Airmiles flights cancelled by Air Canada details for rebooking

[ottawamom]

I know I had been discussing this on a thread but for the life of me I can't remember which one. Thought I would put this in a thread of it's own for easy reference

I just spoke with AM about flights to the US that were cancelled by Air Canada. The website says there is nothing that needs to be done but I wanted to make sure all the details had been taken care of properly.

The booking remains open under the original AM flight booking reference. I have one year from the date the flight was cancelled to rebook a new flight. I then have an additional year in which to take the flight. So rebook within one year or you lose your credit. Actual flight can be taken within 2 years of the date the airline cancelled the flight. AM is able to see what day the flight was cancelled. You will want that information for your records. I was under the impression that I could have taken longer to rebook the flight I'm glad the agent mentioned that particular detail.

If I had cancelled the flights instead of waiting for Air Canada to do it the terms noted above would not be the same. I would have only had 1 year to rebook and take my flight if I had initiated the cancellation. At least that's what the agent said.

If you haven't already spoken with AM, call them and get the date Air Canada cancelled your flight so that you know when you must rebook by. Keep your AM booking reference code as that is what they need to see your reservation. Make note of how many AM you used and how much you paid in taxes. Print out a copy. When it come time to rebook. Search for your desired flights online (on Airmiles) then call and have them make the booking for you.

The other thing the agent mentioned was that the flight didn't have to be to the original destination. The people on the reservation however cannot change.

One leg of my return flight hadn't yet been cancelled so the agent took care of that. Hope this helps anyone else who has had flights cancelled or is about to call in the coming weeks. Lets me know if the information you are told is different.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

If you look on Air Canada's website for new flights, how do you know what is the value of your re-booked flights since you booked with air miles?

 

[ottawamom]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. Look online on the Airmiles website for booking. I've edited the post to add that.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

So, I paid 2580 miles x 2 for ours. Is that how much I have to "spend" on my new flights as well?

 

[ottawamom]

Yes that is correct. Keep note of the amount you paid for taxes and fees as well. If the new flights you want are more, AM will probably be only too happy to remove those AM from your account.

My flights were cancelled April 3. So I have until next April to make new arrangements. No way I'm going to Florida in March 2022 so that means I will need to look at November 2021 - February 2022 timeframe for a possible return.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

No way I'm going to Florida in March 2022 so that means I will need to look at November 2021 - February 2022 timeframe for a possible return.

That means you get to be there for the hype of the 50th Anniversary! LOL I shouldn't laugh, I could end up there around the same time!

At least the Guardians and TRON rides will be done by then.

 

[ottawamom]

If that time frame doesn't work out I'll just forgo the flights and wait until the entire family goes in 2023

 

[StarWarsNerd24]

I have one year from the date the flight was cancelled to rebook a new flight. I then have an additional year in which to take the flight. So rebook within one year or you lose your credit. Actual flight can be taken within 2 years of the date the airline cancelled the flight.

Do you know if this is Air Canada specific? We used airmiles and booked on Westjet. I talked to Airmiles today and they said that We had 13 months from the day of our departure flight (which would have been May 1) and that travel had to be completed b4 the 13 months expired (which would be june1 2021). We also had to actually book our flight b4 feb 28 2021 in order to not lose the free waived fee change and assumed the airmiles used to book the flight in the first place. Might have to look more closely into this, if it is a westjet specific policy I am not super happy about not having additional time like Air Canada seems to be giving.

 

[StarWarsNerd24]

So, I paid 2580 miles x 2 for ours. Is that how much I have to "spend" on my new flights as well?

It will depend on when you want to rebook the flight for. Mile amounts fluctuate depending on time of year it seems. The person I talked to at air miles said if there was a difference you would make up the difference in both miles and possible associated fees.

 

[ottawamom]

Do you know if this is Air Canada specific? We used airmiles and booked on Westjet. I talked to Airmiles today and they said that We had 13 months from the day of our departure flight (which would have been May 1) and that travel had to be completed b4 the 13 months expired (which would be june1 2021). We also had to actually book our flight b4 feb 28 2021 in order to not lose the free waived fee change and assumed the airmiles used to book the flight in the first place. Might have to look more closely into this, if it is a westjet specific policy I am not super happy about not having additional time like Air Canada seems to be giving.

Those terms were specific to Air Canada and that they cancelled the flight. If I had cancelled before they did a different set on terms would have applied. Check out the Westjet website because if I read things correctly I think you may have 24 months. They talk about a travel bank for Westjet members but the same terms should apply to those made through a travel agent (Airmiles).

I don't know that any of it will make any difference. It could be a very long time before we are able to go back to Florida and have the kind of holiday we used to have.

 

[StarWarsNerd24]

@ottawamom thanks for the additional information. I will check both websites. The air miles rep was very insisted on the Feb 28 2021 date to book by however so im not sure. /sigh something else to worry about.

 

[ottawamom]

After typing my response to you I began to think about the response I got re booking within a year fly within two. I am thinking about calling Air Canada and seeing if those are their terms on the flights. I would much rather be able to book a flight 6 months or so before I take it.