Air Canada Introduces $30 Per Passenger Fee for Phone Bookings
Effective October 15, Air Canada began charging a $30 per passenger fee for flight bookings made by phone. The policy aims to reduce call center costs and encourage digital bookings, though exemptions apply for accessibility needs and travel disruptions.
Air Canada has implemented a new surcharge for customers who book flights over the phone, adding $30 per passenger to the cost of each reservation. The policy came into force on October 15.
The airline stated that the move is intended to steer customers toward its website or mobile app while cutting or compensating for call centre costs. Under the new structure, a family of four booking by phone would incur an extra $120 in fees.
The introduction of the non-refundable charge places Air Canada alongside competitors such as WestJet, United Airlines, and various low-cost carriers that already apply similar phone booking fees. However, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines continue to offer telephone ticketing without a surcharge.
Critics have raised concerns about the impact on certain travelers. Andrew D'Amours, co-founder of Flytrippers, stated that the change could disproportionately hit seniors who rely on phone bookings.
Air Canada has outlined specific exemptions to the policy. Customers requiring specialized support, including those with accessibility needs, are not subject to the fee. Additionally, no booking fee applies if a trip is affected by a delay, cancellation, or other travel disruption.