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How to cancel a trip and get a refund?

  • Credit Card Insurance
How to cancel a trip and get a refund?
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In the Milesopedia Facebook community, questions about airline ticket and travel cancellation rules come up often.

Specifically: how do you avoid paying a fee when cancelling a trip and how to get a refund?

Where do I start to get a refund after a trip cancellation?

Context

First of all, your reason for cancelling the trip is important.

If the carrier changes your flight and it is no longer suitable, you can cancel the ticket and get a full refund directly with the company.

The refund will be applied to the original method of payment. This applies regardless of how the ticket was paid for (points, cash, travel credit).

However, if you want to cancel a trip because you have changed your mind, the airline is not required to refund you if it is still operating the flight.

Indeed, the sanitary measures and restrictions for COVID-19 can be discouraging in front of a departure, but the carrier is not responsible in this context.

Government restrictions do not prohibit the carrier from operating the flights, as the trips are not outlawed by the state, they are strongly discouraged.

How to cancel a trip will depend on several factors.

Insurance

A quick reminder of some definitions of travel insurance terms:

InsuranceDefinition
Trip Cancellation InsuranceCancelled before departure
Trip interruption insuranceInterrupted after departure

Credit cards insurance

A claim can be made to credit card cancellation insurance for the following reasons:

  • A medical emergency for an insured person
  • A medical emergency for a close family member (family, work associate) of an insured person
  • The death of an insured person
  • The death of a close family member or business associate of an insured person
  • The death of the host at the destination of an insured person
  • The news of a pregnancy when the trip was meant to take place after the 32nd week
  • The premature birth of a baby if the trip is during the first 32 weeks of pregnancy
  • A government warning, after your travel purchase, advising travelers not to go to the intended destination
  • Being summoned to court
  • Job loss or transfer
  • An event that renders an insured person’s principal residence or place of business uninhabitable
  • The delay of a private vehicle or carrier due to external conditions (traffic accident, bad weather, roadblock…) preventing a covered person from starting his trip
Exclusive
Annual fee
$0 $150
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$150
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
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on National Bank's website

With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.

  • Refund of the first-year annual fee (a $150 value) for the primary cardholder. This fee is charged to your new card account, then refunded as a credit on your statement within five months of opening your account, provided it remains open and in good standing.

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.

With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
  • 2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on recurring bills
  • 2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
  • 1 point per dollar for all other purchases

And since it’s an NBC mycredit Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.

With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:

  • Airport parking
  • Baggage fees
  • Seat selection
  • Access to airport lounges
  • Airline ticket upgrades

What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.

Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xRestaurants
  • 5xGroceries
  • 2xTravel
  • 2xBills & recurring payments
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$778
2nd Year Value$923

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Travel AccidentIncluded

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Insurance specific to COVID-19

What should you do if you test positive for COVID-19, forcing mandatory isolation before departure?

COVID-19 is a known situation so it is not a valid reason to make a claim on standard insurance such as credit cards. It is imperative to have a cancellation insurance that covers this clause.

Manulife offers a very nice protection in case of COVID-19 and its consequences, but only as trip interruption insurance, therefore after the beginning of the trip.


We do not pay any benefits for a quarantine or self-isolation in Canada as mandated by any government. Manulife

While TuGo will accept cancellation due to quarantine for a trip cancellation insurance claim.

How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - TuGo assurance isolement avant départ

Chargeback

This procedure will not be applicable for a refund of the trip in case you change your mind.

Chargeback with the credit card issuer is only for the following situations:

  • you paid for a service that was not rendered
  • you paid for goods you did not receive or damaged

It is also a measure of last resort. In fact, you must have taken steps to get your money back from the merchant before turning to the chargeback department.

When booking an airline ticket, you must agree to the carrier’s trip cancellation and refund policies.

If you purchased a flight at a non-refundable fare, the chargeback request will be denied since the merchant is entitled to justify itself.

