europe, you are protected under EU law.
Don’t give up if Air Canada rejects your refund claim.
You have the right to demand a refund. Refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Articles 5 and 8, which command airlines to provide passengers with refunds under certain circumstances. If Air Canada persists with their refusal, you should seek assistance from the national enforcement body in the country where your flight was due to depart.
Read more: Your Air Canada Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
Can You Get Both Compensation and Refund?
If it’s an Air Canada flight from Europe, you are covered under EU legislation.
In this scenario, certain conditions allow you to receive both.
If Air Canada cancels your flight less than 14 days before the planned departure due to an error on their part, you are eligible for full reimbursement and compensation from Air Canada. Remember that both the reimbursement and the compensation should be transferred to your bank account, not in the form of vouchers.
Reach out to Air Canada if you have already received a voucher or coupon, to exchange it for a cash refund.
In all cases, you also have a right to care.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
What Happens If I Cancel My Flight, Not The Airline?
When you cancel a flight, the refund you can get depends on the type of ticket you bought. If you get a non-refundable ticket, which is usually cheaper, you might not get a refund. However, Air Canada could offer you a voucher or let you change your reservation for a fee.
If you purchased a refundable ticket, you can obtain a full refund. Always scrutinize the cancellation policy before securing your flight.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Refund?
EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 requires airlines operating in the EU to handle refund requests within seven days of receipt. If you are experiencing delays, please contact Air Canada or a National Enforcement Body.
What is Air Canada’s Policy for Flight Changes Due to Illness?
Air Canada understands that unforeseen situations like health issues might arise. If you are unable to travel due to illness, you should contact Air Canada as soon as possible. The airline may offer to rebook you on another flight, or if you provide a medical certificate, they might refund your non-refundable ticket. However, these are subject to their discretion and the specific fare rules of your ticket.
What Should I Do If I Requested a Refund But Didn’t Receive It?
If you have not received your refund within seven days, please contact Air Canada customer support. It might be a bank transfer delay, but if the wait exceeds a reasonable time frame, you should consider obtaining further aid or legal action.
Please keep in mind that these regulations apply only to Air Canada flights from Europe.
Read more: Your Air Canada Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
Who Should I Contact If I Have a Problem with Air Canada?
If you disagree with Air Canada that you are unable to address directly with the airline, you may file a complaint with the National Enforcement Body in the nation from where your aircraft was scheduled to leave. You might also consider hiring a flight compensation firm, which will take on your case on a no-win, no-fee basis. We provide such services.
To file a compensation claim, please use the compensation claim form on this website. Our partners will get back to you as soon as possible.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
What is your experience with Air Canada flight cancellations? Have you ever received an Air Canada refund for cancellation?