Finding out that your Air Canada flight is delayed when you check the flight status online can be unsettling. This leaves you with a dilemma: “Should I go to the airport or stay at home or in the hotel?” Flight delays can range from a mere 30-minute setback to a lengthy delay of 23 hours, which could mean being stuck at the airport for an entire day. So, the question is, do you want to spend 23 hours at the airport until a solution is found?
The answer varies. However, the majority of situations tend to fall into certain typical scenarios.
Your Air Canada Flight is Delayed. Should You Stay or Proceed as Planned?
Your flight with Air Canada is delayed. So, what’s the next step?
Where are you currently? Are you at home or in your hotel?
Or have you already reached the airport?
Scenario 1 – You Are Already at the Gate, Waiting for Your Flight
You’re at the gate, expecting your flight to arrive when you hear news of a delay. What should your next action be?
Stay at the gate, waiting for further information about your flight status.
Scenario 2 – You Are at the Airport, But You Haven’t Yet Gone Through Airport Security
If you’re at the airport, about to go through security, and you discover that your Air Canada flight is delayed, the best advice is to stay put. Before proceeding, ensure to check if there are any changes to your flight’s check-in time. If the check-in time has been rescheduled, it’s best to wait before going through security.
Wait for more details before proceeding with security.
Did you check in online?
Regardless, stay where you are. Don’t move forward until check-in begins.
Scenario 3 – You Are in Your Home or Hotel
Determine if there’s been a delay in check-in.
You can find this information by contacting Air Canada or consulting with the information desk at the airport.
If the check-in time has been pushed back, there’s no need to hurry to the airport. You can stay in your hotel or home. However, if the check-in schedule remains the same, it is best to adhere to your original plan and proceed to the airport as initially planned.
If check-in is postponed, stay where you are for the time being.
If there’s no delay in check-in — proceed with your original plan to the airport.
How to Check Air Canada Flight Status Online?
How do I check to see if my Air Canada trip is delayed? Find out about the flight online.
Here are some methods to check Air Canada flight status online:
- The airport from which your plane departs;
- Air Canada’s official website (aircanada.com in this instance);
- Flight tracking apps such as Flightradar24.
Verifying your flight’s status before heading to the airport is always wise, particularly if it’s an early morning flight. Don’t risk reaching the airport at dawn only to find out your flight has been delayed or cancelled, leaving you stranded for hours. To avoid this, check the status first thing in the morning and again before leaving your home or hotel to ensure no last-minute changes.
Passengers are typically notified about the delay through:
- SMS or email from the airline, advising of the delay;
- Checking the flight status online;
- Finding out at the airport, or even at the gate.
What If a Flight Delay Causes You to Miss Your Connecting Flight?
There’s no need to worry if you miss your connection with Air Canada because of a delay or cancellation on your first flight. You will not have to pay anything extra for Air Canada to find you a new flight. If you miss your connecting trip, just talk to the Air Canada staff at the airport.
However, if you have a self-transfer flight, missing your connection becomes your responsibility, and you will need to book a new flight. But if your Air Canada flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be eligible for Air Canada flight delay compensation or Air Canada flight cancellation compensation, for that specific flight. However, the airline won’t be responsible for your subsequent flight (because it’s a self-transfer).
Right to Care at the Airport
Travellers who are forced to wait at the airport due to a flight delay, flight cancellation or denied boarding have the right to certain services right to care.
- During a short delay of 3 hours or more that takes place during daylight hours, Air Canada must provide free food and drinks, along with two means of communication (like phone calls, emails, or faxes), usually provided through vouchers.
- In case of an overnight delay, Air Canada has the responsibility to offer a free hotel stay, transport to and from the airport, and one or two meals at no extra cost to the passenger.
If you haven’t received any of these services, get in touch with Air Canada for support.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Are You Eligible for Air Canada Flight Delay Compensation?
If your Air Canada flight originating from Europe was subject to disruptions, there are several instances in which you might be entitled to Air Canada flight delay compensation.
If your flight has been delayed for over three hours, or if it has been cancelled without at least 14 days prior notice, you may be eligible for compensation up to 600 euros under EU legislation, unless the delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances.
You have the right to compensation regardless of your fare and nationality. Remember to keep your boarding pass and other travel documents, as they may be required for making a claim. If you require help with the process, there are services available that can assist you in claiming your compensation from Air Canada – our partners offer such services. Fill in the compensation claim form on this website to initiate a claim.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Can You Receive Flight Delay Compensation in the event of an Air Canada Strike?
If your Air Canada flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike, there are two scenarios – it’s either a strike by Air Canada personnel or a different kind of strike.
Usually, if the strike is started by airport staff, air traffic control, or a labour strike not directly involving Air Canada, you may not qualify for compensation. This is considered an exceptional circumstance, and airlines are typically not held responsible.
However, if the strike involves Air Canada’s employees, the airline will likely be liable to compensate its passengers. It’s always crucial to examine the specific circumstances surrounding your delay or cancellation and scrutinize any information provided by the airline.
It’s important to remember that since Air Canada is not a European airline, EU compensation regulations apply only to their flights departing from Europe.
Read more: Air Canada Strike Compensation
Can You Qualify for Delay Compensation in Case of Technical Problems with the Airplane?
Yes, if your Air Canada flight is delayed due to technical malfunctions with the aeroplane, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation.
Most often, these issues are not viewed as extraordinary circumstances.
However, there may be exceptions in certain cases, such as if the technical problems were caused by concealed manufacturing defects.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
What is your experience with Air Canada flight delays? Have you ever experienced a flight delay with Air Canada? How did the airline resolve the situation?