Canadian airlines have faced a tumultuous year with numerous flight delays and cancellations from major carriers like Air Canada, WestJet, and Sunwing. As 2023 continues to be challenging for travelers, it’s essential to understand what you’re entitled to if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) provides crucial information about passenger rights in Canada. According to the CTA, the level of compensation and assistance passengers may receive depends on the airline’s control over the delay or cancellation. There are three possible scenarios: within the airline’s control, within the airline’s control but required for safety, or outside the airline’s control.
For delays and cancellations within the airline’s control (e.g., staffing issues, flight consolidation, or scheduled maintenance), airlines must offer alternative travel arrangements or a refund, as well as compensation for the inconvenience. In all situations, free travel arrangements must be provided if your flight is cancelled or delayed for three hours or more. Airlines must also provide assistance in certain circumstances, such as food and drink, communication means, and overnight accommodation, including transportation.
When delays or cancellations are within the airline’s control but required for safety, compensation isn’t required. However, airlines must still fulfill other obligations as if the disruption wasn’t for safety reasons. For situations outside the airline’s control (e.g., extreme weather or security incidents), the airline doesn’t have to provide compensation or assistance. However, they must make alternative travel arrangements or issue a refund in some cases.
The compensation amounts for Canadian airlines vary depending on whether the airline is large or small:
Large airlines must pay:
- $400 if the passenger arrives 3 or more hours late
- $700 if the passenger arrives 6 or more hours late
- $1,000 if the passenger arrives 9 or more hours late
Small airlines must pay:
- $125 if the passenger arrives 3 or more hours late
- $250 if the passenger arrives 6 or more hours late
- $500 if the passenger arrives 9 or more hours late
If you opt for a ticket refund instead of alternative travel arrangements, large airlines must pay $400, while small airlines must pay $125 for the inconvenience.
To address a problem during your flight, first contact the airline in writing. If unsatisfied with the response or if there is no reply, you can then contact the CTA to review your case. However, be aware that the CTA is currently dealing with a backlog of 42,000 traveler complaints. The Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, announced an additional $75.9 million in funding over three years to address these complaints.
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