Air Canada pilots air silhouetted while holding signs during an informational picket at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. The Canadian Press
You're ready to travel, but there's still uncertainty about whether Air Canada will get you to your destination.
Lesley Keyter, a travel agent from Calgary, has been receiving calls from travelers wondering if they should cancel or reschedule their flights due to a possible strike. "I’ve been trying to reassure people," says Keyter, owner of The Travel Lady, "Historically, these disruptions usually last about four or five days."
However, she adds, the aftereffects can last longer and make travelers more anxious about their plans.
Air Canada pilots could strike as early as September 18, with the 72-hour strike notice potentially coming this weekend. Here's what travelers need to know:
What happens if there’s a strike?
If a strike or lockout occurs, all Air Canada flights will be canceled, and ticket holders can get a full refund, regardless of their fare type.
The airline has committed to notifying passengers within 48 hours if their flight is canceled and will try to rebook them on another flight, either with Air Canada or a partner airline, depending on seat availability. However, the airline will not provide additional compensation like food or lodging, as they consider strikes beyond their control.
I have a flight next week. What should I expect?
If your flight is canceled, Keyter advises contacting the company you booked with. If you purchased your ticket directly from Air Canada, reach out to them. For tickets bought through a third party or travel agent, they will handle the cancellation.
Can I change my flight?
For those who purchased refundable tickets, you can cancel your flight with Air Canada and book with another airline. Non-refundable ticket holders can get credit for future travel or book a flight for travel before September 15 or between September 24 and November 30.
Keyter emphasizes that travelers should weigh their travel plans carefully. If the trip is essential, she suggests accepting Air Canada credit for future travel while booking a different flight as a backup.
What if changing or canceling isn’t an option?
If canceling or changing your flight isn’t feasible, Keyter recommends booking a fully refundable flight with another airline as a safety net. While Air Canada offers travel credit, there’s no refund for non-refundable tickets.
"Booking a refundable ticket as insurance can be pricey because last-minute fares are high," says Keyter. "But if it’s within budget, it could offer peace of mind."
She compares this to the WestJet strike threat earlier in the year when she needed to attend a family funeral in Europe. Keyter booked a fully refundable flight as a precaution, although the strike didn’t happen, and she got her money back.
Will travel insurance help?
Most insurance policies won’t cover labor disputes, as they are considered a known risk, unlike unexpected events such as bad weather.
When will I get my refund?
Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations, airlines must refund the full amount within 30 days of canceling a flight.
