Our General Terms and Conditions of Carriage

Our Customer Commitment under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations

We’re committed to providing the highest quality of service to all our customers, and we believe it’s important to make our service commitments readily available to you. To this end, below we have outlined the key elements that matter most to you, our valued customer.

If you are denied boarding, your flight is cancelled or delayed for at least two hours, or your baggage is lost or damaged, you may be entitled to certain standards of treatment and compensation under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations. For more information about your passenger rights, please contact your air carrier or visit the Canadian Transportation Agency’s website.

For full terms and conditions applicable to your carriage please consult our tariffs.

Delayed or damaged baggage

We work hard to ensure your checked baggage arrives with you. If it is delayed, please be assured we will do our best to deliver it to you within 24 hours. If you cannot locate your checked baggage upon arrival, please make sure to see an Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express agent immediately.

• If you have already completed a WorldTracer incident report and have an incident report number (example: YULAC12345), you can update or review the status of your delayed baggage by accessing the WorldTracer website.
• If you have not completed an incident report upon arrival, you must contact our Central Baggage Office without delay at 1 888 689-BAGS (2247).
• If your baggage is delayed, damaged, or lost, Air Canada will refund the fees you paid to check it in.
• In respect to destruction, loss, delay, or damage to baggage, a carrier’s liability is limited to 1,288 Special Drawing Rights per passenger. This limit applies to most international itineraries, as well as to domestic itineraries within Canada. For more information on Special Drawing Rights and currency exchange rates, visit the International Monetary Fund website.
• You will be reimbursed for reasonable interim out-of-pocket expenses upon submitting your receipts via our webform (select Baggage Issues > Baggage > Submit Expenses). Claims must be submitted no later than 21 days from the date your baggage was placed at your disposal.
• Read more about our delayed and damaged baggage policies or review our domestic tariff and international tariff (Rule 60).

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Notifying you of delays or cancellations

Note: This section applies to flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express flights.

If a flight is delayed or cancelled due to an unforeseen problem, we’ll do our best to keep you well-informed at the airport and on board the affected aircraft. That’s why you must provide your contact information at the time of booking.

Based on the information available, we will promptly provide timely updates, including the reason for the delay or cancellation:

• As soon as we’re aware of such a delay or cancellation, and then;
• At regular intervals of 30 minutes until a new departure time for the flight is set, or new travel arrangements for passengers have been made; and
• As soon as possible when new information is available.

In the event of an extended delay or a cancellation

Note: This section applies to flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights. Please note that if you’re travelling on a codeshare flight (operated by another airline), you must contact the carrier directly, as the obligation to provide compensation and alternate travel arrangements is the responsibility of the carrier operating the flight which was delayed or cancelled.

Some delays and 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 delay or cancellation, if your Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express flight is delayed or cancelled, our agents will do everything possible to assist you.

1. Standards of Treatment:

   When a flight is delayed or cancelled due to reasons within Air Canada's control or required for safety purposes, and (i) you have been informed of the delay or cancellation less than 12 hours before the departure time indicated on your ticket, and (ii) you have waited two hours after the departure time indicated on your ticket, we’ll provide you with the following:

   • Food and drink in reasonable quantities, considering the length of the wait, the time of day and location;
   • Access to a means of communication; and
   • Hotel or comparable accommodations for overnight delays, for out of town passengers, subject to availability and within reasonable distance from airport, along with transportation to the hotel or other accommodation, and back to the airport.
   
   

   If the delay is outside of Air Canada’s control, we’ll be happy to offer you our hotel contact information where you can access our valued customer rates.

