In emails to the trade 18MAY, Air Canada Vacations detailed changes it's making to its group booking system, with "the transition process for Groups from one system to another nearing completion."
Agents are advised to familiarize themselves with updates that would take place on bookings made effective 23MAY, 2023 for departures 01NOV and onwards.
Connectors now available
A maximum of 3 connectors 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 allows 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 Departure
New Groups travelling within 30 days of departure will not be permitted. Advisors are requested to book via the individual reservation booking channel.
Group Transfers
All groups must take Air Canada Vacations' transfers.
- No exceptions will be permitted.
- Any groups not using ACV transfer services (where available) will not be accepted.
Group Seat Selection
ACV advises that all efforts will be made to seat select a group according to the rooming list provided, and based on space availability.
New Groups' Terms & Conditions
ACV has made changes to Terms & Conditions, including:
- 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.
Point of Contact
An agent's ACV group coordinator is the main point of contact for any/all inquiries.
- Quotes are valid for up to 30 days
- Bookings must be requested during Groups business hours of operation.
Group Support Hours of Operation
- Monday to Friday: 8:00AM – 8:00PM
- Saturday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Group Training
Agents who wish to become an Air Canada Vacation Group Expert should request a Group Training session with their Air Canada Vacations' Representative.
Book Your Own Group Program Bonus Commission
Air Canada Vacations’ Book Your Own Group program features a bonus 2 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 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
Bonus Commission on Rental Car Bookings
Travel agents earn 3 per cent bonus commission on rental car bookings, with what ACV is calling "the best rates" for car rentals in Europe, Canada or the U.S.:
- Europe starting at $32
- Canada starting at $40
- U.S. starting at $45
