FAQs: Air Canada’s Flight Disruption Shuttle

Q: What is the Air Canada flight disruption shuttle?

A: The Air Canada flight disruption shuttle is an alternative travel service for passengers flying to or from West Kootenay Regional Airport (YCG) in Castlegar, BC. If there’s a high likelihood of weather-related flight cancellations, Air Canada will cancel flights before takeoff and provide a shuttle service to and from Kelowna International Airport. From Kelowna, passengers can continue their travel, rebook for another day, or cancel altogether.

Q: How does the shuttle work for inbound YCG passengers travelling from Vancouver?

A: If weather conditions make landing in Castlegar unlikely, Air Canada will offer passengers at the gate in Vancouver the option to take the shuttle from Kelowna. The flight will continue to Kelowna, where a comfortable shuttle bus will be available in the early afternoon to bring passengers to West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at Vancouver Airport 90 minutes before their scheduled departure.

Q: When can I expect to arrive at Kelowna or Castlegar if I take the shuttle?

A: The drive between Castlegar and Kelowna airports covers approximately 350 km and takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions. The shuttle will depart Castlegar Airport 45 minutes before the scheduled flight time and arrive at Kelowna Airport approximately 3.5 to 4 hours later. After a brief break, the shuttle will return to Castlegar.

E.g. If the shuttle leaves Castlegar at 11:00 AM (for an 11:45 AM flight), it will arrive at Kelowna between 2:30 and 3:00 PM, depart again around 3:00 to 3:30 PM, and return to Castlegar by 7:30 to 8:00 PM.

Air Canada will manage rebooking for onward flights from Kelowna, including the next available flights to Vancouver. Announcements will be made at Kelowna Airport to notify passengers about shuttle arrival and departure times.

Q: Who pays for the shuttle?

A: Air Canada fully covers the logistics and costs for the flight disruption shuttle as a value-added service for passengers booking out of West Kootenay Regional Airport.

Q: Are there any restrictions?

A: Yes, shuttle availability depends on local bus resources. The type of bus usually available requires that certain passengers, such as unaccompanied minors and persons with reduced mobility, may not be eligible for the service. Ineligible passengers will be offered traditional flight alternatives in accordance with normal policies and procedures.

Please contact Air Canada customer service for any additional inquiries, at https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/fly/customer-support.html#/.