I’ll never forget the time I booked my Air Canada flight only to realize the return date didn’t line up with my work schedule. At first, I thought I was stuck, but it turns out changing a flight date—or even just the return segment—is easier than you might think. If you ever find yourself in the same boat, you can do it online or by calling 877-764-3622 for quick support.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how to change your Air Canada flight date or return flight, what it costs, and a few tricks to save money along the way.
The short answer: yes, but the flexibility depends on your fare type.
Basic Economy tickets usually don’t allow changes after 24 hours.
Standard, Flex, Comfort, Premium, and Business fares generally do allow date or return changes (with fees).
24-hour free change rule: Any ticket booked within the last 24 hours can be changed or canceled at no cost.
Aeroplan bookings: You can change dates too, though there may be a small service fee.
According to industry reports, schedule changes and traveler-driven rebookings are among the top reasons customers call airlines—so you’re definitely not alone.
Air Canada’s online tools make this simple:
Go to the Manage My Bookings section on Air Canada’s website or app.
Enter your booking reference and last name.
Select “Change Flight.”
Choose a new flight date.
Confirm and pay any fare difference (if applicable).
💡 Tip: If the site isn’t showing options you need, calling 877-764-3622 can open up alternative flights that aren’t always listed online.
Sometimes you don’t need to adjust your whole itinerary—just the way back. Air Canada does allow you to change only the return leg of a round-trip booking, though depending on your fare, you may need to reissue the ticket.
I had to do this once when I needed to return a day earlier than planned. The agent handled it over the phone in less than 15 minutes, and it was far less stressful than I expected.
Here’s what to expect:
Economy Standard & Flex: $25–$100 depending on the route.
Premium Economy & Business: Often no change fee.
Fare difference: Always applies if your new flight costs more.
👉 Example: If your original ticket was $400 and the new one is $450, you’ll pay the $50 difference, plus any applicable change fee.
Book Flex or higher fares for built-in flexibility.
Change early—waiting until the last minute often limits your options.
Consider alternate routes—sometimes leaving from a nearby airport is cheaper.
Use travel insurance if changes are due to emergencies.
Call an agent at 877-764-3622—they can sometimes find cheaper alternatives than what’s shown online.
One of my friends saved $150 this way just by asking a rep about different routing options.
Whether you need to shift your departure date or just adjust your return flight, Air Canada makes the process straightforward if you know your fare rules and act quickly.