Faced with the threat of a strike at Air Canada, many travellers are wondering what to do and are wondering about their rights. Here is a summary of the potential consequences of this labour dispute on travellers and their recourses in this context.
Could my flight be cancelled?
All Air Canada flights scheduled for Sept. 15 and beyond are at increased risk of cancellation. With negotiations between the company and its pilots considered far from a deal, either side can file a strike or lockout notice Sunday for a work stoppage effective Sept. 18. In that case, all of the approximately 670 daily flights carrying about 110,000 passengers on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge would be cancelled. Air Canada Express flights would not be affected.
Some flights from September 15 to 17 would also be suspended, in a proportion that has not yet been defined by Air Canada. “A gradual shutdown of operations is necessary, as it represents the only responsible way to manage such a work interruption, both for customers and employees,” Air Canada explained in its press release Monday.
It is not possible to predict how long the conflict would last. Days? Weeks? It will depend on how the labor dispute develops.
Air Canada will provide “as much notice as possible” about these cancellations, if necessary, assured vice-president of communications Christophe Hennebelle. But it is not known how long travellers will have to wait before hearing about their flights.
How do I save my trip?
In the event that your flight is officially cancelled, you would be entitled to a full refund, the airline assures. Air Canada will also try to find you a seat on a flight with another airline. “We are already in discussions with other airlines. But you have to be aware that the number of seats available is limited. We have little or no hope of being able to reposition all customers,” said Mr. Hennebelle.
Air Canada has therefore implemented a “goodwill policy” that allows ticket holders between September 15 and 23 to change their flight without fees to a date between September 9 and 14 or between November 24 and 30. Some customers also have the option of cancelling their ticket and getting a refund, but only if they purchased it at the refundable fare. On its website, the company states that those who purchased their ticket with Aeroplan points will be able to get the points back into their account. Holders of a non-refundable ticket will only be able to get a credit for a future trip.
For most people, the best option is to wait for Air Canada to cancel their flight, says Simon Bourassa, spokesperson for CAA-Quebec, which offers travel advice and insurance. “Those who booked through a travel agency, we advise them to refer to their agent,” he added. He also recommends that travellers check their insurance contracts, as some have clauses allowing cancellation in any situation.
Cancellation can have significant financial consequences. What are my rights?
Air Canada is required to offer you a new flight within 48 hours or refund your ticket. But what about losses you incur, like accommodation costs or the cost of a concert ticket you can’t attend? Under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, a labour dispute is considered a “situation beyond the airline’s control,” just like severe weather or a security threat. Unfortunately for its customers, Air Canada is therefore not required to pay additional compensation.
You may, however, be eligible for additional compensation for international flights, and even more so for flights departing from Europe. For international flights, the Montreal Convention applies, says John Gradek, an aviation management specialist at McGill University. It allows for compensation for meals and accommodations, as well as lost wages resulting from a cancelled flight. European law provides even more, with compensation of up to €600 for flight cancellations. It applies to all flights departing from — but not arriving at — European airports, even for non-European airlines. Gradek encourages travellers to eventually seek compensation from Air Canada.