Latest news with #AirPassengerProtectionRegulations
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Worried about Air Canada strike? Here's how to prepare for a possible flight attendant walkout
Air Canada faces possible flight attendant strike. Union members may walk off the job in mid-August. This could cause flight delays and cancellations. Travellers should stay informed about the situation. They should also consider flexible booking options. Review travel insurance policies for strike coverage. Negotiations are ongoing to avert the strike. After failed contract negotiations, Air Canada flight attendants could strike as early as August 16. Bargaining will continue, but the uncertainty has prompted many travelers to take precautionary measures. (File Photo) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Plan Early and Stay Informed Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Book Flexible Travel Options Don't Book Multiple Flights Review Your Travel Insurance Background: Why Flight Attendants Are Considering a Strike As a potential strike by Air Canada flight attendants looms, travellers with flights scheduled in mid to late August may need to prepare for disruptions, including delays or cancellations. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents more than 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, has initiated a strike mandate vote that runs until August move comes after months of contract negotiations ended without a deal. According to the union, if an agreement isn't reached, flight attendants could walk off the job as early as August 16. Bargaining is expected to resume regardless of the vote's outcome, but the uncertainty has led many travellers to consider precautionary how you can prepare for the possibility of a strike, based on expert suggestions and general travel best practices:Stay updated on the latest developments regarding negotiations between Air Canada and CUPE. Monitor official updates from the airline and news sources for timely information about potential disruptions or alternative arrangements offered by the often send alerts and allow customers to reschedule flights at no extra cost when there's a possibility of disruption. If this happens, take action promptly to secure better rebooking for tickets, accommodations, and rental cars that offer full refunds or flexible cancellation policies. Even if refundable options cost more upfront, they provide greater control and peace of mind if plans change the idea of booking a backup flight on another airline might seem smart, it's often an expensive gamble. Gabor Lukacs, president of the advocacy group Air Passenger Rights, told that travellers shouldn't feel pressured to change their plans until an actual cancellation Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), airlines are obligated to offer assistance and compensation for cancellations within their control, but only if they are the ones to all travel insurance policies cover labour disruptions. Check the fine print to see whether coverage includes delays or cancellations due to strikes. If you're not covered, consider upgrading or purchasing add-on to CUPE, entry-level wages for flight attendants have increased by only 10 per cent since 2000, while inflation has risen by 169 per cent over the same period, according to a report by key demand is compensation for time spent performing duties such as boarding, safety checks, and deplaning, which currently go unpaid under existing contracts. The union has also raised concerns about pensions and overall job Air Canada has acknowledged the vote as a routine part of labour negotiations, it says it's committed to reaching a fair and competitive agreement that supports its staff and long-term growth.
Vancouver Sun
29-07-2025
- Vancouver Sun
WestJet must pay $2K for cancelled flights after B.C. tribunal rejects airline's 'highly technical' evidence
A B.C. tribunal has ordered WestJet to pay more than $2,000 to two passengers after ruling the airline failed to provide sufficient evidence that weather conditions made it unsafe to operate scheduled flights. In a decision from the province's civil resolution tribunal published last week, Nathan and Leah Baugh were awarded $1,000 each under Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which mandate such compensation when arrival at a passenger's destination is delayed by nine hours or more beyond the time noted on the original ticket for reasons within the airline's control. The Baughs, scheduled to fly from St. John's to Vancouver on March 7, 2022, with a stopover in Toronto, were notified by email about 17 hours prior that their flight had been cancelled due to weather. They were rebooked on flights departing March 8. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. WestJet said the weather in St. John's on the evening of March 6 — a winter storm and wind speeds greater than 62 kilometres per hour at the airport — forced the cancellation of the incoming flight from Toronto due to safety concerns. With no aircraft available to operate the route the next morning, the March 7 departures had to be rescheduled. As part of their claim, the Baughs also submitted a recording of a phone call with a WestJet representative who said the cancellation was due to a scheduling change — not weather. The airline didn't dispute that the call took place, but said its agents sometimes operate with incomplete information and maintained that the cancellations in question were weather-related. The Baughs also submitted a screenshot showing that several other airlines operated flights out of St. John's International Airport on March 7, arguing that weather conditions did not prevent safe departures that day. The APPR absolves airlines of compensatory obligations in instances where weather would make it unsafe to operate, provided they can provide the necessary evidence. Tribunal member Max Pappin, however, said the Western Canadian airline didn't provide 'any information about the specific aircraft' or its limits as it relates to the terminal aerodrome forecasts submitted as evidence. 'Additionally, much of the evidence provided consists of unexplained acronyms, codes, and numbers, whose meaning is far from obvious,' Pappin wrote of the 'highly technical' evidence, which he ruled needed an expert's opinion to decipher their meaning as it relates to the APPR. 'There is no expert evidence before me. So, I find the submitted evidence is not sufficient to show that safe operation of the aircraft was impossible due to meteorological conditions.' Pappin also noted the airline failed to provide documentation to support its claim that the cancellations were made for safety reasons. In addition to the $1,000, both applicants received $126.72 in pre-judgement interest under the Court Order Interest Act, and Nathan Baugh was reimbursed for a $125 tribunal fee. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
