Some cancellations are within an airline's control, whereas others, like those caused by severe weather or airport and air traffic disruptions, are simply out of our hands. Whatever the reason for the cancellation, Air Canada will be there to assist you.

What will Air Canada do in the event of a flight cancellation?

If your Air Canada or Jazz operated flight* is cancelled, our agents will do all possible to assist you. In an effort to accommodate your travel plans, Air Canada will:

• Rebook you:
  • on the next available Air Canada or Jazz flight within 7 days of your original travel date - we can also change your return to match the same length of stay if necessary; or
  • on a flight with another airline with which Air Canada has an agreement for such transportation, if circumstances permit.
  • with Via Rail when a train segment matching your itinerary is available, as per the Air Canada/VIA Rail reprotection agreement.
• If the next available flight doesn't depart until the next day, provide certain expenses to eligible customers when a flight is cancelled due to reasons within Air Canada's control. Please check with an airport agent to see if you qualify for meal vouchers, hotel accommodation and transportation to and from the airport.
• Cancel your booking and offer you the option of:
  • retaining the unused portion of your ticket and using it toward future travel on Air Canada.
  • obtaining a refund for the unused portion of your ticket.

* If you’re travelling on a codeshare flight, operated by another airline, we recommend that you contact the carrier directly, as it may be in a better position to make the appropriate accommodation arrangements.

My flight has been cancelled. What can I do on my end?

If the Air Canada or Jazz flight* you're travelling on has been cancelled, there are several ways you can find another flight or cancel your remaining flights:

• If your flight is eligible, you can use our Delayed and Cancelled Flight Service at any time 48 hours ahead of your flight to:
  • View your new flight details (if you’ve been rebooked) and check in if your flight is eligible for online check-in,
  • Search for an alternate flight to your destination (no change fees will apply);
  • Cancel your remaining flight(s)**.
• Call Air Canada Reservations for assistance in rebooking your cancelled flight or cancelling the remainder of your itinerary.
• Ask an Air Canada airport agent for assistance if you’re already at the airport.

And remember that, if you purchased On My Way™ travel assistance for the cancelled flight, you can call the On My Way™ desk at the number indicated on your Itinerary/Receipt to benefit from the extra coverage provided by the On My Way™ service.

* If you’re travelling on a codeshare flight, operated by another airline, we recommend that you contact the carrier directly, as it may be in a better position to make the appropriate accommodation arrangements.
** View Refund options.

What services does Air Canada provide to my child who is travelling alone to ensure his or her safety when a flight is cancelled?

With the Unaccompanied Minor service, parents or guardians are asked to remain at the airport until their child's flight has departed. If the flight is cancelled, an agent will remain with your child until you are both reunited.

Youths travelling alone (ages 12 to 17), for whom the parent or guardian has not requested the Unaccompanied Minor service, will be taken care of by our agents. We will also arrange for accommodations, meals and transportation if needed.

My flight has been cancelled but my bags are still on board. What now?

Procedures vary from one airport to another due to local conditions and requirements. You should listen for announcements directing you to the appropriate baggage carrousel where you may retrieve your bag(s).

If you are being rebooked on another flight, Air Canada will normally allow a minimum of 2 to 4 hours (depending on your destination) between your originally booked flight and your new flight, to give you time to retrieve your bags from your first flight and complete required security procedures for your replacement flight.

In the unfortunate event that your bags are delayed, please report the delay to an Air Canada agent at the Air Canada Baggage Service Counter before leaving the airport. The Baggage Service Counters are located in the arrivals area next to the baggage carrousels. Learn more about what else you can do when your bags are delayed.

I still have questions
If you still have questions or concerns about a delayed or cancelled flight, please contact Air Canada Reservations.