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Air Canada Labour Update: Essential Information for Travel Advisors

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We know this past week has been incredibly challenging for you and your clients. While you have been demonstrating the irreplaceable value of professional travel advisors - providing expertise, solving complex problems, and reassuring anxious travelers - ACTA has been working diligently behind the scenes with Air Canada leadership to ensure your interests remain top of mind throughout this disruption.
 
Your Time to Shine
 
This disruption has highlighted why travellers need professional advisors more than ever. You were there providing guidance, reassurance, and real solutions to clients. Your dedication during these challenging times has not gone unnoticed. 
 
Commission Protection Secured
 
Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations have proactively committed to protecting your commissions on all impacted travel. This important step recognizes the valuable work that travel advisors perform and aligns with one of our key asks outlined in our . This commitment did not happen by accident - it is the result of years of ongoing advocacy and the strong relationships we have built to protect your business interests. 
 
Essential Resources for Travel Advisors
 
To stay informed and serve your clients effectively, please bookmark these critical resources: 
 
Primary Resources: 
  • Labour Restart Hub:  - Comprehensive details on current policies and procedures 
  • Air Canada Vacations Updates:   - Specific information for Air Canada Vacations bookings  
  • Advisor Reference Hub:   - Your go-to resource for advisor-specific information 
  • Flash Updates:   to receive policy updates directly to your inbox - critical for staying ahead of changes 
 
Expense Reimbursement for Alternative Arrangements
 
Air Canada has established an exceptional reimbursement policy due to the significant impact of this labour disruption. This is a crucial option for many of your clients who need to make alternative arrangements. 
 
What Is Covered 
  • Separately purchased flights on other airlines 
  • Hotel accommodations 
  • Alternative transportation (bus, ferry, car rental, etc.) 
  • Meal expenses 
Bookings made by travel advisors are eligible. 
 
Eligibility Requirements for Alternative Airline Bookings 
 
Your clients may be eligible for reimbursement if they meet ALL of the following criteria: 
  • Had an Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge flight scheduled between August 15-23 that was cancelled 
  • Received email confirmation from Air Canada stating inability to rebook OR were offered alternative flights departing more than 5 days from original departure 
  • Book alternative travel within 5 days of original departure date 
  • Choose same or lower cabin class to original booking 
  • Travel between same origin and destination (sister cities acceptable) 
  • Select the most reasonable and economical option available
 
How to Submit Claims 
 
Direct your clients to the dedicated expense claim portal:  
 
Important: Advise clients to keep all receipts and documentation for their expense claims. 
 
Current Rebooking and Refund Options
 
Air Canada has implemented several options for affected passengers. Here are the details you need to assist your clients: 
 
Option 1: Change Flights (Free of Charge) 
 
For clients with travel between August 20 and September 30, 2025: 
  • Can change to another Air Canada flight between August 20-24, 2025 if they wish to travel sooner 
  • No change fees apply 
  • Subject to availability in the same cabin class 
For clients with travel between August 15 and August 22, 2025: 
  • Can move to Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge flights for travel between August 23, 2025, and September 30, 2025 
  • Must be in the same cabin class 
  • Changes must be made at least two hours prior to original departure time
 
Option 2: Cancel for Full Refund or Future Credit 
 
For travel dates between August 15 and August 21, 2025, clients can secure a full refund for the unused portion of a ticket to original form of payment or to their AC Wallet 
 
ACTA Advocacy Behind the Scenes
 
Throughout this difficult period, ACTA has been working tirelessly on your behalf. We have maintained close communication with Air Canada leadership, ensuring that advisor interests and concerns are heard and addressed. The commission protection commitment is just one example of how our ongoing advocacy efforts deliver real results for our members. We continue to push for fair policies that recognize the essential role travel advisors play in the Canadian travel ecosystem. 
 
Looking Forward 
 
ACTA continues to monitor this situation closely and will keep you informed of any policy changes or updates. We appreciate Air Canada's responsiveness to our concerns and their commitment to supporting travel advisors during this disruption. We encourage all suppliers to adopt similar practices that protect advisor commissions during service disruptions. 
 
Your professionalism and dedication during these challenging circumstances are truly remarkable.  
 
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the ACTA team if you need additional support or have questions about navigating this situation with your clients. We are here to support you. 
 

2025-08-28 14:57:03