In a significant move welcomed by the travel industry, Air Canada has temporarily suspended its controversial “Outside of Agency” (YQ/YR) fee. This decision comes after considerable pressure and feedback from travel advisors who argued the fee was punitive and complicated the process of servicing clients.
What Was the Fee? 🧐
Introduced earlier, the Outside of Agency fee was a charge applied when a customer’s ticket, originally issued by a travel agency, was reissued or changed by Air Canada directly or by a different travel agency. The fee was intended to cover the airline’s costs for handling a booking it didn’t originally manage.
However, travel professionals quickly voiced their concerns. They argued that the fee created unnecessary friction, especially in situations requiring urgent changes, and placed an extra financial burden on customers. Organizations like the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) were at the forefront, advocating for the fee’s removal.
A Temporary Reprieve ✈️
Air Canada has announced that the collection of this fee will be paused until further notice. This suspension is seen as a direct response to the consolidated feedback from its travel trade partners.
In a statement, the airline acknowledged the input from the travel agent community and stated its commitment to working collaboratively. While the suspension is currently temporary, it provides immediate relief and simplifies the ticket-changing process for both agents and their clients. Now, if a traveler needs to modify a booking, they won’t face this specific ancillary charge, regardless of who handles the change.
What This Means for Travelers and Agents
- More Flexibility: Travelers whose plans change will no longer have to worry about this specific fee when seeking assistance directly from the airline or another agency.
- Simplified Servicing: Travel agents can now manage client bookings with greater ease, removing a key point of contention and improving customer service.
- Industry Optimism: The travel community is hopeful that this temporary pause will lead to a permanent cancellation of the fee, fostering a more positive relationship between the airline and its agency partners.
This decision marks a positive step towards addressing the concerns of the travel trade. As the industry continues to navigate its recovery, such collaborative actions are crucial for rebuilding confidence and ensuring a smoother experience for everyone.
For more information on ticketing policies, you can visit the official Air Canada website.
