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How to Claim Air Canada Compensation?

How to claim Air Canada compensation?

How to claim flight delay compensation from Air Canada?

The process of claiming flight compensation depends on the compensation type. In some cases, you may have two options: to handle the claim on your own or seek assistance from a flight compensation company. However, in certain situations, you can only handle the claim independently. It’s important to understand the difference between compensation and refund, as they are separate terms.

Depending on the situation, you may be eligible for compensation, a refund, or both.

How to Claim Air Canada Compensation?

How to claim Air Canada compensation for a disrupted flight?

The methods to claim compensation may vary based on the kind of compensation you seek. Here are some typical scenarios:

1. UK/EU Flight Compensation: Air Canada

Please remember that staff strikes or technical issues with the aircraft are the responsibility of the airline, not extraordinary circumstances.

1.1 Long Flight Delay

The conditions for obtaining flight delay compensation from Air Canada are as follows:

  • The delay must have lasted 3 or more hours (calculated upon arrival);
  • The delay must be due to the airline’s fault;
  • The flight must be from Europe.

To submit a compensation claim with Air Canada, you should connect with their customer service centre through their website and fill in a claim form. Do remember to refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and maintain consistency in your communication.

You can also file a claim with our partners, a flight compensation company.

Read more:

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.

1.2 Flight Cancellation

How to claim Air Canada compensation for a cancelled flight?

To secure compensation from Air Canada, the following conditions should be satisfied:

  • It must be a last-minute cancellation (up to 14 days prior);
  • The cancellation is due to Air Canada’s fault (not due to adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances);
  • The flight is from Europe.

To submit a claim, visit the Air Canada customer service center’s website. Make sure you refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and remind them of your rights to prevent a claim denial from the airline.

Alternatively, file a claim with our partners, a flight compensation company.

Read more:

1.3 Denied Boarding / Overbooking

The particular requirements to become eligible for denied boarding compensation include:

  • Overbooking results in involuntary rejection of boarding.
  • The airline’s error (i.e., overbooking) should be the reason for you being denied boarding, not complications with your passport, visa, etc.;
  • The flight must originate from Europe.

Keep in mind that passengers without the necessary travel documents, such as valid visas, do not qualify for compensation. Passengers who agree to alternate arrangements, like a delayed flight, might not qualify for compensation as well.

How to claim denied boarding compensation?

Air Canada’s customer care centre can be reached via its website.

Please mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

You can also file a claim with our partners.

Read more: Air Canada Denied Boarding Compensation

1.4 Missed Connection Flight

You may qualify for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 if your initial flight’s delay or cancellation resulted in you missing a connecting flight and reaching your destination 3 or more hours later than expected.

However, this only applies if:

  • The delay is the fault of Air Canada, not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., severe weather or pandemics);
  • The flight is departing from Europe.

To file a claim from Air Canada, get in touch with their customer care centre through their website, and be sure to refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

You can also file a claim with our partners.

Read more: Air Canada Missed Connection Compensation

1.5 Downgrading

If you are involuntarily downgraded on your flight, the airline owes you compensation. The amount of compensation varies based on the flight distance, ranging from 30% to 75% of your ticket price. The airline is obligated to pay you this compensation immediately.

If they do not comply, you should reach out to Air Canada and file your claim. Remember, you do not have to accept any vouchers or coupons provided by the airline. If any difficulties arise, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

Read more: Air Canada Flight Downgrade Compensation

As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.

Luggage carousel at the airport

2. Baggage Compensation

How to claim Air Canada compensation for baggage issues?

In the event of baggage issues, you have a couple of options.

You have the choice of contacting your insurance company for claim processing, or you can lodge a claim directly via Air Canada’s website. It’s important to note that services managing airline compensations typically don’t handle baggage claims.

2.1 Damaged Baggage

If your luggage has been damaged, here is what you need to do.

Follow these steps:

  1. File a damage report at the airport within a week of receiving your baggage;
  2. Provide the required information;
  3. Begin a claim online;
  4. Expect compensation of up to €1300.

Read more: Air Canada Damaged Baggage Compensation

2.2 Delayed Baggage

If your baggage is delayed, follow this sequence of actions:

  1. File a report for your missing bag at the airport;
  2. Obtain the Property Irregularity Report or PIR which comes with a reference number;
  3. Check the status of your luggage online using this reference number;
  4. Receive compensation for your expenses (essential items you had to buy due to the delay).

Read more: Air Canada Delayed Baggage Compensation

2.3 Lost Baggage

Occasionally your baggage may fail to arrive completely.

