Air Canada to charge $30 if you call them to book your flight

Air Canada has just added a new fee, this one to tickets booked through the airline’s telephone call centre. Beginning Oct. 15, all new bookings made by calling the airline carry a $30 non-refundable fee. The charge is per passenger, so booking flight for a family of four would cost $120.

The fee does not apply if the booking is made through another method.

“Air Canada’s website and mobile app make it easy to book and manage your travel,” the airline said in announcing the change. “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.”

It also noted that the new fee “aligns with the approach currently in place for Aeroplan flight reward bookings,” meaning Aeroplan reward customers were already paying it. National Post has reached out to Air Canada to find how long this has been the case, and for more information.

“If you’d still prefer to book by phone, our Contact Centre agents remain available to provide expert guidance and personalized support when you need assistance, including in situations that may require additional care or cannot be completed through our self-service options,” the airline said.

It’s also worth noting that the fee does not apply if a previously booked flight (whether booked by phone, online or through the app) is affected by a delay, cancellation or another disruption, and you phone for assistance or to rebook.

“Contact Centre agents can continue to help with existing reservations, travel disruptions and other questions about your journey,” the airline said, adding: “You can also manage many disruption-related needs through Air Canada’s digital self-service options, where you can accept a new flight, change your itinerary or request a refund without needing to call.”

A response to a call to the airline’s customer service centre at 1-888-247-2262 on Monday morning included a mention of the $30 fee and a warning that wait times may exceed an hour, although there is also an option to have an agent call you back.

The airline also notes that customers who require specialized care and support, including those with accessibility needs, are exempt from the new fee.

Last April, Air Canada amended its baggage fees on international routes to $90 for the first checked bag in the lowest economy fare, and $120 for the second. This was an increase from $70 for the first bag and between $100 to $115 for the second. Its economy standard and flex rates include one free checked bag. The change came amid soaring fuel prices after the U.S.-led attacks on Iran.

Similar changes the following month applied to domestic, U.S. and Caribbean flights, but with a cost of $45 for the first checked bag and $60 for the second, up from $35 and $50.

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