2. Alternative Travel Arrangements:

   If your flight is delayed by three hours or more or cancelled because of a situation that’s outside of our control, here’s how your travel plans will be accommodated:

   • We’ll rebook you on the next available Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express flight, or on one of our partner airlines on a reasonable route from the same airport, within 48 hours of your original departure time; or
   • If we cannot do this, we’ll re-route you on any carrier via any reasonable air route to your destination or re-route you from another airport that is within a reasonable distance of your departure airport to your destination (if any). If your new departure is from such an airport, Air Canada will arrange for your transportation to that other airport.
   • We can also change your return to match the same length of stay if necessary.
   • If none of the rebooking options provided to you accommodate your needs, and your flight is disrupted by three hours or more, or cancelled, we can refund the unused portion of your ticket. If your travel no longer serves a purpose as a result of the delay or cancellation, we can also return you to your point of origin and refund the used portion.
   
   If your flight is delayed by three hours or more or cancelled due to a situation that is within our control or required for safety purposes, here’s how your travel plans will be accommodated:
   
   
   • We’ll rebook you on the next available Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express flight, or on one of our partner airlines within 9 hours of your original departure time; or
   • If we cannot do this, we’ll re-route you on any carrier via any reasonable air route to your destination that departs within 48 hours of your original departure time; or
   • If we’re still unable to provide a confirmed reservation that complies with the above, we’ll seek to re-route you from another airport that is within a reasonable distance of your departure airport to your destination (if any). If your new departure is from such an airport, Air Canada will arrange for your transportation to that other airport.
   • We can also change your return to match the same length of stay if necessary.
   • If none of the rebooking options provided to you accommodate your needs, and your flight is disrupted by three hours or more, or cancelled, we can refund the unused portion of your ticket. If your travel no longer serves a purpose as a result of the delay or cancellation, we can also return you to your point of origin and refund the used portion.
   
   

   We invite you to read more information on delays, cancellations and refunds, or to consult our tariffs.

   
   

3. Compensation

   If you’re a passenger whose flight was cancelled or delayed because of a situation within our control, and you arrive at your original destination with a delay of three hours or more, you’ll be entitled to receive compensation for delays and cancellations from Air Canada (unless you are informed of the cancellation or of the delay 15 days before the scheduled time of departure).

   Compensation for delays and cancellations is calculated based on your arrival time at final destination and is $400 CAD (for delays at arrival between 3 and 6 hours), $700 CAD (for delays at arrival between 6 and 9 hours), and $1,000 CAD (for delays at arrival by 9 hours and more).

   If you refuse the alternate travel arrangements offered because travelling no longer serves a purpose, and the delay is within our control, you’ll be entitled to receive compensation of $400 CAD.

   Please note that you are not entitled to receive delay or cancellation compensation if you have already been paid denied boarding compensation, or if you have already been paid under another passenger rights regime for the same event.

4. Your Recourses:

   Should you wish to provide feedback or file a complaint about our services, please complete our web form and we’ll contact you shortly. You may also file a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency.

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If you are denied boarding

Note: This section applies to flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights*.

It’s never our intention to inconvenience you. However, due to operational requirements and inventory control, sometimes we can’t accommodate you even though you have a confirmed reservation.

1. Volunteers:

   During a denied boarding situation, Air Canada will first solicit volunteers who are willing to give up their seat in exchange for compensation.

2. Boarding Priorities:

   If there aren’t enough volunteers, we may deny boarding involuntarily to passengers holding a confirmed reservation in accordance with our policy on denied boarding priority, as found in our domestic tariff and international tariff (Rule 90).  We’ll give priority, in the following order, to unaccompanied minors; passengers with a disability, their support person, service animal, or emotional support animal, if any; passengers travelling with family members; and passengers who were previously denied boarding on the same ticket, provided the carrier is informed of this fact.

3. Information:

   If you’re involuntarily denied boarding, we’ll tell you why you were denied boarding, the compensation and standards of treatment to which you may be entitled as well as the recourses you have available.

