As of August 16, the 10,000 Air Canada side agents could strike after a notice of 72 hours. How should travelers react?
As we do not know how long this strike will last, travelers must be proactive to avoid problems.
Let us put that you are in France a certain August 21 and that the strike is triggered: “As European laws protect travelers more than ours, you will be entitled to compensation (up to $ 1000), a reimbursement or a return provided by another carrier, explains Jacob Charbonneau, co -founder and CEO of Volenretard.com. Elsewhere, it gets worse. “
For example, if you are in Mexico or the United States, Air Canada could, perhaps, offer you a new return date … if you can reach customer service.
“The advantage of doing business with a travel agent is that you can contact him from your hotel in the event of a problem,” said Moscow Côté, president of the Quebec Travel Agents Association.
As Quebecers have disinterested in Trump’s country, the capacity has dropped considerably among carriers. So you may wait. Same thing for Vancouver or Halifax: Westjet or Porter may be overwhelmed …
According to Canadian regulations, air carriers are responsible for bringing you to your destination. But, in the event of force majeure, they have a period of 48 hours. If you have to wait beyond your scheduled return date, hotel and meal may be at your expense.
“For many customers, Air Canada will just repay the return ticket,” says Charbonneau. Afterwards, it’s: “Disagree yourself”! “
Other appeals
Customers who cannot leave and who have not done business with a travel agent will be disadvantaged, especially if they have reserved a hotel or a cruise.
“With a Quebec agency, you will be entitled to a refund by the compensation fund for customers of travel agents [FICAV]”Explains Charles Tanguay, of the Consumer Protection Office (OPC). Note: Air Canada Holidays is a travel agent with a Quebec license.
Otherwise, you can try to get the credit card retrofing for your plane ticket. But your hotel or cruise line is not responsible in the event of a carrier’s strike, so good luck to obtain it. The card use agreement may provide a refund: it will be necessary to check with the transmitter.
On the other hand, some insurers consider that you are not entitled to compensation because the risk of a strike was real when you have taken out your travel insurance. Moscow Côté suggests the agent the travel agent (if he has sold insurance) or the issuer (credit card, collective or private insurer).
Push his departure
If possible, change your departure date.
“In the past, Air Canada has accommodated its customers by offering them a reimbursement or a change of dates at no cost,” comments Moscow Côté.
Contact Air Canada or your tour operator now, to cancel or postpone the flight and book with another carrier.
“If you wait, all thefts may be complete on the desired dates,” concludes Jacob Charbonneau.
Advice
- To inform yourself about your rights or have advice, consult the website. Here, carriers are not responsible for work conflicts. You are therefore not entitled to compensation.
- For information on the FICAV, see.
- Milesopedia offers a list of travel insurance.