Act quickly: Air Canada relents, will finally refund canceled flights
Some say patience is a virtue.
Well, if you've been holding out hope that Air Canada will refund a ticket that was canceled due to the pandemic, then patience has paid off. The Montreal-based carrier is finally relenting.
Air Canada refunds for canceled flights
Despite nearly a year of denying refunds for canceled flights, the carrier has come full circle. Effective immediately, all non-refundable flights purchased before April 13, 2021, for travel on or after Feb. 1, 2020 that were canceled — for any reason — are eligible for a refund. This includes tickets that were voluntarily canceled — not just those that the airline axed.
"Customers can now submit refund requests online or through their travel agent and we are committed to processing refunds as fast as possible," said Air Canada chief commercial officer Lucie Guillemette in a statement.
To claim your refund, you'll want to head to www.aircanada.com/refund now. The form will accept submissions until June 12, 2021, just under two months from now. If you are eligible, I'd recommend getting your request in now, since the airline will likely get flooded with requests over the coming days.
You'll receive the travel funds back to your original form of payment. This policy also applies to Air Canada Vacations packages.
If you booked through a travel agency, you'll need to contact them directly to arrange a refund. Air Canada has authorized all travel agencies to process refunds, and it will not recall any sales commissions on refunded tickets.
New flexible booking policy
Going forward, the carrier is also implementing a new booking policy for tickets purchased on or after April 13, 2021.
Refunds will be granted only when the airline cancels or reschedules your flight by more than three hours. That's why I'd recommend waiting until the last minute to cancel your ticket, in case the flight ultimately ends up getting delayed or canceled right before departure.
Alternatively, customers can select an Air Canada travel voucher or Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus during irregular operations.
If you're making voluntary changes, the standard fare rules apply. Most tickets are non-refundable and you'll need to check your ticket for a possible change fee.
For all new or existing bookings made through May 31, 2021, for travel until May 31, 2022, Air Canada is offering a one-time change-fee waiver in case you need to adjust your travel plans.
Why the change is happening now
For many TPG readers, this change is great news. When I covered the change and cancellation beat during the height of the pandemic, I'd hear from countless readers about nightmares with Air Canada.
I'm not alone. The U.S. Department of Transporation also received thousands of complaints about Air Canada's stingy refund policy.
According to the DOT, you’re entitled to a refund for a canceled flight if your flight is to, from or within the United States. Air Canada denied refunds for affected flights and "believed that our position is consistent with U.S. law having examined this question in depth."
So, why the change of heart?
Well, the airline just secured a significant financial package from the Canadian government that includes up to approximately $1.4 billion CAD ($1.1 billion) earmarked for traveler refunds.
In addition to committing to the revised refund policy, Air Canada has also agreed to resume flights to many regional destinations that were suspended due to the pandemic, maintain employment at levels no lower than those on April 1, 2021 and other concessions.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.