Stranded by the Air Canada strike? Here’s what passengers must know about refunds and rights

Air Canada flight cancellations passenger rights: If you're taking a flight with Air Canada this weekend, your holiday could be at risk. The airline will now face a full-blown work stoppage after the flight attendants delivered a 72-hour strike notice, as per a report. Air Canada has responded with a lockout notice and said that it's ready to begin canceling flights as early as Thursday, according to Global News.

Air Canada to Begin Cancelling Flights from Thursday

For travelers, that means delays, cancellations, and a lot of uncertainty, so here's what to know if you’ve already bought a ticket and what your options are now, as per Global News.

Air Canada indicates that it will start cancelling flights on Thursday, with additional cancellation on Friday, and a full shutdown of flying, including Air Canada Rouge, by Saturday, according to the report. The airline adds that shutting down in phases is the best method to prevent chaos, allowing passengers an opportunity to make changes or make plans accordingly, as per the Global News report.


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How to Get a Refund from Air Canada

If your flight gets cancelled, Air Canada informed that you will be given a complete refund, with the refund being available to be obtained on the Air Canada website or on the Air Canada mobile app, according to the report.

Air Canada said that those who do not have a confirmed flight should not go to the airport, as per the report.

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Should You Accept a Refund or Ask for Rebooking?

The airline also indicates it is trying to assist travelers in rebooking and is making other travel arrangements with other Canadian and foreign carriers, though it cautioned finding capacity may prove difficult because of summer travel, according to the Global News report.

While Gabor Lukacs, president of the advocacy group Air Passenger Rights, advised that taking a refund may restrict your choice, as per the report. If you accept a refund, the airline may no longer be obligated to assist you in finding alternative transportation, according to the Global News report.

He explained that, “If you voluntarily accept a refund, then Air Canada (can) possibly argue, ‘A passenger chose a refund (and) we no longer owe them alternate transportation.’ But if you say, ‘No, I won’t accept the refund, give me alternate transportation,’ and they fail to do so (or) refuse to do so, they owe you compensation for your alternate transportation costs,” as quoted by Global News.

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Travel Insurance and Airline Strikes: What’s Covered

Experts have also pointed out that your travel insurance might cover travel disruptions, including from a strike or lockout, according to the report.

Will McAleer, spokesperson for Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada, said that, “If your travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation, interruption, delay or missed connection and a strike is listed as a covered reason, you may be reimbursed for prepaid travel costs that Air Canada or other providers won’t refund,” as quoted by Global News.

What to Do If You Booked an Air Canada Flight?

• Check your flight status frequently
• Don’t go to the airport unless your flight is confirmed
• Review your travel insurance policy
• Contact Air Canada for a rebook or refund
• Document all correspondence in case you're forced to escalate
• If you're not satisfied with the way your complaint is dealt with, you can make a complaint to the Canadian Transportation Agency.

FAQs

Will Air Canada cancel my flight this weekend?
Yes, cancellations begin Thursday, with a full shutdown by Saturday, as per Global News report.

How will I know if my flight is cancelled?
Air Canada will notify affected passengers directly. Be sure to check your flight status often, as per Global News report.