Canada's largest airlines will allow air passengers to make changes to flights for free amid winter storms.
Air Canada, WestJet and Flair Airlines will allow their customers to make changes on bookings to flights to and from Canadian cities impacted by severe winter weather from Friday, Jan. 31 through Feb. 2.
Airlines are monitoring current changes in weather conditions and will update the advisories as needed. Travellers should check conditions before heading to the airport and also check their flight status online.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) crews are preparing the airfield for the possible snowfall slated to impact the Lower Mainland on Sunday. Passengers are encouraged to provide extra time to travel to the airport and to drive safely.
Have a look at what Canada's biggest airlines are offering customers impacted by wintry weather.
Air Canada
Canada's flag carrier was the first to post an advisory for flights to and from YVR on Friday morning.
The airline is offering a one-time waiver for travellers with flights to and from Vancouver all day on Saturday and Sunday due to the expected snowstorm.
Travellers can retrieve their booking online to make free changes to flights. Travellers with Air Canada Vacations bookings should call the vacation provider directly at 1-800-296-3408.
Air Canada is also offering the same one-time waiver to travellers with flights booked on the same days to Toronto (YYZ), Toronto (YTZ) Ottawa (YOW) and Montreal (YUL) due to wintry conditions. The same conditions apply.
WestJet
WestJet is also offering its customers a one-time waiver to make a change to a flight booked to or from YVR from Friday through Sunday.
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If travellers change their destination, the difference in fare applies. Any residual funds are refunded.
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If travellers move to a different cabin, the difference in fare applies. Any residual funds are refunded.
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Travel must be completed within 60 days of the original departure date.
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If travellers cancel their booking, the funds will be refunded or credited based on the fare class booked. However, tickets booked in UltraBasic will receive travel credit. If travellers cancel their booking, any portion paid with WestJet dollars, Travel Bank credit or a WestJet rewards companion voucher will be returned to their account and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.
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WestJet will issue a new expiry date 60 days from the date of reinstatement if the portion paid with WestJet dollars or a WestJet rewards companion voucher has expired or is expiring within 60 days.
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Any portion paid with WestJet dollars or Travel Bank credit will be returned to a traveller's account and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.
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Change or cancellation must be requested more than two hours before departure.
The rules are different for WestJet Vacations packages for travel on the same dates that have not been delayed or cancelled. The one-time waiver will be offered, free of charge and the following rules apply:
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If you change your booking, the difference in package price and a $200 penalty per person applies and is subject to availability.
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If you cancel your booking, the amount paid will be placed into a WestJet Vacations Future Travel Credit, valid for two years. A $200 hotel penalty per person will be deducted from the total.
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Travellers who booked through a travel agent or online booking agency should contact them directly.
The green-and-blue airline is also offering the waiver to travellers with flights to or from several other B.C. cities, including Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox and Abbotsford.
WestJet also has a winter storm policy in place for several cities in Ontario for flights on Friday and Saturday, including Toronto, Kitchener/Waterloo, London, Ottawa, Windsor and Hamilton.
The waiver also applies to travel on Friday and Saturday to and from Montreal, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Regina.
Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines has also posted an advisory for travel to and from Vancouver and Abbotsford.
The ultra-low-cost carrier notes that a winter storm watch has been issued ahead of expected "heavy snowfall, strong winds, and possible freezing rain," adding that these conditions could cause flight delays or cancellations.
Travellers are advised to check the status of their flight before heading to the airport. Additionally, they should check their contact details are updated to receive up-to-date notifications.
The airlines will offer a free, one-time waiver for travellers to make changes on flights to or from YVR or YXX between Jan. 31 and Feb.2. Fare difference or cancellation fees apply.
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