Air Canada cancellation policy is designed to offer convenience and support in case the travel plans are changed. Either if you're voluntarily canceling or due to airline disruption, Air Canada provides different options based on your situation and fare type booked. This is how Air Canada flight cancellation policy works in extreme detail--

1. Voluntary Cancellations (When You Cancel Your Flight)

Air Canada 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

The Air Canada 24 hour cancellation policy states that customers cancelling a flight within 24 hours of booking are entitled to receive a full refund on their original form of payment, regardless of the type of fare. All Air Canada flights are included in this risk-free period. If you book another flight within this period, fare differences apply.

-Beyond the initial 24 hours, Air Canada's policy on cancellation differs based on the fare class you have booked:

• Refundable fares- Refundable, typically with no charge, although some conditions may be applied.
• Non-refundable fares: Not refundable immediately, but you may be offered a future travel credit or AC Wallet credit depending on applicable cancellation fees. Your conditions of fare may be accessed at time of booking or on receipt of your itinerary purchase.

2. Involuntary Cancellations (Air Canada Cancels or Alters Your Flight)

If Air Canada cancels your flight or substantially changes your itinerary, you can be refunded on the unused portion of your ticket. Under the Air Canada cancelled flights policy, a refund is available if:

• The flight has been cancelled by Air Canada
• The flight is delayed by 3 hours or more from the initial scheduled departure or arrival time.
• You're rescheduled to depart from/arrive at a different airport than the one originally scheduled.
• Your new travel schedule has extra stopovers outside your original itinerary.
• You're upgraded to a lower cabin class in the U.S.-originating or U.S.-destination itinerary.

In these instances, if you don't wish to travel, you can receive a full refund via the original payment method.

3. Other Options Instead of a Refund

If outright cancellation is not an option, Air Canada has more forgiving options under its comprehensive flight cancelation policy:-

• Book a new reservation through the "Manage My Booking" feature on the Air Canada website or mobile app.
• Options include:
• AC Wallet Credit -- Advance credit toward future bookings.
• Future Travel Credit -- Credit voucher toward future Air Canada bookings.

Also, Read How can you select seat on Air Canada?

4. How to Request a Refund?

To cancel or refund according to the proper procedure depending on how you booked-

• In case you booked directly with Air Canada (web, app, Aeroplan, or Contact Centre), you are able to cancel or refund through the "Trips" section.
• In case you booked using an online travel agency or a travel agent, you should get in touch with them and they can help you. To start refunds for Air Canada Vacations vacations, go to the Air Canada Vacations website.

5. Refund Processing Timeline

Refunds are processed according to the Air Canada flight cancellation policy as follows-

• 30 calendar days for most types of tickets.
• Flights to/from the United States:
• 7 business days for credit card payments.
• 20 calendar days for other types of payments.

Keep in mind that while Air Canada makes refunds quickly, it might take a full billing cycle for your bank or card issuer to reflect the credit.

6. Fees, Taxes & Refundable Charges

Fare change or cancellation charges will be applicable based on the class of fare your ticket is in.

• No Air Canada fee is charged for refunds.
• Some taxes and charges will be refunded even on non-refundable tickets, including:
• Air Travellers Security Charge (Canada)
• Airport Improvement Fees
• Some government levies in the United States and other places
• Based on the status of your ticket usage and local legislation.

Explore How to Book Group Travel with Air Canada?

7. What Happens If Your Credit Card is Canceled or Expired?

• If your credit card is no longer valid-
• Air Canada will still reimburse the original card.
• If your new card is from the same bank, the reimbursement will be automatic.
• For other banks or institutions that have closed down, contact your former supplier.
• Air Canada will notify you if a refund is declined by the issuing bank.

By understanding the Air Canada flight cancellation policy, passengers can make informed decisions and take appropriate actions whether their plans change unexpectedly or they're impacted by airline disruptions.