MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations has made some adjustments to its Group processes, effective May 23, 2023 for departures starting November 1, 2023.
In its Dedicated Groups Update newsletter sent to the trade, ACV says: “We are pleased to inform you that the transition process for Groups from one system to another is nearing completion. We sincerely thank you for your continued support and understanding.”
Also starting May 23, 2023, ACV’s Book Your Own Group (BYOG) program features a bonus 2% commission applicable when combining multiple individual bookings made online or via any GDS systems to Mexico, the Caribbean, California, Florida, Hawaii, Las Vegas or a Europe ITC Package to make a group of 10 or more.
The promotion is valid on bookings of 10 adults or more for travel on the same departure date, and to the same hotel. All bookings for passengers travelling together as a Book Your Own Group, must be made within 48 hours to qualify. All bookings need to be emailed to byog2vacv@vacv.com in order to receive the bonus commission.
Here’s a look at ACV’s Groups updates …
CONNECTORS
A maximum of 3 connector routes per booking will be allowed for passengers requiring a connector as part of their vacation travel plans.
. Western Canada Region – YVR, YWG, YYC, and YEG
. Eastern Canada Region – YOW, YQT, YTS, and YAM
. Quebec and Atlantic Canada Regions – YQB, YYT, YHZ, YQM
DEVIATIONS
ACV will allow a maximum of two different travel dates per booking. Exception for Wedding groups – an additional date will be permitted for the Bride & Groom.
LAST-MINUTE GROUP DEPARTURES
New Groups travelling within 30 days of departure will not be permitted. “Please book via our individual reservation booking channel,” says ACV.
GROUP TRANSFERS
All groups must take ACV transfers. No exceptions will be permitted. Any groups not using ACV transfer services (where available) will not be accepted.
GROUP SEAT SELECTION
ACV says all efforts will be made to seat select groups according to rooming lists and based on space availability.
GROUP TERMS & CONDITIONS
ACV says it has made changes to its Terms & Conditions, and encourages travel advisors to give themselves time to get familiar with the new version, “as it provides you with important and relevant information.”
. Full Payment & Names are due 60 days prior to departure
. Name changes, date changes or any type of modification will not be permitted at 28 days or less prior departure.
E-DOC RELEASE
All documents will be issued 3 weeks prior to departure.
. Changes are not permitted 28 days or less prior to departure
. Fees may apply for any name corrections required once files are ticketed
CONTACTS
“Your group coordinator is your main point of contact for any/all inquiries,” ACV tells agents.
. Quotes are valid for up to 30 days
. Bookings must be requested during Groups business hours of operation
HOURS OF OPERATION
. Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
ACV GROUP TRAINING
Travel advisors who want to be an Air Canada Vacation Group Expert are asked to request a Group Training session with their ACV rep.
