Air Canada Strike: Passenger Rights Explained | Toronto Lawyer
What Are Your Passenger Rights?
Air Canada is going to hate me for telling you this… but if your travel plans were ruined by the recent strike, you need to know what rights you actually have.
Do You Get Compensation for a Strike?
Unfortunately, no. Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), strikes are considered outside the airline’s control. That means you don’t qualify for the up-to-$1,000 cash compensation you’d normally get for delays caused by things like maintenance issues or staff scheduling problems.
But that doesn’t mean you’re left with nothing. You still have rights.
Refund vs. Rebooking: Why You Shouldn’t Rush to a Refund
Here’s the catch most travellers don’t realize: if your flight was cancelled, Air Canada must rebook you on the next available flight.
If they can’t get you to your destination within 48 hours, then you can demand a refund.
👉 But don’t jump at the refund right away. Why? Because flights during a strike are often far more expensive, and once you accept a refund, you’re on your own. Making Air Canada rebook you keeps the cost on them—not you.
Can Air Canada Put You on a Competitor’s Flight?
Yes. If Air Canada can’t rebook you within that 48-hour window, they may be required to book you on a competitor like WestJet or American Airlines etc.
The key is: they won’t offer this to you upfront. You have to ask.
What Care Are You Entitled To While You Wait?
Even though you don’t get compensation, Air Canada still owes you reasonable care while you’re stuck. That includes:
Meals and drinks (not just a $15 voucher — something that actually covers a meal at airport prices).
Hotel accommodations if you’re stranded overnight.
Transportation to and from the hotel.
Don’t let them brush you off with less than what you’re entitled to.
What To Do If You’re Stuck
If you’re caught in this travel nightmare, here’s your step-by-step survival guide:
Ask for rebooking first — don’t accept a refund unless you really want to gamble with higher ticket prices.
Push for another airline if Air Canada can’t move you within 48 hours.
Keep every receipt and communication — save emails, take screenshots of the app, and write down the names of staff you spoke with.
Escalate if needed — if Air Canada refuses, you can file a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).
The Air Canada strike has left thousands of travellers stranded, but you don’t have to take a loss. Rebook instead of refunding, push for competitor flights, demand proper care, and most importantly, keep records of everything.
I’m Baqa Rashdi, a Toronto lawyer, and I share legal tips that make your life easier. If this helped you, check out my other guides on Criminal Law, Family Law, and Real Estate Law in Ontario.
