Compensation for flight delays and cancellations
Compensation for inconvenience is a fixed amount based on the size of the airline and the length of the delay arriving at your final destination airport. The amounts are set out in the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). Please note, the CTA does not have the authority under the APPR to award compensation for any issues such as pain and suffering, stress, loss of enjoyment or loss of income.
This ONLY applies for delays and cancellations fully within the airline's control.
The airline must pay you compensation for your inconvenience if:
- the delay or cancellation is fully within the airline's control (NOT within the airline's control but required for safety or outside the airline's control)
- you were informed of the delay or cancellation 14 days or less before your original departure time
- you arrived late at your final destination by 3 hours or more, and
- you filed a request for compensation in writing with the airline within 1 year of the delay or cancellation
Compensation levels
The amount of compensation owed depends on how late you arrived at your final destination and on the size of the airline.
Large airlines* must pay you:
- $400 if you arrive late at your destination by 3 hours or more, but less than 6 hours
- $700 if you arrive late at your destination by 6 hours or more, but less than 9 hours
- $1,000 if you arrive late at your destination by 9 hours or more
If you choose to be refunded instead of rebooked, large airlines must still pay you $400.
*The size of the airline is listed in the terms and conditions of your ticket (the airline's tariff). Examples of large airlines include Air Canada (including Jazz and Rouge), WestJet, Sunwing Airlines, Air Transat, and Flair Airlines are large airlines.
Small airlines* must pay you:
- $125 if you arrive late at your destination by 3 hours or more, but less than 6 hours
- $250 if you arrive late at your destination by 6 hours or more, but less than 9 hours
- $500 if you arrive late at your destination by 9 hours or more
If you choose to be refunded instead of rebooked, small airlines must still pay you $125.
*The size of the airline is listed in the terms and conditions of your ticket (the airline's tariff). Examples of small airlines include Canada Jetlines, Canadian North and Porter Airlines.
Compensation for delays while travelling internationally
If you are travelling on an international itinerary, you may also be entitled to make a claim under the Montreal or Warsaw Conventions for any damages — such as expenses — that happened because of the delay. You must make these claims with the airline in writing.
Read more about Flight delays and cancellations.
Compensation for denied boarding
Compensation for inconvenience is a fixed amount based on the length of the delay arriving at your final destination airport. The amounts are set out in the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). Please note, the CTA does not have the authority under the APPR to award compensation for any issues such as pain and suffering, stress, loss of enjoyment or loss of income.
Airlines must provide compensation for the inconvenience of denied boarding (bumping) if the disruption is within the control of the airline and not related to safety.
The amount of compensation will depend on how long a passenger's arrival has been delayed:
- from 0 to 6 hours, your compensation is $900.
- from 6 to 9 hours, your compensation is $1,800.
- over 9+ hours, your compensation is $2,400.
Read more about Denied boarding (Bumping).
Compensation for Baggage
Lost and damaged baggage
If your baggage is lost or damaged while in the airline's care, the airline must compensate you up to approximately $2,350 to replace items that were lost or damaged.
The airline does not have to compensate you if the damage resulted from the quality of your baggage.
Delayed baggage
For travel on an international itinerary
The airline must compensate you up to approximately $2,350 for items you may need until your baggage is returned to you.
The airline does not have to compensate you if it took all reasonable measures to avoid the issue or if it was impossible for them to take these measures.
For travel on a domestic itinerary
Your rights are outlined in the airline's tariff (the contract of transport between you and the airline).
Notices
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