Air Canada Adds a Nonrefundable $30 Fee for Flights Booked by Phone

Air Canada began charging CA$30, plus applicable taxes, for each passenger on a new flight reservation made by phone with an agent. The nonrefundable charge took effect October 15, 2026.

The amount rises with each traveler. A booking for two passengers adds CA$60 plus applicable taxes, while a family of four pays $120 before applicable taxes.

The fee applies to new bookings, not every call to the airline. Help with an existing trip affected by a delay, cancellation or another disruption remains exempt.

Canceling a reservation later does not return the charge. It appears as a separate receipt item, not as part of the fare or carrier-imposed charges.

Existing disrupted trips and specialized care remain exempt

Customers needing specialized care and support, including those with accessibility needs, are exempt. The airline says the exception covers people who require that assistance.

A traveler with an already-booked trip can call for help or rebooking after a delay, cancellation or other disruption without paying the new fee. The original reservation may have been made by phone, online or through the app.

The $30 booking fee is separate from the cost of the ticket. A later cancellation does not make it refundable.

Online reservations avoid the charge, but phone completion may not

Customers can make a new booking without this fee through the airline’s website or app. Those digital channels also provide tools for managing trips.

1. Book a new reservation online or in the app to avoid the phone-booking charge.
2. If an existing trip is disrupted, call for help or use digital tools to accept a replacement flight, change the itinerary or request a refund.
3. Check directly with a travel agent about its fees and policies.

A failed online attempt does not necessarily remove the fee. Travelers who finish a reservation by phone after trouble with the website or app may still be charged, depending on the circumstances.

The customer service number is 1-888-247-2262. A caller who reached the line on the Monday morning after the change took effect heard notice of the fee and a warning that waits could exceed an hour. The call offered a callback option.

Travel agents set their own fees and policies. The airline advises customers to ask their agent about charges that may apply.

Digital tools handle routine bookings and trip changes

The website and app let customers book flights, view and manage a reservation, choose seats, buy travel options and check in. Travelers can also access trip information and receive updates.

When a trip is disrupted, customers can accept a new flight, change an itinerary or request a refund through the digital tools. The airline says those options can reduce routine calls and leave agents available for cases requiring personal assistance.

The airline described the purpose this way:

“Using these digital tools for everyday travel needs helps reduce wait times and allows our Contact Centre agents to focus their expertise on situations that require personalized support”

The new charge follows a fee already applied to Aeroplan flight reward bookings made through an agent. That fee remains in place. Agents also remain available for customers who prefer phone bookings or need help that self-service cannot provide.

Baggage and other fees have also changed

The airline raised checked-bag prices on international routes in April. The changes applied to the lowest economy fare; economy standard and flex fares include one free checked bag.

The following month, similar baggage increases applied to domestic, U.S. and Caribbean flights. The fee for the second international bag had previously varied from $100 to $115.

Other charges include a CAD50 per-passenger fee on vacation packages starting April 6, 2026. A cargo carrier surcharge began March 23, 2026, subject to government approval.

The airline also raised checked-baggage fees on February 27, 2024, and planned carry-on fees on select routes from January 3, 2025.