4. Rebooking:

   If you’re denied boarding because of a situation that’s outside of our control, here’s how your travel plans will be accommodated:

   • We’ll rebook you on the next available Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express flight, or on one of our partner airlines on a reasonable route from the same airport, within 48 hours of your original departure time; or
   • If we cannot do this, we’ll re-route you on any carrier via any reasonable air route to your destination or re-route you from another airport that is within a reasonable distance of your departure airport to your destination (if any). If your new departure is from such an airport, Air Canada will arrange for your transportation to that other airport.
   • If none of the rebooking options provided to you accommodate your needs, and your flight is disrupted by three hours or more, or cancelled, we can refund the unused portion of your ticket. If your travel no longer serves a purpose as a result of the delay or cancellation, we can also return you to your point of origin and refund the used portion.
   
   

   If you’re denied boarding due to a situation that is within our control or required for safety purposes, here’s how your travel plans will be accommodated:

   • We’ll rebook you on the next available Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express flight or on one of our partner airlines within 9 hours of your original departure time; or
   • If we cannot do this, we’ll re-route you on any carrier via any reasonable air route to your destination that departs within 48 hours of your original departure time; or
   • If we’re still unable to provide a confirmed reservation that complies with the above, we’ll re-route you from another airport that is within a reasonable distance of your departure airport to your destination (if any). If your new departure is from such an airport, Air Canada will arrange for your transportation to that other airport;
   • If none of the rebooking options provided to you accommodate your needs, and your flight is disrupted by three hours or more, or cancelled, we can refund the unused portion of your ticket. If your travel no longer serves a purpose as a result of the delay or cancellation, we can also return you to your point of origin and refund the used portion.

5. Standard of Treatment:

   If you’re denied boarding for a situation within Air Canada’s control or for security reasons, we’ll provide you with the following before you board your next flight booked as part of your alternate travel arrangements, unless this would further delay you:

   • Food and drink in reasonable quantities, considering the length of the wait, the time of day and location;
   • Access to a means of communication; and
   • Hotel or comparable accommodations for overnight delays for out-of-town passengers, subject to availability within reasonable distance from airport, along with transportation to the hotel or other accommodation, and back to the airport.

6. Compensation:

   If you’re a passenger who is denied boarding involuntarily because of a situation within our control, you’ll be entitled to receive "denied boarding compensation" from Air Canada, unless:

   • You haven’t fully complied with the Air Canada ticketing and check-in requirements, or you aren’t acceptable for transportation under Air Canada' rules and practices. For more information on refusal to transport, see our domestic tariff and international tariff (Rule 75);
   • The flight is cancelled or delayed;
   • You’re offered accommodations on the same flight as the one specified on your ticket, at no extra charge.
   
   

   Denied boarding compensation is calculated based on your arrival time at destination and is $900 CAD (if delayed between 0 and 6 hours), $1,800 CAD (if delayed between 6 and 9 hours), and $2,400 CAD (if delayed by 9 hours and more).

Read more about travelling on a different flight for compensation. The complete rules explaining your rights, the payment of compensation and boarding priorities are available at all airport counters and boarding locations, as well as in our domestic tariff and international tariff (Rule 90).

* Please note that if you were denied boarding on a codeshare flight (operated by another airline than Air Canada), we recommend that you contact the carrier directly, as the obligation to provide compensation and alternate travel arrangements is the responsibility of the carrier operating the flight.

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Seating children with family

Air Canada will do everything possible to ensure children under the age of 14 are seated close to their accompanying family member free of charge.

Air Canada has a comprehensive policy that ensures every reasonable effort is made by Air Canada's airport staff, flight attendants and through in-flight procedures, to seat children under the age of 14 next to their accompanying adult. Please note that this policy does not apply to families who have opted to pay the advance seat selection fee.

Passengers travelling in Signature Class pods must call Air Canada Reservations to ensure that they’re provided with proper family seating.

Please refer to our section on Children and Travel for additional information.

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We invite you to read some of our other customer service commitments, which reflect our dedication to transparency and the highest level of service.

