ACV adjusts group processes as overhaul nears completion

Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has made some adjustments to its group processes effective May 23, 2023, for departures starting Nov. 1, 2023.

As outlined in a newsletter sent to the trade on Thursday (May 18), the tour operator said its transition from one groups system to another is “nearing completion.”

As a result, some updates have been made – starting with connectors, which are now available.

ACV says a maximum of three connector routes per booking will be allowed for passengers requiring one as part of their vacation plans out of the following hubs:

• 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

On deviations, ACV will now allow a maximum of two different travel dates per booking. An exception will be made for wedding groups – an additional date will be permitted for the bride and groom.

Regarding last-minute group departures, new groups travelling within 30 days of departure will not be permitted. “Please book via our individual reservation booking channel,” ACV says.

The company is also reminding agents that all groups must take Air Canada Vacations' transfers.

No exceptions will be permitted and “any groups not using our transfer services (where available) will not be accepted,” says ACV.

In addition, all efforts will be made to seat select groups according to the rooming list and based on space availability, ACV says.

New groups' terms & conditions

ACV has also made changes to its terms and conditions, which states that full payment and 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,” ACV says.

As well, all e-documents will be issued three weeks prior to departure. ACV says that fees may apply for any name corrections that are made once files are ticketed.

Meanwhile, group coordinators will be the main point of contact for any/all inquiries.

Quotes are valid for up to 30 days and bookings must be requested during Groups business hours of operation, which is Monday to Friday (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and now Saturday (from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Book your own group promo

ACV’s “Book Your Own Group” program features a bonus two per cent 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 promo 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.

Finally, travel advisors that want to be an Air Canada Vacation Group Expert are invited to arrange a Group Training session with their ACV rep.

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