It seems like every year an Air Canada strike compensation situation is called at the height of the travel season. Sometimes, flights are cancelled ahead of the strike that is compensation–eligible, 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? It may qualify for airline strike compensation, so 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, similar to what’s available under airline strike compensation programs worldwide.
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.
According to the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), airlines have a responsibility to compensate passengers when delays or cancellations are within their control and not related to safety concerns. This typically covers issues like crew scheduling problems or mechanical maintenance delays.
But when the flight disruption is caused by something outside the airline’s control, they’re generally not required to pay compensation.
When it comes to wildcat strikes (sudden work stoppages by airline employees), the rules can get tricky. Because these strikes involve the airline’s own staff, they’re often seen as within the airline’s control. So, passengers affected by a wildcat strike could be eligible for compensation. However, eligibility depends on the details of the strike and how the airline responded to it.
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 cancelled 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. You might also be able to pursue formal airline strike compensation
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 and how they interact with Air Canada baggage compensation rules if your luggage is delayed or lost during a disruption. 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, keeping receipts and records that can support an Air Canada baggage compensation claim if something happens to your luggage.
- 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 a strike that resulted in flight disruptions was on March 23, 2012. That year, Toronto City News reported that 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 cancelled in anticipation of a strike, you still have the choice of receiving a full refund or a free rebooking, and in some cases you may also qualify for additional airline strike compensation, depending on the circumstances.
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