Stormy skies: Air Canada activates flexible rebooking for select U.S. flights

Air Canada has activated a flexible rebooking policy for passengers travelling through several major U.S. hubs as thunderstorms and air traffic control initiatives threaten to disrupt flights across the Northeast.

The airline, on its Daily Travel Outlook page, issued the travel notice on Thursday (Aug. 20), covering Boston (BOS), New York, Philadelphia (PHL) and Washington.

In the New York area, the policy applies to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), while in Washington, it covers Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Revised ticketing

Air Canada says it has revised its ticketing policy to make it easier for customers travelling on affected flights to change their bookings without penalty, subject to availability.

Passengers whose flights are affected can retrieve their bookings online and make eligible flight changes free of charge.

Customers who booked through Air Canada Vacations are being advised to contact the tour operator directly at 1-800-296-3408.

The advisory comes as severe weather threatens to complicate air travel across the U.S. Northeast, with thunderstorms and air traffic control initiatives potentially affecting operations at some of the region's busiest airports.

U.S. airlines are also preparing for potential disruptions: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have posted weather alerts and flexible rebooking options for eligible passengers booked by Aug. 20.

Air Canada is urging travellers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. Customers can also access flight information through the airline's automated system at 1-888-422-7533.

“Air Canada is monitoring the situation closely and is working to get you on your way safely and as quickly as possible,” the airline wrote in its notice.

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