Air Transat Refunds: How To Get Your Money Back

Air Transat made headlines for its poor handling of refunds during the pandemic, but even in regular travel times, the airline has a strict refund policy. Only certain tickets are eligible for refunds, and you have a small window of time to submit a claim for consideration.

To improve your chances of getting a timely refund, let’s dive into Air Transat’s refund policy and other refund options you might have.

What is the Air Transat refund policy?

Air Transat will only consider refunding your ticket if you booked directly with the airline. If you booked an Air Transat flight through a third party – like a travel agent, travel website, or your credit card’s travel rewards program – you’ll have to contact them about any potential refund.

If you made your booking through Air Transat, you can cancel it within 24 hours of booking as long as your departure date is at least 7 days away. This is in line with other Canadian airlines that give you a 24-hour window to change your mind and receive a full refund.

If you’re beyond the 24-hour booking window, the following conditions apply to cancellations:

• $200 cancellation fee for Eco Budget, Eco Standard, and Club Standard fares
• No cancellation fee for Eco Flex and Club Flex fares
• No refunds at all if departure is within 24 hours or if a portion of the ticket has already been used

How to request a refund

If you booked your flight within the last 24 hours and want to cancel it for a full refund, you’ll need to complete Air Transat’s booking cancellation request form. Be sure to have the following information available:

• Your contact information
• Travel confirmation number
• Dates of travel

Once you submit the form, you’ll receive a confirmation number to track your refund. Air Transat issues refunds within 30 days from the date they receive the request.

If you’re beyond the 24-hour booking window, you’ll need to cancel the flight online or by speaking to an agent. Log in to manage your booking and choose the cancellation option. Note that depending on your fare class, you may be subject to a $200 cancellation fee – though the remainder of your fare will be refunded.

If Air Transat changes your flight details and has to downgrade your seat, you can request a refund. The airline must also refund you – regardless of your ticket fare – if it cancels your flight. You’ll be refunded the amount of the unused portion of your trip. Flight delay refunds are subject to CTA guidelines.

Learn more: Flight delay compensation in Canada

If you have concerns about your refund, contact the Air Transat customer service team by completing the online form.

Refund vs. travel credit

Some flights or packages aren’t eligible for refunds; instead, you might receive a travel credit upon cancellation.

Travel credits can only be used for future Air Transat travel and expire after 12 months. While they limit you to booking with Air Transat when other carriers might be cheaper, if you don’t qualify for a refund, receiving a travel credit is better than nothing at all.

What to do if you have trip cancellation insurance

If you have trip cancellation insurance and cancel your trip for an eligible reason, you can file a claim and receive a refund (or compensation up to a percentage of the fare).

You can purchase cancellation insurance through Air Transat or an insurance company. You might even have it through your credit card.

To submit a claim, you’ll need:

• Your contact details
• Your travel information
• A valid reason for cancelling

Once you submit the claim, the provider will review it and follow up if they require further details.

Learn more: Trip cancellation insurance in Canada

FAQ

Can I get a refund if I cancel my flight?

If you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, you will receive a full refund. Cancellations beyond this window are subject to fare conditions and may incur a cancellation fee – typically around $200. If you did not purchase your flight through Air Transat directly, you’ll need to contact your travel agent or booking platform.

What is the Air Transat cancellation fee?

Cancellation fees with Air Transat depend on your fare – and perhaps even your destination. Generally speaking, you can expect a $200 cancellation fee for Eco Budget, Eco Standard, and Club Standard fares. Eco Flex and Club Flex fares do not have cancellation fees.

Does Air Transat have cancellation insurance?

Yes, Air Transat offers trip cancellation insurance. If you have to cancel for an eligible reason (like illness, an accident, or a government-issued travel advisory) and you have Concierge Club coverage, you can use Air Transat’s Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit to claim up to 80% of the unused non-refundable part of the trip that you already paid.