Things are finally looking up! seems that covid infection rates are levelling off and dropping , mandates are being lifted and the weather is getting better! The warm weather is finally here and we are approaching travel season 😎. The perfect time to book that All inclusive AIR CANADA VACATIONS vacation you’ve been waiting for…… right?!
Well, NOT SO FAST! Yes it’s a great time to travel for sure but before you get started there are some things you should keep in mind.
To start COVID! yes, it’s still around and even though things seem good right now there is a chance lockdown and restrictions can be reintroduced. Also vaccinated or not there’s still a very real chance that before, or during your vacation you may end up with covid and dealing with medical and non medical expenses can be a hassle.
“EXPENSES? INSURANCE? NO PROBLEM! I HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH MY CREDIT CARD SO I’M FINE! “
Well, not quite … as i’ve mentioned on my instagram stories multiple times!! ALWAYS BE AWARE of What coverage you have and what you don’t.
To start, NO you don’t have COVID insurance with any credit card. You need to buy a totally separate insurance policy.
“okay, BUT I also have an ALL INCLUSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE which is also multitrip coverage! so i’m good!”
Actually, sorry to break it to you but that insurance doesn’t cover COVID either (ironic since it says all inclusive) but sadly covid insurance is it’s own policy that needs to be bought on EVERY trip you take. There is NO multiple trip coverage for it and the type of coverage varies based on provider but usually covers things your standard policies don’t. This includes quarantine stay and flight rebooking for home in the event you test positive for COVID on your trip! (whether it’s fully/partially covered depends on the insurance. Be sure to read the terms before purchase or at the very least call in and ask and document it.)
“Okay, so now I’ve checked my insurance policies, bought that covid insurance, so i’m good to book that all inclusive AIR CANADA VACATIONS vacation right?”
Yes! You are good to go! BUT before booking you should know that AIR CANADA VACATIONS is NOT DIRECTLY ASSOCIATED with AIR CANADA hence the name “AIR CANADA VACATIONS”. Well yes, they are owned by Air Canada but treat them as a 3rd party travel agent like EXPEDIA, BOOKING.COM, SKY SCANNER, TRIP ADVISOR etc…
“So what does that mean ? And what does it have to do with me?”
Great Question! it means if you have any issues on your trip (with your flight or with your accommodations etc…) you DON’T deal with Air Canada, your Hotel/Resort etc… you must contact your Travel Agency (AIR CANADA VACATIONS). This is not a problem if your trip goes as planned but it can be a NIGHTMARE if you’re unaware and don’t know how to proceed or who to contact. What’s even more frustrating is that airline cancellations and rebooking etc.. CANNOT be done via the Air Canada contact number and not even at the airport desk. You need to contact AIR CANADA VACATIONS which most people don’t know since the name AIR CANADA is in AIR CANADA VACATIONS (very misleading) so they spend hours on the phone with Air Canada only to finally get through and be told to contact AIR CANADA VACATIONS. The most AIR CANADA agents may be able to do is forward your call/email to Air Canada Vacations. The supposed reason for this is that even though your booking and reservation codes work on your Air Canada App, the reference numbers etc.. are exclusive to AIR CANADA VACATIONS.
The only way to reach AIR CANADA VACATIONS is by the support number on their site…. which usually is busy! The only alternative is a really horribly designed contact forum on their website https://vacations.aircanada.com/en/contact-us and no don’t bother reaching them on social media because they forward you to the same site above and tell you to fill the forum or call in! and that process can take MONTHS (yes I said months … lookout for the post upcoming about the difficulties/challenges I’ve faced and why I believe in Travel insurance! ..but I digress)
Bottom line, if you find a great deal with Air Canada Vacations, go for it but also be aware they are NOT Air Canada! They are a 3rd Party Travel Agency! and if you face issues with them it’s easier to make a claim via Travel Insurance. The reality is, sometimes you have no choice, so it’s better to go in being aware!
Until Next time
Safe Travels! and always Stay Informed!
– YYZ2TheWorld
100% this also applies for SunWing and other airlines all inclusive since they’re all inclusive they’re packaged via travel agencies not the airline directly