Air Canada strike compensation within Europe.
Which Air Canada flights are covered? When can you get compensation?
Passengers often mistakenly believe that strikes only happen in exceptional situations. However, when the Air Canada crew (excluding airport personnel) goes on strike, resulting in flight delays or cancellations, passengers may qualify for flight compensation from Air Canada. You can claim this compensation directly or through a flight compensation company.
It’s important to note that EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from Europe.
1. Air Canada Strike Compensation
The standards for receiving Air Canada strike compensation are simple.
The flight must have been either delayed or cancelled:
- The flight delay should be a minimum of 3 hours. This is determined from the time the aeroplane doors are opened at the destination, allowing passengers to leave. If the delay exceeds 3 hours beyond the anticipated arrival time, passengers may qualify for flight delay compensation.
- The flight cancellation should be last-minute. Thus, your flight must be cancelled no more than 14 days before the departure date. If so, you could be entitled to Air Canada flight cancellation compensation (in addition to Air Canada refund for cancellation).
In essence, this isn’t a particular compensation for Air Canada strikes (such compensations do not exist in Europe), but rather compensation for delays or cancellations.
Also, keep in mind that Air Canada is not a European airline. As a result, these regulations only apply to trips that leave from Europe.
What happens if you miss your connecting flight? If you happen to miss your connecting flight, Air Canada takes it upon themselves to arrange a no-cost alternative flight that will get you to your final destination. If your journey originates from Europe, you are entitled to a right to care, and potentially, missed connecting flight compensation.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
1.1 Extraordinary Circumstances
It’s important to note that staff strikes at airlines are not categorized as extraordinary situations.
Mechanical issues or staff deficiencies also do not fall under the extraordinary circumstances category.
Despite this, airlines frequently attribute delays or cancellations to extraordinary circumstances even when they’re not. It’s recommended to seek clarification from the airline in case of a flight delay or cancellation.
Airlines may claim that a flight delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, even when it wasn’t, to avoid compensation payment. As airlines are exempted from payment obligations during exceptional circumstances, they often use this as an excuse. Therefore, it is recommended to verify the airline’s explanation before accepting their reasons. Make sure to carefully examine all details regarding flight compensation and reimbursements.
Read more:
- Your Air Canada Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Your Air Canada Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
1.2 Right to Care
You have a right to care if you are subjected to an extended delay.
This means you have the right to some free services. For instance, if you face a delay of three or more hours, you may be eligible for a complimentary meal and beverage. Moreover, if the delay exceeds three hours during night-time, you might qualify for free lodging and airport shuttles.
If you haven’t received any support, please approach the Air Canada representatives at the airport.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
2. How to Claim Air Canada Strike Compensation?
How to claim Air Canada strike compensation?
There are two methods to submit a claim for flight compensation.
To seek compensation for an Air Canada strike on your own, you can contact Air Canada directly through their website and ask for compensation from their customer service team. However, be forewarned that this method could be quite tedious and may need some back-and-forth to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
The other option is to appoint a legal representative.
Avoid all the hassle by seeking professional legal assistance to resolve your problem. In Europe, there are organizations specialized in handling flight-related compensation issues. They can handle the entire process on your behalf, making it easier for you. All you need to do is complete a single form, the compensation claim form. Our partners provide such services.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Read more: How to Claim Air Canada Compensation?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
What is the expected timeframe for receiving compensation?
The process generally spans a minimum of 2-3 months. Recently, there have been instances where the process takes longer, especially if you file a claim on your own and the airline chooses to reject your claim.
This isn’t a quick process, so be prepared that it might take some time.
3. How Much Compensation Can You Claim from Air Canada?
How much is Air Canada strike compensation?
The compensation amounts range from €250 to €600.
The compensation amounts are dictated by EU regulations.
Let’s take a look at how you can determine the amount of your Air Canada compensation:
When your destination is within the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
When your destination is outside the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
€600
If the distance of your flight is more than 3,500 km
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
3.1 Air Canada Voucher Refund or Cash?
Air Canada, like many airlines, may offer vouchers as a form of reimbursement.
Airlines often issue vouchers instead of cash refunds and compensation since it is more cost-effective for them. Passengers may, however, decline the voucher and instead seek a cash or bank transfer refund. According to EU legislation, it is essential to always request compensation in cash or bank transfers, since this is the proper method to get compensation and refunds from airlines.
However, keep in mind that Air Canada is not an EU airline. As a result, EU regulations only apply to their flights leaving Europe.
Air Canada Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight ticket was cheap. Can I still get full flight compensation? Will if affect my compensation?
Compensation amounts are fixed. Compensation depends on flight distance.
Flight ticket price doesn’t affect flight compensation amount.
You still can get compensation. Even if your flight was cheap.
What if I don’t have travel insurance?
You don’t need insurance to claim compensation.
If your flight is eligible to compensation, you can get it even if you don’t have travel insurance.
Can my kid get compensation from Air Canada?
Yes, 100%.
The age doesn’t matter.
If you are entitled to compensation, your child/baby will be, too.
Even if you are travelling with an infant who has a special infant ticket.
Can I claim compensation for someone else (family member, friend, relative)?
Yes, you can.
Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
You can claim compensation for someone else, as long as you have a copy of the person’s boarding pass and passport/ID. Also, they will need to sign a couple of documents.
But the rest you can do on their behalf.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the laws of the country.
In many countries (especially in Europe) you can claim compensation even for old flights. Even if your flight was 2-3 years ago, you still might be able to claim compensation.
What to do if Air Canada refuses to pay compensation?
Air Canada is refusing to pay compensation.
Do you think you are entitled to compensation, but the airline wrongly has refused your claim? Is it possible to continue with the process? Yes! There are two options.
The best option is to work with a flight compensation company. Hand over your case to a flight compensation company, for them to continue the negotiations with the airline.
Or, you can contact the national enforcement body of the country your flight was from. There are national enforcement bodies in all the EU Member states.
EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists From Abroad
I’m flying to the EU from a country outside the EU. Can I get UK/EU flight delay compensation?
If you’re flying with Air Canada then no, you can’t.
If it’s Air Canada, European regulations only work on their flights from European airports.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get UK/EU flight delay compensation?
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get UK/EU flight delay compensation?
Yes, you can.
The same applies to all Air Canada flights from the UK.
I am not a European citizen. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
Your nationality doesn’t matter.
Other Situations
Air Canada provided me with a free hotel stay and a free alternate flight to my destination. Can I still get compensated for the delay?
Yes, if the flight departed from the EU / UK.
You can have both a free hotel stay and a free flight to your destination.
If your flight is eligible for compensation, in addition to the free hotel stay and free flight, you are entitled to receive compensation from the airline.
Air Canada took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
Did you arrive late? Was it 3+ hours later than scheduled?
If the answer is yes to both, you might be entitled to flight delay compensation from Air Canada. As long as the flight was from Europe and it was delayed due to the airline’s fault.
Have you ever had an experience with Air Canada strike compensation or flight refund? Do you still have questions about Air Canada compensation policies? Ask in the comments.