National Post
29-07-2025
- National Post
WestJet must pay $2K for cancelled flights after B.C. tribunal rejects airline's 'highly technical' evidence
A B.C. tribunal has ordered WestJet to pay more than $2,000 to two passengers after ruling the airline failed to provide sufficient evidence that weather conditions made it unsafe to operate scheduled flights. Article content In a decision from the province's civil resolution tribunal published last week, Nathan and Leah Baugh were awarded $1,000 each under Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which mandate such compensation when arrival at a passenger's destination is delayed by nine hours or more beyond the time noted on the original ticket for reasons within the airline's control. Article content Article content Article content The Baughs, scheduled to fly from St. John's to Vancouver on March 7, 2022, with a stopover in Toronto, were notified by email about 17 hours prior that their flight had been cancelled due to weather. They were rebooked on flights departing March 8. Article content Article content WestJet said the weather in St. John's on the evening of March 6 — a winter storm and wind speeds greater than 62 kilometres per hour at the airport — forced the cancellation of the incoming flight from Toronto due to safety concerns. With no aircraft available to operate the route the next morning, the March 7 departures had to be rescheduled. Article content As part of their claim, the Baughs also submitted a recording of a phone call with a WestJet representative who said the cancellation was due to a scheduling change — not weather. The airline didn't dispute that the call took place, but said its agents sometimes operate with incomplete information and maintained that the cancellations in question were weather-related. Article content Article content The Baughs also submitted a screenshot showing that several other airlines operated flights out of St. John's International Airport on March 7, arguing that weather conditions did not prevent safe departures that day. Article content Article content The APPR absolves airlines of compensatory obligations in instances where weather would make it unsafe to operate, provided they can provide the necessary evidence. Article content Tribunal member Max Pappin, however, said the Western Canadian airline didn't provide 'any information about the specific aircraft' or its limits as it relates to the terminal aerodrome forecasts submitted as evidence. Article content 'Additionally, much of the evidence provided consists of unexplained acronyms, codes, and numbers, whose meaning is far from obvious,' Pappin wrote of the 'highly technical' evidence, which he ruled needed an expert's opinion to decipher their meaning as it relates to the APPR. Article content 'There is no expert evidence before me. So, I find the submitted evidence is not sufficient to show that safe operation of the aircraft was impossible due to meteorological conditions.'
Global News
28-06-2025
- Global News
Air traffic controller shortage could disrupt summer travel, WestJet warns
As Canadians start to jet off for vacations this summer, one airline is warning passengers they could experience delays due to shortages of air traffic controllers. In a statement Friday, WestJet said more than 300,000 of its customers have suffered delays since April and blamed NAV CANADA for the headaches, saying the problem is due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. 'These air traffic control staffing challenges frequently become the primary reason for delays throughout the WestJet network,' the statement read. 'The current situation presents serious operational challenges, as the industry heads into peak summer travel, with no short-term solutions in sight.' In May, 4.7 million passengers passed through security at Canada's eight largest airports, representing a 1.9-per-cent increase over the same time last year and a 5.5-per-cent increase over pre-pandemic levels in May 2019, according to Statistics Canada. Story continues below advertisement Winnipeg's James Armstrong Richardson International Airport saw the largest increase, with 7.5 per cent more passengers in May 2025 compared to the year before. 1:48 Staff shortages at Air Traffic Control could impact travel WestJet said it wants the federal government to work with all stakeholders to find an immediate solution to the staffing issue. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy In a statement to Global News, NAV CANADA said it can't independently confirm the number of WestJet passengers who experienced delays, but acknowledged staffing does contribute to delays 'in some circumstances.' However, it said issues are rarely caused by a 'single factor or organization' and it is working towards improvements. 'We're investing heavily in our workforce because safety and reliability come first,' the statement read. 'That includes recruiting, training, and licensing new air traffic controllers at an accelerated pace. There are more than 500 individuals in our air traffic services programs across the country at this time, However, the path to full qualification is extensive, typically requiring 24 to 36 months of classroom instruction, simulation, and on-the-job training.' Story continues below advertisement Meantime, WestJet is warning travellers that Air Passenger Protection Regulations treat delays related to a lack of air traffic controllers as officially beyond the airline's control. That means there will be no compensation if delays occur due to NAV CANADA staffing issues.
