Canada's largest airlines have extended their revised ticketing policies to allow travellers headed to and from Vancouver to change their bookings for free during the winter storm.
Air Canada, WestJet, and Flair Airlines are offering travellers with flights to and from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) a one-time waiver to make a free change to their bookings.
The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes the possibility of snowfall throughout Monday, Feb. 3 and Tuesday, as well as frigid temperatures several degrees below seasonal averages.
YVR has activated its snow response program and several flights to and from the airport have been cancelled due to local weather or conditions at other airports.
Have a look at what Canada's airlines can provide passengers with flights booked to YVR and other airports in B.C. and Canada.
Air Canada
Air Canada has extended its advisory for flights to and from YVR impacted by the local snowstorm. Booked passengers can take advantage of a one-time waiver to make free changes on flights scheduled to depart or arrive from the airport on Monday. Travellers can change their bookings to new flights but only if there is space on selected options.
Travellers can retrieve their booking online to make free changes to flights, while those with Air Canada Vacations bookings should call the vacation provider directly at 1-800-296-3408.
The airline is also offering free changes for several other big airports impacted by inclement weather. It is offering the waiver for flights to and from London, Ontario (YXU) due to fog; San Fransisco (SFO) due to wind and rain; Quebec City (YQB) due to snow, Ottawa (YOW) due to snow; and Montreal (YUL) due to snow.
WestJet
WestJet has also introduced a new advisory for Vancouver, replacing the one it previously instated for winter weather at YVR and in several B.C. cities including Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox, and Abbotsford. Rather than specifying airports, the airline has issued a blanket waiver for flights impacted by a "winter storm system" headed to and from airports located on the Canadian west coast on Monday and Tuesday.
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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.
Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines has also extended its advisory for flights to and from YVR and Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) to Monday due to the snow and cold weather. Customers can make a one-time change to flights for free but fare differences and cancellation fees apply.
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.
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