Air Canada ‘flexible’ over cancelled flights

AIR CANADA insisted yesterday that it would be flexible with travellers who want to change their Toronto flights because of the SARS killer virus.

Several angry and confused callers to RTÉ’s Liveline programme yesterday said Air Canada had told them they would get no refund on tickets if they cancelled flights because of SARS.

Vincent Jacobs said his wife and son had paid over 1,320 to Air Canada to fly over to his daughter’s wedding in June but now wanted to cancel after the Department of Heath advised them not to go.

But Mr Jacobs said while Air Canada said it could reschedule its flights it was no good to them because the wedding date was fixed and there is no point going later. However, another caller, Fiona O’Toole, was told by her travel agent she could have a refund and they gave her until next Monday to make up her mind.

However, another man said he had booked four flights to Canada and was told by his travel agents he would get no refund if he cancelled because of SARS.

But an Air Canada spokesman at its British headquarters said the company would be flexible with travellers Asked if that meant they would refund tickets, the Air Canada spokesman said: “We have no cancellation policy but will be as flexible as possible to allow travellers change their plans.” The Director of Consumer Affairs office said yesterday it would check the legality of the case.