The carrier will send the terms and conditions you agreed to to the credit card company.

Annual fee
$0 $150
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$921
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$771Annual fee rebated$150Total$921Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 115,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Ends Nov 30, 2026
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on BMO's website

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is one of the best World Elite Mastercard travel rewards credit cards in Canada. With our welcome offer, you can get up to 115,000 BMO Rewards points, for a total value of up to $1,900, including up to $200 in Instacart benefits.

Plus, there’s no annual fee in the first year for the primary cardholder and additional cardholders, and you benefit from a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months (with a 2% balance transfer fee).

With the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, you get:

  • 5 points per dollar on eligible travel*
  • 3 points per dollar on eligible dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments*
  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases*

The card also offers:

  • 4 complimentary airport lounge accesses per year via Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass*
  • comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical coverage up to $5 million for 21 days*
  • A NEXUS statement credit in the first year*
  • Up to $200 in Instacart benefits*
  • Six months of Instacart+ membership plus a monthly $10 Instacart credit with an eligible card*

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xTravel
  • 3xRestaurants
  • 3xStreaming
  • 3xBills & recurring payments
  • 3xEntertainment
  • 3xTelecom
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,249
2nd Year Value$289

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$160

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

How do I cancel a trip paid in cash?

The answer to this question will depend on several elements:

  • the company
  • the destination
  • the tariff class
  • the options chosen
  • the date of reservation
  • the date of cancellation

Airline tickets

When you are about to purchase an airline ticket, the fare conditions are clearly indicated during the flight selection.

Basic and standard fare flights are non-refundable with Air Canada.

How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - AC Classes tarifaires argent

However, due to the pandemic, cancellation policies may be relaxed depending on the carrier.

For a flight booked with Air Canada, for example, you can currently cancel the trip even at the lowest fare. In this case, Air Canada will give you:

  • a travel credit
  • the equivalent of the airfare in Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus
How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - AC annulation COVID

The all-inclusives

At Air Canada Vacations, it is possible to pay for the « All Flexibility » option which allows for a full refund. However, there are specifications on how the reimbursement is to be made.

  • up to 21 days before departure, the total price of the package will be refunded in the original form of payment
  • up to 3 days before departure, 100% of the total price will be granted as a travel credit
How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - AC Option Toute Flexibilité

On the Sunwing side, they are currently offering one free change on all reservations. If you want to cancel your trip for any reason, you can do so up to 3 hours before departure by paying an additional fee with the « no worries » option.

How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - Sunwing Modifications_

However, although you are able to cancel travel up to 3 hours prior to the flight, the method of refund will not necessarily be in cash. It will depend on when you pull the trigger on your vacation.

How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - Sunwing Option Sans soucis
How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - Sunwing Modalités de remboursement

Similarly, Air Transat also offers a bonus for the flexibility of having a trip refunded.

In short, you have to pay for flexibility and cancellation.

How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - Air Transat Modalités remboursement

How do I cancel a trip paid with Aeroplan points?

Airline tickets

It is possible tocancel or change the itinerary of an airfare at any time up to two hours before departure, even at standard fares! This great flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of paying for the flight with points versus cash.

How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - AC Classes tarifaires Aeroplan

In the event of cancellation, Aeroplan points will be returned to the account and taxes paid will be refunded in full. The process is very simple.

However, it will not be free. In addition, it should be noted that taking a business class ticket does not exempt you from cancellation fees if the fare is standard.

Here are the details of the cancellation and change fees for award tickets.

How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - Aeroplan frais annulation

Finally, due to the pandemic, Air Canada has changed its award cancellation and change policies. Therefore, depending on the date of booking, it is possible to benefit from a fee waiver.

The all-inclusives

It is possible to use Aeroplan points for a vacation package in the South. In fact, it is a travel discount that will be deducted from the final amount when you make your reservation.

