This article discusses Air Canada vouchers.
What are the different types of vouchers offered by Air Canada? How can you convert a voucher into cash?
Airlines frequently offer vouchers to passengers due to disruptions in flight schedules. However, it’s essential to distinguish between vouchers and compensation. In this article, we’ll discuss the occasions when Air Canada typically offers vouchers and your entitlements in these scenarios. Note that voucher acceptance is usually a discretionary choice and is not synonymous with flight compensation.
This discussion pertains to the EU laws that apply to Air Canada flights departing from Europe.
Check your compensation online.
1. Air Canada Vouchers
Vouchers are essentially pre-valued coupons that passengers can use as a form of payment. Air Canada, like other airlines, occasionally provides vouchers to passengers.
There are mainly two types of Air Canada vouchers: Air Canada gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- Air Canada “Gift Cards” – These are typical travel gift cards. You can purchase these gift cards via the Air Canada website. After this, it’s possible to gift or transfer these to your loved ones as a considerate present.
- Air Canada compensation vouchers – These Air Canada vouchers function similarly to gift cards. These are offered by Air Canada as a recourse for flight complications such as flight delay, flight cancellation, overbooking.
Securing a gift card is simple – either you purchase it, or it’s gifted to you.
But how about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers provisioned as a reimbursement for a cancelled flight? Continue reading for more details.
2. Air Canada Voucher as Refund/Compensation
Wondering what was the reason why you received Air Canada vouchers?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
In case your flight gets cancelled, you have a right to choose.
If Air Canada cancels your flight, they must present you with two options: a refund for cancellation or an alternate flight to your ultimate destination. The replacement flight could be with Air Canada or another airline and should be provided at no additional cost. Under certain conditions, you may also be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
Please bear in mind that an Air Canada refund and compensation need to be transferred to your bank account. Although the airline might suggest a voucher, you are not obligated to accept it.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
When you, the passenger, choose to cancel your flight, a different set of rules come into play.
According to Air Canada’s policy, whether you are eligible for a refund largely hinges on the fare conditions of your ticket.
If you have a refundable ticket, then you are eligible for a refund. However, if your ticket is non-refundable, you may not be eligible for a full refund. Instead, Air Canada may provide a voucher for future travel with the airline.
Make sure to carefully read the terms and conditions of your ticket to fully understand your rights in case of a cancellation.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two possibilities in this scenario.
Either Air Canada was responsible for the delay, or the delay was beyond the airline’s control.
If Air Canada is responsible for your flight delay, you might be eligible for flight delay compensation. It’s important to check your eligibility and make sure you receive what you’re entitled to. The process and entitlement for flight compensation are defined by regulations set by the European Union. Compensation usually ranges from 250 to 600 euros, although in exceptional cases, you may receive only 50% of that amount.
Air Canada may offer Air Canada vouchers as compensation instead. It’s important to note that accepting a voucher is entirely up to you. If you choose to accept a voucher, make sure its value complies with legal requirements.
If the delay was not due to Air Canada, they may offer no compensation, not even in the form of a voucher, as they are not legally required to, do in such cases.
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.
2.4 You Were Denied Boarding
In instances of flight overbooking, you, as well as other passengers, may face involuntary denial of boarding. As a passenger, you have a right to either a substitute flight or a refund back to your bank account. Also, you might be eligible for denied boarding compensation.
As with flight delays and cancellations, if compensation is due, you are not obligated to accept a non-refundable voucher. You have the right to request the funds be transferred to your bank account.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
If you voluntarily give up your seat (voluntary denied boarding), you may also be offered a voucher. It is vital to carefully review the terms of the offer, including whether it’s refundable or non-refundable, its validity period, and any restrictions on usage.
2.5 Other Situations
To make sure you’re treated properly, always be careful about the type of plan you get. To be sure of this, it’s a good idea to do your research. You can find useful information on our website about different cases in which you might be able to get money back or compensation.
Remember that if your Air Canada trip leaves from a European city, the company is required by law to give you a full refund or other form of financial compensation instead of a coupon, even if they offer other options.
Here’s a summary of what you can get in every situation:
| Situation | EU flight compensation | Refund |
| Flight delayed for 3+ hours | If it’s due to the fault of Air Canada, you are entitled to flight delay compensation | No |
| Flight delayed less than 3 hours | No | No |
| Flight cancellation less than 2 weeks before the flight | If it’s due to the fault of Air Canada, you are entitled to flight cancellation compensation | The choice between a refund and a new flight (You can choose either) |
| Flight cancellation more than 2 weeks before the flight | No | The choice between a refund and a new flight |
| You have cancelled a flight | No | Depending on the ticket |
| Boarding denial (due to overbooking) | You can get denied boarding compensation | Choice between a refund and a new flight |
| You have given up your seat (voluntary denied boarding) | No | As per agreement with Air Canada |
The compensation you might get will depend on the specific circumstances and could be a refund, compensation, or both. It’s important to point out that any payment you’re entitled to has to be made in cash or directly transferred to your bank account, depending on the situation.
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:
- How to Claim Air Canada Compensation?
- Your Air Canada Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Your Air Canada Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Your Air Canada Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
3. How to Exchange Air Canada Voucher for Cash?
When it comes to converting vouchers into cash, there are two possible scenarios.
If you have a refundable voucher, you can choose to convert it into cash. Contact Air Canada to find out how to exchange your voucher for cash and learn about the necessary procedures and requirements.
Also, there might be situations where you get a voucher instead of cash compensation, even though the laws require cash reimbursement. In such cases, it’s crucial to contact the airline and address the issue directly. By reaching out, you can express your concerns and ask for the rightful cash compensation instead of a voucher. It’s important to assert your rights and ensure you receive the appropriate reimbursement as mandated by law.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
4. How to Request a Refund From Air Canada?
If you want a refund for your ticket, you can request it by accessing your booking in the “My Booking” section. The refund will be processed using the same payment method that you used during your ticket booking.
The type of ticket and the specific circumstances around your request will determine whether you are eligible for a full refund, partial refund, or no refund.
Check your compensation online.
4.1 Insisting on an Air Canada Refund (or Compensation), Not Air Canada Voucher
In many situations, you should have a choice.
According to the law, you have the right to refuse Air Canada vouchers as compensation or refund. This is because EU regulations stipulate that both a refund and UK/EU flight compensation should be credited to your bank account, unless you, as the passenger, agree to an alternative arrangement. Hence, Air Canada is obligated to offer this choice instead of vouchers.
Bear in mind that these EU regulations only cover Air Canada flights from Europe.
For a comprehensive review of all possible scenarios, please refer to the table provided earlier.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If Air Canada has given you a voucher instead of a cash refund, but you believe you should have received cash compensation, you can try requesting a swap. The likelihood of obtaining a full cash refund will depend on the details of your case. If Air Canada did not provide a satisfactory explanation or did not initially offer you the choice between a voucher and cash compensation/refund, it is worth attempting to secure the money.
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 vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Air Canada voucher or you could use it only for Air Canada flights?