YYZ -> Japan $540, YVR -> Japan $510 Non-stop (May 2021)

JKKim2983 wrote: ↑ Can confirm. Friend works for AC, in an executive position. Air Canada is not in a place to give out refunds right now..to do so would affect them majorly. They wouldn't go into details as to why.. didn't wanna push for more info.

Book with caution if you must but be prepared to not get your refunds if this pandemic extends well into 2021...

they are sitting on billions of cash right now. even if they gave out refunds they would still have billions of cash remaining.

Did you see their last quarterly report?

If AC goes bankrupt in several months and reforms as a new AC (same as GM) good luck claiming your refunds from the company or even opening credit card disputes.

grosbmi wrote: ↑ they are sitting on billions of cash right now. even if they gave out refunds they would still have billions of cash remaining.

Did you see their last quarterly report?

Some people drink the kool-aid that the major airlines will go bankrupt if they give you your money back for a flight that never took place.

grosbmi wrote: ↑ they are sitting on billions of cash right now. even if they gave out refunds they would still have billions of cash remaining.

Did you see their last quarterly report?

While that is true, it is also true that the company will be extra greedy regarding returns. The company and its CEO are clearly not afraid of cost-cutting regardless of how much money the company has.

Anyone knows if this turns into a voucher, what happens if I use the voucher on a cheaper flight? What will happen to the rest of the money on the voucher? TIA

vintazh wrote: ↑ While that is true, it is also true that the company will be extra greedy regarding returns. The company and its CEO are clearly not afraid of cost-cutting regardless of how much money the company has.

Yes, as such we shouldn't be trusting them at all as consumers and should boycott them.

AC is cash strapped, there’s also the acquisition of Air Transit for $720 million that is pending regulatory approval and AC cannot opt out. AC needs to preserve cash at the moment. They have drawn down on their credit facilities and secured other loans. Prior to COVID, they were burning $22 million a day. They have about $6 billion of cash on hand. If you do a simple math, assumed they are able to cut cost and bring the burn rate to $15 million a day, more than 30% cost reduction, AC can barely survive just over a year, not even factoring the acquisition. So there’s no way AC would give a cash refunds right now. With COVID continue to larger parts of the US and the possible second wave, the airline industry is doomed. There’s a reason why Buffet dumped all his airline stocks.

https://www.theloop.ca/ctvnews/air-cana ... -earnings/

If you buy tickets now and fly later, you are in essence lending money to AC for free and may not be able to get your money back if AC files for bankruptcy. Does this sound like a good deal with all the uncertainties to the airline industry - travel date far out in advanced, interest free loan, may not get your money back... for me the risks far outweigh the benefits.

JKKim2983 wrote: ↑ Can confirm. Friend works for AC, in an executive position. Air Canada is not in a place to give out refunds right now..to do so would affect them majorly. They wouldn't go into details as to why.. didn't wanna push for more info.

Book with caution if you must but be prepared to not get your refunds if this pandemic extends well into 2021...

AC went bankrupt twice in its history. Once they see this pandemic wont end any time soon, and they see a lot of outstanding vouchers, there is a fair chance they will declare bankruptcy to extinguish the voucher and miles debt which is now over 1 billion dollars.

Just booked 4 direct tickets, 2 adults 2 children from YYZ to Tokyo for $1940.

Managed to get an ideal flight of March 10 to April 1 for 527. This will be during peak cherry blossom season granted this will be in a post pandemic world. Thanks OP, hopefully can finally strike this off the bucket list.

Yes very good pricing but regardless of AC's financial situation, I personally would not book any trip this far - too much uncertainty

Great price and will hopefully be a safe travel date, thanks for posting OP.

Japan has an entry ban on non-citizens at the moment (which may or may not lift in the next few months) but Spring 2021 is probably far enough out that you'll be able to travel there - Japan (like everywhere else) is hurting from a lack of tourism and can't afford to miss another cherry blossom season, especially after losing Olympics income this year.

That said, as others have mentioned it's pretty risky to book now for a flight next year given the current climate. You're essentially giving Air Canada a free loan for a flight that may or may not happen, and once your money is gone it's gone - no refunds, only travel credits and who knows what the pricing will be later this year or early next year?

LarryT778370 wrote: ↑ Anyone knows if this turns into a voucher, what happens if I use the voucher on a cheaper flight? What will happen to the rest of the money on the voucher? TIA

You can use the voucher as many times as you want and/or transfer it to someone. It is essentially a gift card.

stillmatic11 wrote: ↑ If you change your flight, is the price you pay now still locked in or do you pay the new price at the time of the change? I am going to guess that it's the latter.

You have to pay the price difference and will not get money back if it is cheaper (but you would just cancel and get a voucher and rebook, though that may take time).
FYI this fare is available for booking until August 31st, 2020 and can add a stopover for around $100. Priced out YYZ-YVR(stop)-NRT-YVR-YYZ for 685.

donttoewsmebro wrote: ↑ You have to pay the price difference and will not get money back if it is cheaper (but you would just cancel and get a voucher and rebook, though that may take time).
FYI this fare is available for booking until August 31st, 2020 and can add a stopover for around $100. Priced out YYZ-YVR(stop)-NRT-YVR-YYZ for 685.

oh wow the pricing will last until august 31st? where does it say that? I would like to book for later in june/july if possible

Don't take the bite guys...

Last year BF had a flash deal to Japan and boxing day had a deal as well. Those seats sold out and them poor fellas likely never got their refunds back.

Quite frankly there's always deals to Japan...

Tempting cuz my girlfriend is stuck there and id love to see her but too risky ..

Looking for some options to add another country in Asia. Want to visit one more destination.

frankyCrankie wrote: ↑ oh wow the pricing will last until august 31st? where does it say that? I would like to book for later in june/july if possible

Using https://matrix.itasoftware.com/ you can pull up the fare rules. You can go to Osaka instead of Tokyo or have a stopover in Tokyo and continue on to Osaka for a 241.