TORONTO, October 20, 2026 â Air Canada passengers booking flights by phone now face an additional CAD $30 charge per person, plus applicable taxes, under a new policy introduced on October 15. The non-refundable fee means a family of four could pay at least $120 extra simply for completing a reservation through the airline’s contact centre.
The change affects travellers who prefer speaking with an agent rather than booking online. However, Air Canada has confirmed exemptions for passengers requiring specialized assistance and those affected by flight disruptions.
Air Canada’s $30 Phone Booking Fee Takes Effect
The new charge applies to each passenger on an eligible reservation completed by telephone with an Air Canada agent.
Two passengers booking together would pay CAD $60, while four passengers would pay CAD $120, excluding applicable taxes. The fee appears separately on the receipt rather than being included in the airfare or carrier-imposed charges.
Air Canada confirms these conditions in its official contact centre booking fee policy.
Who Is Exempt From the New Air Canada Fee?
Passengers requiring specialized care, including travellers with accessibility needs, are exempt from the booking charge.
Air Canada also says customers affected by flight delays, cancellations or other travel disruptions can continue receiving telephone assistance without paying the new fee.
Calling about an existing reservation or asking general travel questions does not automatically trigger the charge. The fee applies when an eligible new booking is completed through the contact centre.
How to Avoid Paying the $30 Booking Charge
Travellers can avoid the new fee by purchasing tickets through Air Canada’s official website or mobile app. Both channels allow customers to book eligible flights without the additional contact centre charge.
Passengers who experience technical difficulties while booking online can contact Air Canada at 1-888-247-2262. However, the airline warns that the fee may still apply if an agent completes the reservation, depending on the circumstances.
Customers requiring accessibility-related assistance can contact Air Canada’s Accessibility Services team at 1-800-667-4732.
Is the Air Canada Phone Booking Fee Refundable?
No. The CAD $30 service fee is non-refundable, even if the passenger later cancels the ticket or reservation.
This distinction matters for travellers purchasing refundable airfares. Although the ticket itself may qualify for a refund under its fare conditions, the separate telephone booking charge will not be returned.
Existing ticket change and cancellation rules continue to apply.
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Aeroplan Reward Flights and Travel Agency Bookings
Air Canada already charged a contact centre booking fee for Aeroplan flight reward reservations made by telephone. That existing policy remains unchanged.
Travellers booking through independent travel agencies should also check for additional charges. Air Canada says travel agents establish their own service fees and booking policies.
Air Canada Explains Its Shift Toward Digital Reservations
Air Canada says encouraging customers to use its website and app should reduce contact centre waiting times, allowing employees to focus on situations requiring personalized assistance.
The airline is not alone in charging for telephone reservations. Canadian competitors WestJet and Flair Airlines already impose service fees for certain phone bookings, although their charges and conditions differ.
The policy comes amid wider attention to airline operations and passenger support. Earlier this month, a Delta aircraft clipped an Air Canada plane at Los Angeles International Airport, prompting an investigation and disrupting aircraft operations.
Another recent aviation incident involved a British Airways BA295 emergency over Ireland, highlighting the importance of reliable airline assistance when travel plans change unexpectedly.
Important Details Before Booking an Air Canada Flight
Passengers should compare the full booking cost before purchasing tickets, particularly when several people are travelling together.
Online reservations avoid the new telephone service fee, but other charges, including baggage, seat selection and fare-related fees, may still apply.
Travellers who need personalized assistance can still speak with Air Canada agents. Those qualifying for accessibility or disruption-related exemptions should explain their circumstances before completing a reservation.
For customers making routine flight bookings, using the airline’s website or app is now the simplest way to avoid paying an additional CAD $30 per passenger.
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