What is Air Canada cancellation policy?

Air Canada offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, plus fare-class-based fees after that window closes. Refund method: Original form of payment for refundable fares (Latitude, Flexible). Travel credit (AC Wallet) for non-refundable fares.

What is Air Canada cancellation policy after 24 hours?

Once the 24-hour window expires, fees apply by fare class. Main Cabin: Standard: Fee applies, balance to travel credit. Flex/Comfort: Fee applies or free depending on route. Latitude: Fully refundable.. Basic Economy: Not permitted. No refund or credit.. Premium: Premium Economy Lowest: Fee applies. Premium Economy Flexible: Fully refundable..

What is Air Canada's change fee?

Main Cabin: Standard: $100-$150 CAD/USD depending on route. Flex/Comfort/Latitude: No change fee, fare difference applies.. Basic Economy: Not permitted (except within 24 hours of booking)..

Air Canada Cancellation Policy: Fees by Fare Class Explained

Full refund to original form of payment if cancelled within 24 hours of booking.

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Page updated: August 2026

24-Hour Rule

Yes — free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. Full refund to original form of payment if cancelled within 24 hours of booking.

Cancellation Fees

Fare Class	Fee
Basic Economy	Not permitted. No refund or credit.
Main Cabin	Standard: Fee applies, balance to travel credit. Flex/Comfort: Fee applies or free depending on route. Latitude: Fully refundable.
Premium	Premium Economy Lowest: Fee applies. Premium Economy Flexible: Fully refundable.
Business	Business Class Lowest: Fee applies. Business Class Flexible: Fully refundable.

Change Fees

Fare Class	Fee
Basic Economy	Not permitted (except within 24 hours of booking).
Main Cabin	Standard: $100-$150 CAD/USD depending on route. Flex/Comfort/Latitude: No change fee, fare difference applies.
Premium	Premium Economy Lowest: Fee applies. Premium Economy Flexible: No change fee.
Business	Business Class Lowest: Fee applies. Business Class Flexible: No change fee.

Refund Method

Original form of payment for refundable fares (Latitude, Flexible). Travel credit (AC Wallet) for non-refundable fares.

Same-Day Change

Available for a fee on Standard/Flex fares. Free for Comfort, Latitude, and Flexible fares.

No-Show Policy

If you fail to show up for your flight, the remaining itinerary will be cancelled and the ticket value may be forfeited.

If Air Canada Cancels Your Flight

When an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations require the airline to provide a full refund to the original form of payment — including ticket price, taxes, fees, and any paid extras — regardless of fare type.

Under DOT rules, a "significant change" includes: arrival delayed 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), a change in departure or arrival airport, additional connections, or an involuntary downgrade to a lower class of service.

The refund must be issued automatically within 7 business days for credit card purchases or 20 calendar days for other payment methods. Airlines may offer travel credits or vouchers as an alternative, but must inform you of your right to a cash refund. You are not required to accept a voucher.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection — Refunds (transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds, last updated November 7, 2025).

How to Cancel

Log in to your Air Canada account or go to 'My Bookings'.
Enter your booking reference and last name.
Select the flight you wish to cancel.
Review any applicable fees and confirm the cancellation.

Tips

Cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.
If you book a Standard fare, consider upgrading to Flex if you think your plans might change.
Travel credits are typically valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
Check if a schedule change of more than 3 hours allows you to cancel for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Air Canada cancellation policy?: Air Canada offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, plus fare-class-based fees after that window closes. Refund method: Original form of payment for refundable fares (Latitude, Flexible). Travel credit (AC Wallet) for non-refundable fares.
Can I cancel a Air Canada flight for free?: Yes — Full refund to original form of payment if cancelled within 24 hours of booking.
What is Air Canada cancellation policy after 24 hours?: Once the 24-hour window expires, fees apply by fare class. Main Cabin: Standard: Fee applies, balance to travel credit. Flex/Comfort: Fee applies or free depending on route. Latitude: Fully refundable.. Basic Economy: Not permitted. No refund or credit.. Premium: Premium Economy Lowest: Fee applies. Premium Economy Flexible: Fully refundable..
What is Air Canada's change fee?: Main Cabin: Standard: $100-$150 CAD/USD depending on route. Flex/Comfort/Latitude: No change fee, fare difference applies.. Basic Economy: Not permitted (except within 24 hours of booking)..
How do I get a refund from Air Canada?: Original form of payment for refundable fares (Latitude, Flexible). Travel credit (AC Wallet) for non-refundable fares.
What happens if I no-show on Air Canada?: If you fail to show up for your flight, the remaining itinerary will be cancelled and the ticket value may be forfeited.