Time Business News
28-06-2025
- Time Business News
Flight Delay Compensation Guide: Know Your Rights & Claim
light delays have become increasingly common in recent years, affecting millions of travelers worldwide. While some delays are unavoidable, many passengers are unaware that they may be entitled to compensation when their travel plans are disrupted. Understanding one's rights when a flight is delayed or canceled can make all the difference. This guide aims to inform travelers about flight delay compensation, empowering them to take appropriate action when facing unexpected setbacks. ✈️ Flight delayed or cancelled? Don't leave money on the table. Call Airline Help now at 800-594-4991 (OTA) — your compensation could be just a call away! Flight delay compensation refers to the financial reimbursement that airlines may be required to provide to passengers whose flights are significantly delayed. It is important to distinguish this from a simple refund or cancellation process. While refunds apply when a passenger chooses not to fly or cancels voluntarily, delay compensation is provided when the airline is at fault for the disruption. Laws such as EU261 and guidelines by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) set the standard for when and how compensation should be issued. These regulations are designed to protect passengers and ensure airlines remain accountable. Under EC 261/2004, passengers flying from an EU airport or with an EU-based airline may be eligible for compensation for flight delay if the delay exceeds three hours. Eligibility also depends on the flight distance and the reason for the delay. Compensation for delayed flight may range from €250 to €600, depending on the length of the journey and delay duration. Passengers must ensure the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., extreme weather). In the U.S., the situation is slightly different. There is no federal law mandating airlines to pay flight delays compensation. However, airlines do have internal policies. For example, rules around tarmac delays ensure passengers are not left stranded in planes for hours without basic necessities. Passengers can sometimes receive travel vouchers or other forms of goodwill gestures, but direct delay flight compensation is rare unless a formal complaint is made. In the UK, laws mirror EU261 due to prior alignment with European regulations. Canada introduced the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, which offer fixed amounts for delays depending on airline size and delay duration. In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) outlines rights regarding flight cancellation compensation and delays, including assistance and potential refunds. Understanding the cause of the delay can help determine eligibility for compensation for delayed flights. Common reasons include: Technical issues Weather conditions Air traffic control restrictions Crew scheduling problems Security concerns or operational delays If the delay is due to the airline's responsibility, passengers are more likely to qualify for compensation for flight delays. To claim compensation for flight delay, passengers should check: Duration of the delay (typically 3+ hours for EU) (typically 3+ hours for EU) Cause of the delay (airline's fault or extraordinary event) (airline's fault or extraordinary event) Route and airline's origin (relevant for EU rules) (relevant for EU rules) Supporting documents (boarding pass, delay notifications) Understanding these eligibility factors is crucial when considering a cancellation flight compensation or delay reimbursement. Here's a simple step-by-step process: Check eligibility based on the airline's policy and regulatory laws. Gather documents such as tickets, receipts, and email confirmations. Contact the airline and formally request compensation (email or online form). If denied, consider filing a complaint with aviation authorities or seek help from legal claim services. Ensure the claim is filed within the statute of limitations, which varies by country. In some cases, passengers may also be eligible for compensation for cancelled flight, especially when they are not rebooked on time. Under EU regulations, compensation ranges as follows: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km for flights up to 1,500 km €400 for flights between 1,500–3,500 km for flights between 1,500–3,500 km €600 for flights over 3,500 km (if delay exceeds four hours) Airlines may offer airline vouchers, but passengers should be aware they can often request cash compensation instead of vouchers for cancelled flight compensation. Some travelers choose to work with third-party claim services that handle the entire compensation process. These platforms: Pros: Save time Experts handle documentation and negotiation Cons: Take a percentage of the payout Not all services are legitimate Be sure to research service fees and success rates before signing up. In most cases, if the claim is straightforward, passengers can handle it directly. To maximize your chances of a successful claim: Save all documents : boarding passes, delay notifications, emails : boarding passes, delay notifications, emails Take notes or pictures of delay announcements or pictures of delay announcements Remain calm and respectful when communicating with airline staff when communicating with airline staff Use apps like FlightAware or TripIt to track and record flight delay info This proactive approach helps make a strong case for flight cancelled compensation or delays. Navigating flight delay compensation can feel overwhelming, but knowing your rights makes all the difference. Whether it's compensation for delayed flights or cancelled flight compensation, passengers should stay informed, act promptly, and not hesitate to seek what they are rightfully owed. Empowered with knowledge, travelers can now turn frustrating delays into compensated inconveniences—keeping their journey on track, even when the flight is not. 🛄 Don't stress the delay — claim what you're owed! Airline Help makes flight delay compensation simple. Reach out at 800-594-4991 (OTA) and let us handle the hassle. Yes, if the delay was caused by the airline and led to a missed connection, compensation may apply. Extraordinary circumstances like bad weather often exempt the airline from compensation for flight delay. Generally, no. Compensation is not considered income but confirm with local tax authorities. Yes, especially under EU laws or if stranded overnight. This is separate from flight cancellation compensation. Read Also: What is the Safest Seat on a Plane? TIME BUSINESS NEWS
