Air Canada Strike: Key Information and How to Manage It
It seems like every year an Air Canada strike is called at the height of the travel season. Sometimes, flights are canceled ahead of the strike, while other times, the airline will wait to make changes until a work stoppage is actually underway.
So, what do you do if you have travel plans when a strike has been called by airline employees? Keep reading to find out your passenger rights, how and when to make changes, and how you could be repaid for any inconvenience caused by Air Canada strike activity.
Air Canada Strikes: The Basics
Fortunately, most Air Canada strikes are announced in advance. And while any airline strike spells trouble for passengers, announced strikes give you time to make itinerary changes. Additionally, when a strike is called, it also means that you could be owed payment from Air Canada for the inconvenience.
By contrast unannounced, or wildcat strikes, can cause even more chaos for passengers, and because the airline is unable to prevent or avoid the work stoppage, passengers will not be able to collect any recompense for delays or cancellations.
How Your Rights are Protected
In Canada, airline strikes are regulated by the country’s labour laws, and passenger rights are protected by the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). These rules protect you if your flight is delayed or canceled as a result of the work stoppage.
If your flight is affected by a strike, the Canadian Transportation Agency requires Air Canada to rebook its passengers on the next available flight OR on a flight with another airline that it has a commercial agreement with.
Your new flight must leave within 48 hours of the time you were originally supposed to depart.
If this can’t be arranged, then Air Canada must give you the option of a refund or alternate travel arrangements (free of charge).
What To Do Before an Air Canada Strike
If you have a ticket that overlaps with the dates of the planned strike, the first thing to do is download the Air Canada app and stay informed about any changes that may occur. Air Canada’s app will send you these notifications, but you can also find details about the strike on the airline’s Travel Advisory page or by signing up for SMS or email updates.
You can also track developments on CTV or CBC.
Can You Make Changes to Your Air Canada Flight?
In most cases, Air Canada will allow passengers to change or cancel flights without being charged usual fees. They will let you know which dates are eligible for cancellations and changes free of charge.
- If you modify a non-refundable ticket outside any dates allowed for fee free changes, you’ll be charged as usual.
- You can modify a refundable ticket as per the rules of your particular booking.
- To get a refund or a free rebooking, wait until Air Canada cancels your flight.
What to Do About Disrupted Air Canada Flights
If you’ve already begun your journey, and you’re stuck at an airport because of a strike-related delay or cancellation, then Air Canada must help you with meals, hotel accommodation and transport if you’re stranded overnight and the strike is within Air Canada’s control.
6 Steps to Prepare for Air Canada Strikes
- Use the Air Canada app or check the website for travel advisories and alerts.
- Contact Air Canada’s customer service for more information or for help changing your flight.
- Check the refund policies of your ticket. If it is non-refundable, consider waiting until the carrier cancels your flight as this will initiate automatic refunds if you don't accept a rebooking.
- Review your Canada passenger rights.
- Pack and prepare for delays and disruptions.
- Check to see if your travel insurance will help cover expenses or flight disruptions.
How Often Does Air Canada Go on Strike?
The last time Air Canada had strikes that resulted in flight disruptions was in 2012. That year, Air Canada pilots and ground staff both had work stoppages that lasted several days, but the Canadian government intervened.
There have been several threatened strikes over the past 10 years, but these were all avoided when successful negotiations were established. Based on this, you might see strikes announced but they won’t necessarily lead to a work stoppage. If flights are canceled in anticipation of a strike, you still have the choice of receiving a full refund or a free rebooking.
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