I actually went through this exact situation a few weeks ago with Air Canada, so I can share how it played out for me. I booked a ticket late at night when I thought my work schedule was clear, but the next morning everything changed and I realized I couldn’t take the flight. I remembered hearing something about a 24-hour cancellation window, so I didn’t panic.
Instead of digging through endless FAQs online, I just called (877)-764-3622 since it’s the quickest way to reach someone who can actually fix things. The agent confirmed that Air Canada allows you to cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, as long as the ticket was purchased directly through them. They walked me through the steps and honestly, it took less than 10 minutes. A few days later, the refund hit my card.
I’ve had other airlines make it a hassle, but Air Canada was straightforward on this one. So yes, you can cancel within 24 hours for free, but I’d highly recommend calling that number right away rather than waiting until the last minute—it just makes the whole process smoother.