Air Canada offers goodwill rebooking for Cuba travelers with Feb. 5 cutoff

Air Canada published a Goodwill Policy on Feb. 6 that lets customers with tickets issued on or before Feb. 5, 2026, for travel Feb. 6 through Feb. 25 make voluntary itinerary changes or take travel credit without the usual change fee. The move follows the Government of Canada advisory on Feb. 3 telling travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to worsening shortages of electricity, fuel, and basic necessities including food, water and medicine, which can also affect resorts.”

The policy covers flights to and from Cayo Coco (CCC), Varadero (VRA), Santa Clara (SNU) and Holguín (HOG), and applies to ticket stock 014. Air Canada’s advisory opens with the line, “Because of the ongoing power outages and hotel closures in Cuba, we understand that you may want to make alternative travel arrangements.” Passengers whose tickets qualify may make one free change up to two hours before departure; rebooking is limited to Air Canada-operated flights. Change fees are waived, but any fare difference will be collected when rerouting or changing fare basis. Openjaw’s internal table lists the Rebooking Window as N/A while its Re-Protection Guidelines specify the one-change, up-to-2-hours-before-departure rule; both items should be considered together when planning a change.

Customers who prefer not to rebook may cancel and choose a credit to their AC Wallet or convert the value to a Future Travel Credit. Openjaw also notes customers may request a refund via AC Wallet. Aeroplan flight reward travellers are asked to call 1-800-361-5373 for assistance. For general rebooking and change support, contact Air Canada at 1-888-247-2262. Travel agents processing GDS exchanges were instructed to use endorsement code ACACUBAFE26 when handling eligible tickets. Openjaw warned staff to expect higher call volumes and urged use of self-serve options, noting, “Please also remind the network that with these options, we may experience higher call volumes and where we list the self-serve options, please read and take advantage of them.”

The advisory lands against a backdrop of slipping visitor numbers and operational stress on the island. Cuba’s national statistical agency reported 1.6 million tourists from January to November 2025, with a 12 percent decline in Canadian visitors through December 2025 and a 17 percent drop in December overall, equal to about 392,450 fewer international travellers. The Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto maintained resort operations are functioning “normally and securely for the 2025/2026 winter season.” At the same time, some commentators flagged on-the-ground risks, asking, “What if, god forbid, you had to have surgery in a hospital and the lights went out?” and arguing, “It's hard to understand, even though it's inexpensive and attractive, why anybody would book at this point.” Flight Centre’s Anita Emilio said, “We’re still seeing Canadians book travel to Cuba, particularly repeat visitors who are familiar with the destination.”

What this means for travellers is straightforward: verify your ticket issue date and cabin, weigh the credit-versus-refund options, and decide quickly if you need to rebook - changes must be made up to two hours before departure. Call Air Canada at 1-888-247-2262 or Aeroplan at 1-800-361-5373 for reward bookings, and consider travel insurance, extra cash, and packing essential medicines given the government advisory and ongoing power outages.