TICO has provided updated information for consumers impacted by the Air Canada’s labour disruption.

The following information applies to those who booked package travel – including flights on Air Canada – purchased from a TICO-registered travel service provider that is provincially regulated by TICO in Ontario. Air Canada is federally regulated by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). Click here for details.

For consumers whose travel packages have been cancelled due to the Air Canada labour disruption:

Under Ontario law, if a travel agency or tour operator acquires rights to travel services for resale to other registrants or customers and is unable to provide the travel services purchased due to the failure of a supplier to provide the service (ie. flight to destination), then the customer must be offered their choice of:

• A refund;
• Comparable alternate travel services acceptable to the customer, or;
• A voucher or similar document that is acceptable to the customer for future redemption towards travel services.

If a customer prefers a full refund for a travel package sold, or otherwise provided by Air Canada Vacations or another TICO-registered business with a package that features an Air Canada flight, Ontario’s consumer protection laws require a refund be provided within a reasonable timeframe.

For consumers booked on air Canada Vacations, visit the Air Canada Vacations website for more information. For packages with other TICO-registered businesses, TICO is advising to contact the business or travel agent.

For consumers who are in destination a packaged trip with Air Canada Vacations or another TICO-registered business and have had their return flight cancelled:

Air Canada Vacations customers who are in destination can refer to this FAQ page for information and contact Air Canada Vacations directly.

For packages with other TICO-registered businesses, customers are advised to contact the business or their travel agent.

Additionally, consumers are encouraged to contact their insurance provider as soon as possible to discuss coverage and options.

Under Ontario law, there is no coverage under the Travel Industry Compensation Fund for consumers to be reimbursed for expenses (ie. accommodations, meals, car rental, lost wages, etc.) incurred due to a flight cancellation because of a labour disruption.

Additional resources:

• For potential compensation and regulations for air-only cancellations and delays, advisors and passengers should refer to the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations.
• For more information about the labour disruption and Air Canada’s policies, please click here.

Source: Travelweek