What Tourists Need To Know About Air Canada's Union Drama Before Going To The Airport

Air Canada cabin crew reached a deal to end their strike on Tuesday, August 19, but that doesn't mean an immediate end to flight disruptions. Information from Air Canada indicates that while flights will resume on Tuesday evening for the first time since the strike started on August 16, full operations won't be possible right away. The airline clarified that it will take around a week for it to be back to regular operating status. So, if you have a flight booked with Air Canada in the upcoming days, what should you do?

The Air Canada directive to passengers is to check their website or app and make sure that your flight is confirmed to be operating before heading to the airport. If not, don't expect to fly with the airline. Those passengers booked on flights that are not yet operational may receive a refund, travel credit, or be booked on another airline depending on availability. Talking with an agent can be a good way to figure out your best option. 

A refund is one thing, but what about the many incidental expenses that come with the cancellation? Unfortunately, customers in Canada at the time of the strikes are out of luck as they are "not eligible for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, meals, hotels or other incidental expenses" due to the strikes, according to Air Canada. If you bought travel insurance, it's worth checking if any of these things are covered under your policy.

In contrast, passengers who are stranded in the European Union waiting for a flight back to Canada are entitled to more. That includes compensation for: "refreshments, food, accommodation (if you are rebooked to travel the next day), and transport to your accommodation and return to the airport" per the Europa website. If you cover these costs out of pocket, the airline is required to reimburse you. Being stuck abroad isn't fun, so make sure you receive what's due. It's also worth checking whether you can get a refund on your hotel due to flight cancellations.

Why is all of this happening? Over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants are striking for fairer compensation, including "higher salaries and to be paid for work when aircraft are on the ground," according to the BBC. The Canadian Union of Public Employees states that flight attendants are paid "poverty wages," with some crew having seen just a 3% increase in salaries in the past 25 years. Flight attendants are also not paid when they "perform critical safety checks, attend to onboard medical and safety emergencies, and assist passengers with boarding and deplaning." For now, passengers should double check their flight status and contact the airline for more information.