A Flight Pass issued by Air Canada is a way for you to bulk buy tickets at a reduced rate.
The discount is different to your standard discounts offered as they only apply to a singular ticket whereas Flight Pass is for multiple tickets. Depending on the country (like Hong Kong) you can even have a student flight pass with its own perks, in comparison to Air Canada’s regular international student offer.
The package may be worth looking into not only for frequent flyers but is also advantageous for larger families as it allows you to hedge your costs easier.
Remember these packages are not for passengers looking for super discounts as their primary focus is on flexibility; you are allowed to book your tickets up to 2 hours prior to scheduled departure. The value is clearly seen the closer to departure as standard published fares increase.
Its benefit is actually a hard question to answer, may airlines have opted to use third-party companies to maintain the bulk-buying schemes (Option Town is one of the more well-known ones) but have seen mixed results with British Airways dropping the scheme while Singapore Airlines have adopted it. While Air Canada with its Flight pass seems to be done in-house.
Important Rules with An Air Canada Flight Pass
There are a set number of terms for using a flight pass.
- Each pass contains a set number of one-way tickets, including connections;
- Flight Pass credits are valid for 12 months from the purchase date and all travel (not just booking) must be completed;
- Passes are available in 2 Zones: North America and Western North America
- Flight Passes are not refundable and no refund, in whole or in part, will be issued for unused or forfeited flight credits
- Flight credits can be used only on flights operated by Air Canada, and Air Canada regional partners with Air Canada flight numbers, Codeshare flights are not permitted.
- Flight credits cannot be booked between two (2) U.S. destinations.
- Flight Pass travel is subject to Air Canada’s checked baggage policies.
- Flight Pass travel is subject to Air Canada’s checked baggage policies.
The Full T&C’s are specific and can be found at the bottom of each option
Flight Passes Available
There are 3 passes up for grabs, well 2 if you exclude the student option.
changes and extensions to tickets and passes do come with a fee, seat selection is complimentary
There is a dedicated link to get to flight pass and, depending on the country, will shoot out an error message if not set correctly before entering the page.
North American Economy Flight Pass
- 8 flight credits for up to 4 travellers
- Travel in Economy Standard Fare (S Class)
- Earn 50% Aeroplan points and Status Qualifying Miles for distance flown
North American Student Economy Flight Pass
- 4 flight credits for up to 1 travellers
- Travel in Economy Standard Fare (S Class)
- Earn 50% Aeroplan points and Status Qualifying Miles for distance flown
- Available only for full-time students
- A Fare Premium is applicable for travel during the Peak Travel Period*
North American Business Flight Pass
- 4 flight credits for up to 1 traveller or 6 flight credits for 2 travellers
- Flight credit bookings are subject to the availability of the D booking class in Business Class
- Earn 150% Aeroplan points and Status Qualifying Miles for distance flown
* Peak Travel Period applies between December 15 and January 8, inclusive. Any travel dates that fall within the Peak Travel Period are subject to a Fare Premium, plus taxes.
Conclusions
is Flight Pass any good? well, it’s subjective and depends on how close you book to the date of departure. someone booking well in advance may not see the benefit while someone booking closer to departure most defiantly will.
that said you also will need to commit to flying at least twice to Canada a year, and if that is a bit of a stretch then you would evidently be pouring money down the drain.