Air Canada Missed Flight and No-Show Policy: What You Need to Understand
Missing a flight can be a stressful experience, but understanding the specific policies of your airline can assist you mitigate the financial loss and reorganize your travel plans. For Air Canada passengers, the distinction between a cancelled reservation and a “No-Show” is critical, as it determines whether you keep the value of your ticket or lose it entirely.
- To avoid being marked as a No-Show, you must cancel your reservation at least one hour before departure or within three hours after the flight departs.
- Most passengers who No-Show forfeit the full value of their ticket.
- Remaining flights on the itinerary are typically cancelled and marked as “revoked,” meaning they cannot be used for future travel credit or the AC Wallet.
- Certain flexible fare brands are exempt from these automatic cancellations.
Understanding the Air Canada No-Show Policy
A “No-Show” occurs when a customer misses their flight without notifying Air Canada or their travel agent. According to Air Canada’s official policy, the consequences of a No-Show are severe for most fare types: the passenger forfeits the value of the ticket.
Automatic Cancellation of Itineraries
For the majority of fare brands, a No-Show doesn’t just affect the missed leg of the trip. All remaining Air Canada or AC-marketed flights on the itinerary are automatically cancelled. These coupons are marked as “revoked,” a status that is treated the same as having flown. These flights hold no further value and cannot be reclaimed as travel credit.
Fare Brand Exceptions
Not all tickets are subject to these strict revocation rules. The following fare brands are excluded from the automatic cancellation policy:
- Latitude
- Premium Economy Flexible
- Business/Executive Flexible
How to Prevent a No-Show Status
To protect the value of your ticket, you must act within a specific timeframe. You can prevent a No-Show designation by cancelling your reservation:
- At least one hour prior to the scheduled departure, or
- Within three hours after the flight has departed.
This requirement applies to 014 tickets (excluding AC Group tickets) and itineraries involving AC marketed and operated flights, as well as AC flights operated by other airlines. This similarly includes flights that were re-protected by the airline or a travel agent following a flight disruption.
Special Instructions for Checked-In Passengers
If you have already checked in for your flight but realize you cannot make it, you must follow a specific sequence to modify your plans. First, you must cancel your check-in via the check-in application. Only after the check-in is cancelled can you proceed to cancel or modify your reservation.
Rebooking and Recovery Options
If you’ve missed your flight or need to change your plans, Air Canada provides several avenues for rebooking. Fees for changes and cancellations are determined by the specific fare rules associated with your ticket.
Ways to Rebook
- Online: Use the “Manage Your Booking” tool on the Air Canada website to modify flights or explore other options.
- Mobile App: The Air Canada app is recommended for those experiencing slow performance on the website.
- Phone Support:
- General Contact Centers: 1-888-247-2262
- Aeroplan Flight Rewards: 1-800-361-5373
Taxes and Refunds
When coupons are revoked due to a No-Show, the treatment of taxes depends on their type. Refundable taxes remain refundable, while non-refundable taxes, fees, and charges cannot be recovered. Travel agents can request assistance for these refunds via the “Let Us Know” portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my ticket if I miss my flight?
In most cases, you forfeit the ticket’s value. The missed flight and all subsequent flights on your itinerary are cancelled and marked as revoked, meaning they have no remaining value for future travel or AC Wallet credit.
Can I still get a refund for taxes?
Yes, refundable taxes remain refundable even if the ticket is revoked. However, any non-refundable taxes or fees will not be returned.
What should I do if Air Canada cancelled my flight instead?
If Air Canada cancels or delays your flight, they may have already rebooked you. Check your email and text notifications for updates. You may also be eligible to file a claim for disrupted travel and expenses via the airline’s dedicated flight delays and cancellations page.
How do I avoid losing my ticket value if I know I’ll be late?
Ensure you cancel your reservation at least one hour before departure or, at the latest, within three hours after the flight has departed to avoid being classified as a No-Show.