This way of paying is similar to using rewards points. You purchase the trip first, then apply points for a credit to the account when the expense appears on the statement.

In this example, the number of points to be redeemed is 200,000 Aeroplan points for a discount of $2,000.

How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - Aeroplan Tout Inclus Option Toute flexibilité

Milesopedia gives a current valuation of 2.0¢ to an Aeroplan point. This is a benchmark figure when considering whether to book a flight with cash or with Aeroplan points. So according to the formula for valuation calculation:


2,000 / 200,000 = 1¢ per Aeroplan point

However, although the valuation is lower than what we aim for at Milesopedia, money saved is money saved to be used elsewhere!

Taking the « All Flexibility » option is also required to cancel an all-inclusive trip paid with Aeroplan points.

The conditions of the option are the same as those listed above. Despite the payment in points, it is a travel discount and therefore simply a payment method.

How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - AC Option Toute Flexibilité 2

How do I cancel a trip paid with Reward Points?

When used, Reward Points appear as a credit to the account on the credit card statement. The credit is applied in the same manner as a payment from you to the account balance.

Following a cancellation, if you are able to obtain a cash refund, the amount will appear on your credit card statement. Depending on the issuer, points will be restored while some leave the travel credit in place.

To cancel an airline ticket or an all-inclusive paid for in this manner, refer to the section « How do I cancel a trip paid for with cash? ». The procedures are usually the same.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
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Ends Nov 1, 2026
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on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

How do I cancel a hotel reservation free of charge?

Finally, getting reimbursed for a hotel room is much easier than for flights and vacation packages.

The terms and conditions are specific to each hotel whether paid in points or in cash.

Whether it’s on Booking, Airbnb or a reservation with Marriott Bonvoy points, the cancellation policies of each hotel and room are clearly stated.

How to cancel a trip and get a refund? - Annulation Hôtels

Conclusion

In times of pandemic, the feeling of wanting to cancel your trip is unavoidable when faced with the restrictions that can sometimes arrive very suddenly.

It is always possible to write off your vacation due to a change of mind, but there will be a fee to pay for a refund.

Unfortunately, this is the price of traveling in times of crisis, but at least it allows us to escape all the same.

Exclusive
Annual fee
$0 $150
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$150
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
First Year Annual Fee Rebate
$150 annual fee rebated
Ends Nov 4, 2026
Apply Now

on National Bank's website

With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.

  • Refund of the first-year annual fee (a $150 value) for the primary cardholder. This fee is charged to your new card account, then refunded as a credit on your statement within five months of opening your account, provided it remains open and in good standing.

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.

With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
  • 2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on recurring bills
  • 2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
  • 1 point per dollar for all other purchases

And since it’s an NBC mycredit Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.

With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:

  • Airport parking
  • Baggage fees
  • Seat selection
  • Access to airport lounges
  • Airline ticket upgrades

What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.

Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xRestaurants
  • 5xGroceries
  • 2xTravel
  • 2xBills & recurring payments
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$778
2nd Year Value$923

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Travel AccidentIncluded

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Our featured card

Exclusive
Annual fee
$0 $150
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$150
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
First Year Annual Fee Rebate
$150 annual fee rebated
Ends Nov 4, 2026
Apply Now

on National Bank's website

With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.

  • Refund of the first-year annual fee (a $150 value) for the primary cardholder. This fee is charged to your new card account, then refunded as a credit on your statement within five months of opening your account, provided it remains open and in good standing.

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.

With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
  • 2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on recurring bills
  • 2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
  • 1 point per dollar for all other purchases

And since it’s an NBC mycredit Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.

With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:

  • Airport parking
  • Baggage fees
  • Seat selection
  • Access to airport lounges
  • Airline ticket upgrades

What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.

Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xRestaurants
  • 5xGroceries
  • 2xTravel
  • 2xBills & recurring payments
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$778
2nd Year Value$923

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Travel AccidentIncluded

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.