If your summer travel plans have been upended by the Air Canada flight attendants’ strike, you’re not alone — and you may be entitled to more than just a rebooked seat.
Hundreds of thousands of travellers have found themselves scrambling, stuck in airports or forced to cobble together last-minute flights, as Canada’s largest airline faces one of the busiest travel weeks of the year without its staff. But while frustration is mounting, many passengers don’t realize that they could claim reimbursement for unexpected travel costs — and in some cases, even more compensation.
You Have a Right to a Rebooked Flight — and More
Air Canada announced that passengers affected by cancellations from August 12 to 23 who rebooked on other airlines, or even took buses or other transport, can submit claims for reimbursement. “We want to take care of our customers,” said Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick. “If they are stranded, we want to make sure they get home.”
Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), airlines must offer passengers a choice between a cash refund or rebooking. If they can’t rebook you within 48 hours, they are required to seek alternatives on competitor airlines or nearby airports — and failure to comply can result in hefty fines, as WestJet learned in 2024 with a $204,000 penalty during its mechanics strike.
Why Many Passengers Are Still Stuck
Despite these rules, the Air Canada strike has left many travellers stranded. Geoff White, executive director of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, points to a bigger problem: Canada’s airline industry is dominated by just two major carriers. “The reason so many people are stranded is because we don’t have enough competition,” he said. “This strike has to be a wake-up call.”
International Passengers Have Even Stronger Protections
Passengers departing from European countries or the U.K. enjoy more robust protections. EU regulations allow affected travellers to claim reimbursement for added expenses like hotels and even compensation of up to €600 ($965 CAD). U.K. passengers can claim up to £520 ($970 CAD). Under these rules, airlines can’t shrug off responsibility just because the disruption involves their own staff.
For international travel outside Europe, the Montreal Convention may offer compensation for delayed or damaged luggage, or financial losses caused by flight disruptions. Labour strikes at the airline may still be considered the carrier’s responsibility, giving passengers a stronger case.
Why Canada’s Rules Haven’t Caught Up
More than two years ago, the federal government proposed strengthening the APPR to include mandatory coverage for hotel costs and incidentals during strikes. Those changes remain in limbo, leaving passengers to navigate a patchwork of protections during high-stress disruptions.
Passengers who believe Air Canada hasn’t honored their rights can file complaints with the Canadian Transportation Agency, though with a backlog of over 87,000 cases, resolutions may take months.
Bottom line: If your Air Canada flight was canceled, don’t assume you’re out of luck. You could claim reimbursement for rebooked flights, alternative transportation, and — if your trip involved Europe — even additional compensation. Knowing your rights can turn travel chaos into cash back.