Also, our Delayed Flights and Cancellations section answers a lot of other questions you may have if your plans are disrupted.

Our Tariffs

An air carrier's tariff is the document that contains the terms and conditions of carriage applicable to the air services it provides. All carriage sold by Air Canada is subject to its tariff.

Air Canada is required by law to publish its domestic terms and conditions of carriage on this website and to make its domestic tariffs available for public inspection.

Please consult our domestic tariffs* as well as other applicable tariffs* filed, where required, with the appropriate authorities, by clicking on the relevant links below.

Domestic Tariff Open PDF file - current
Travel within Canada

Domestic Tariff - archives (past 3 years)
Travel within Canada

International Tariff Open PDF file
Travel between Canada and a foreign country/region

Carrier Surcharge Open PDF file

* Tariffs are subject to change without notice.

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Additional Air Canada Policies

Please read below other important conditions that govern transportation on Air Canada, e.g. our check-in and boarding gate deadlines, baggage policies and other conditions of contract.

Carry-on baggage policy

Oversized carry-on bags aren’t permitted on our aircraft and may cause flight delays for all passengers. Please ensure your carry-on bags are within the maximum allowed size as indicated below; they’re required to fit in the double-size verification device at check-in or boarding time.

You may carry items which fall within the 2-piece carry-on baggage allowance on board, as follows:

• One (1) carry-on bag or suitcase (wheels and handles included in the size) and
• One (1) personal article such as a briefcase, laptop computer, diaper bag, camera case or other similar item.

It is recommended that documents and medication be packed in your carry-on baggage. All prescription medications must be properly labelled with the names of the patient, medication, and the issuing medical office or pharmacy.

Learn more about carry-on baggage restrictions.

Checked baggage policy

When travelling with Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express, you are entitled to a free checked baggage allowance, depending on your destination and/or fare purchased. When the number, weight and/or overall dimensions (length + width + height) of your checked bags exceed the limits of your free checked baggage allowance, additional checked baggage charges will apply.

Ensure your checked bags are properly identified.

Please do not pack valuables in your checked baggage. Excess valuation may be declared on certain types of articles. Special rules apply to fragile, valuable or perishable articles. Learn more about checked baggage restrictions.

Bags exceeding 32 kg (70 lb) in weight, 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height, wheels and handles included) or 203 cm (80 in) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage. Please contact Air Canada Cargo for handling.

If more than one carrier is providing the transportation for your journey, each carrier may apply different rules to baggage (both checked and carry-on).

Check-in and boarding gate deadlines

You must obtain your boarding pass and check in any baggage as per the check-in deadlines shown below.

Additionally, you must be available for boarding at the boarding gate as per the boarding gate deadlines indicated below. Failure to respect check-in and boarding gate deadlines may result in the reassignment of any pre-reserved seats, the cancellation of a reservation, and/or ineligibility for denied boarding compensation.

China departing flights only

1. Passenger notifications

   In the event that a flight is delayed, cancelled or diverted due to an unforeseen problem, we will make every effort to keep you well informed at the airport and onboard the affected aircraft. Based on the information we have, we will promptly provide timely updates, within 30 minutes of becoming aware of such a cancellation, delay or diversion, and explain the reason for the delay, cancellation or diversion through various methods, such as:

   • onboard/gate announcements
   • our Flight Status tool on our website
   • the airport Flight Information Display Systems
   • calling Air Canada Reservations
   
   

   You may also register for our Flight Notification Service to receive delay or cancellation information or gate change details for your flight.

2. Flight delays and cancellations

   If you are affected by a situation that causes a delay or flight cancellation, we provide the details of how Air Canada will assist you.

3. Response plan for Tarmac Delays

   Our contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays at Chinese airports is intended to provide you with information regarding Air Canada's policies and procedures for handling your travel on our airline in the event of a lengthy ground delay, while you are onboard our aircraft at a Chinese airport.