If that happens, adhere to these instructions:

  1. Report your missing bag at the airport;
  2. Secure the Property Irregularity Report which comes with a unique reference number;
  3. Monitor the status of your bag online, using this reference number;
  4. If your luggage is not found after 21 days, provide an inventory of the items in your bag, to get compensation of up to €1300;
  5. Beyond the compensation, you can also file a claim for any additional expenses.

Read more: Air Canada Lost Baggage Compensation

Euro banknotes

3. Air Canada Refund For Cancellation

If your Air Canada flight gets cancelled, you have the option to receive a refund for the amount you paid for the flight. In certain situations, you may also be eligible for compensation. To request your refund or compensation, it’s important to contact Air Canada promptly. If necessary, follow up after a few weeks.

You can learn more about this process in the linked article.

Read more: Air Canada Refund For Cancellation

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 What If You Cancel an Air Canada Flight?

If you decide to cancel an Air Canada flight, the refund process is relatively simple.

To start, cancel your reservation either online through the Air Canada website or by contacting their customer service. Once cancelled, you’ll need to submit a refund request. The refund amount will be determined primarily by the fare conditions of your ticket.

However, note that not all tickets are refundable. If you bought a non-refundable ticket, you might not be able to get a refund, or you might face substantial cancellation charges. Therefore, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand the fare rules before buying a ticket.

Also, keep in mind that while you might be eligible for a refund, you will not receive compensation for cancelling the flight yourself. Compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 is applicable only when the airline cancels the flight, not when the passenger cancels.

To sum up, while you might receive a refund for your ticket depending on the fare conditions, you cannot claim compensation for flights cancelled by yourself.

Do Not Agree to Air Canada Vouchers

When you are owed European flight compensation or a refund from Air Canada, it’s essential to remember that you are not obligated to accept Air Canada vouchers as compensation. You have the right to ask for a cash refund instead.

When dealing with Air Canada customer service, be sure to mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and clearly state your preference for cash refunds instead of vouchers as compensation. If the representative doesn’t offer a cash refund, request to speak with their supervisor or manager.

Yes – it is your right to receive your compensation or refund from Air Canada without being forced to accept vouchers as payment.

As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.

Claiming Air Canada Flight Compensation Independently

How to claim Air Canada compensation independently?

When advocating for your compensation for an Air Canada flight, it’s important to be persistent and knowledgeable about your rights. Airlines often try to avoid providing compensation by exaggerating obstacles or incorrectly categorizing technical issues as extraordinary circumstances (which is incorrect – mechanical problems do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances). Some airlines may also offer vouchers instead of cash compensation.

This is not uncommon to Turkish Airlines; it is a standard procedure for airlines all over the globe.

Essentially, to successfully claim flight compensation from Air Canada on your own:

  1. Determine your eligibility for compensation. Evaluate whether your case, per EC Regulation No. 261/2004, merits flight compensation or a refund. Note that Air Canada isn’t a European airline, meaning that European regulations only focus on their flights departing from Europe.
  2. Preserve all relevant documentation. This encompasses boarding passes, tickets, receipts, and any other evidence of your flight and expenses.
  3. Contact Air Canada. Submit your claim directly to Air Canada’s customer service division. This can be achieved via email, phone, or their official website.
  4. Maintain your persistence. If the initial answer is unsatisfactory, don’t give up. Persist in your communications with the carrier and insist on your right to compensation.
  5. Refuse vouchers. Bear in mind, you’re eligible for cash compensation. Do not accept vouchers if they are offered.
  6. Escalate if necessary. If the airline refuses to provide compensation, you might need to escalate the matter to a National Enforcement Body or contemplate legal action.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can navigate through the process of claiming flight compensation independently. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this can be a daunting process, and expert help is available if needed.

Legal Steps – Air Canada

If Air Canada rejects your compensation claim, you may need to consider filing a lawsuit against the airline. However, before resorting to court, you have the option to escalate your claim to NEB. This alternative could help you avoid going to court and improve your chances of a successful outcome. A favourable verdict from NEB can strengthen your position, even if the airline continues to deny compensation.

If, despite all your efforts, the airline continues to reject the provision of compensation, instituting legal proceedings against Air Canada could be your next move. Consider this as a final option only after exploring all other avenues of resolving disputes and escalating the matter. Keep in mind that legal actions can be physically and emotionally taxing.

Therefore, it is essential to be well-prepared and fully aware of the situation. If your claim is supported by EC Regulation No. 261/2004 and you have the necessary evidence, going to court may be the next logical step.

What is your experience with Air Canada compensation claims? Have you ever received compensation from Air Canada? Share your experience, or questions, in the comments.