Air Canada Pilot Strike: What Passengers Can Do to Minimize Disruption
With a potential Air Canada pilot strike looming, travelers are facing uncertainty. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents over 5,000 pilots, is in negotiations with the airline over wage demands. If no agreement is reached, Air Canada could begin suspending operations, impacting tens of thousands of passengers. While this situation is stressful, there are several options for travelers to manage their plans.
Key Dates to Keep in Mind
- Sunday, September 15: Air Canada could start suspending flights.
- September 15-18: A 72-hour strike or lockout notice might be issued, followed by a three-day wind-down plan.
- Wednesday, September 18: Full shutdown could begin at 12:01 a.m.
- After September 18: If a shutdown occurs, it may take 7-10 days for normal operations to resume.
What You Can Do as a Passenger
- Check if Your Flight is Affected
- While Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights would be impacted by the strike, flights operated by Air Canada Express (Jazz and PAL) and partner airlines (like Lufthansa) will operate normally.
- Keep an eye on updates from Air Canada regarding potential cancellations and the status of your specific flight.
- Rebook Your Flight for Free
- If you booked your flight on or before September 9, for travel between September 15-23, Air Canada is offering free rebooking. You can change your flight to a date between September 9-14, or between September 24-November 30.
- If you booked through a third-party service, contact your travel agent to make changes.
- Cancellation Options
- If you need to cancel, travelers with refundable tickets will receive a full refund with no fees.
- Non-refundable ticket holders can get a one-time travel credit for future bookings. If you used Aeroplan points, you can have them redeposited.
- If Air Canada cancels your flight due to the strike, you will be entitled to a full refund, regardless of the type of ticket.
- Consider Alternate Airlines
- As Air Canada may have limited ability to rebook passengers on their own flights due to the strike, you may want to explore alternative carriers such as WestJet or Porter Airlines, especially for domestic flights.
- As Air Canada may have limited ability to rebook passengers on their own flights due to the strike, you may want to explore alternative carriers such as WestJet or Porter Airlines, especially for domestic flights.
- Stay Informed
- Monitor the situation closely through official channels, such as the Air Canada website or the Air Canada app, to stay updated on flight statuses. Avoid falling for scams—Air Canada will not ask for booking reference or locator numbers as they already have this information.
- Monitor the situation closely through official channels, such as the Air Canada website or the Air Canada app, to stay updated on flight statuses. Avoid falling for scams—Air Canada will not ask for booking reference or locator numbers as they already have this information.
While a potential Air Canada pilot strike could disrupt your travel plans, taking early action can minimize inconvenience. Take advantage of rebooking options, consider alternative airlines, and stay informed about the latest developments. The situation remains fluid, so it’s important to have a flexible travel plan in place.
By staying prepared and aware, you can navigate through the potential disruptions and minimize the impact on your trip.
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