Air Canada introduces $30 fee for booking flights by phone

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 22, 2026

Air Canada will charge a $30 fee per passenger for flight bookings made over the phone starting October 15, matching similar fees imposed by several other airlines. The airline aims to encourage use of its digital platforms, reduce call center demand, and offset associated costs, while exempting customers who need specialized assistance from the surcharge.

Air Canada has implemented a $30 fee for customers who book flights over the phone, effective October 15. This policy aligns the airline with carriers such as WestJet, United Airlines, and a number of low-cost competitors that impose non-refundable charges for phone reservations. In contrast, some airlines like Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines continue to offer telephone booking without additional fees.

The surcharge applies per passenger, meaning a family of four booking by phone would incur an extra $120. Air Canada has indicated the fee is intended to encourage customers to use its website or mobile app and to help offset the costs associated with maintaining call centers. A company spokesperson, Sean Davidson, emphasized that the fee does not apply to services that cannot be completed online, such as those requiring specialized assistance. Davidson also noted that directing routine bookings to digital platforms helps reduce call center wait times and allows agents to focus on calls needing personalized support.

Industry observers have noted the move as part of a broader trend toward "unbundling" within the airline sector, where services once included in the ticket price are now subject to extra charges. Passengers frequently pay additional fees for checked luggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and even onboard refreshments. Supporters argue that unbundling provides transparency, as customers pay specifically for services they use.

Andrew D’Amours, co-founder of the flight-deal website Flytrippers, acknowledged that while the phone booking fee reflects legitimate business costs, it may disproportionately affect seniors and other travelers less comfortable with online booking platforms. “A lot of people, probably older folks, don’t really like booking on the app or on the internet,” he said. D’Amours drew a comparison to retail packaging, stating that convenience comes at a premium, much like purchasing shredded cheese versus a block of cheese.

Air Canada clarified that customers with accessibility or other specialized needs requiring phone assistance are exempt from the fee, underscoring the airline’s commitment to accommodating those who cannot use the company’s digital booking tools.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.