AI Flight Refunds: Get Your Compensation Fast and Hassle-Free with Advanced Technology (Get started for free)
Why is Air Canada denying compensation for my 9-hour delay?
Air Canada's compensation policies are governed by the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which mandate compensation of up to $1,000 CAD for flight delays over 9 hours that are within the airline's control.
However, Air Canada may claim "extraordinary circumstances" such as weather, air traffic control issues, or staff shortages to avoid paying compensation, even if the delay is lengthy.
Passengers have reported difficulties obtaining compensation, citing a lack of transparency from Air Canada on the specific reasons for denial and their rights under the APPR.
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), the country's air travel regulator, has received numerous complaints against Air Canada regarding its compensation practices, suggesting inconsistencies in how the airline applies the APPR.
Legal experts argue that Air Canada's broad interpretation of "extraordinary circumstances" to avoid compensation may not always be justified, and passengers may have grounds to challenge the airline's decisions through the CTA's dispute resolution process.
The APPR requires airlines to provide meals, refreshments, and accommodations to passengers during lengthy delays, regardless of the reason.
Passengers have reported issues receiving these amenities from Air Canada.
Compensation amounts under the APPR are based on the length of the delay, with $400 CAD for delays of 3-6 hours, $700 CAD for 6-9 hours, and $1,000 CAD for delays over 9 hours.
Air Canada's subsidiaries, such as Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express, are also subject to the APPR compensation requirements, though passengers have reported similar issues with these airlines.
The European Union's air passenger rights regulations, which are more stringent than the APPR, could potentially apply to some Air Canada flights if they originate or connect through the EU, potentially entitling passengers to higher compensation.
Passenger advocacy groups have criticized Air Canada's compensation policies, arguing that they prioritize the airline's bottom line over the rights and interests of travelers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to increased flight disruptions and staffing challenges for airlines, which Air Canada has cited as reasons for denying compensation, though some experts argue these factors do not necessarily qualify as "extraordinary circumstances."
Passengers may have better success obtaining compensation from Air Canada by thoroughly documenting their experiences, submitting formal complaints to the CTA, and, if necessary, seeking legal recourse to challenge the airline's decisions.
The APPR regulations are relatively new, having come into effect in 2019, and there are ongoing discussions and legal interpretations around the scope and application of the rules, which may impact how airlines like Air Canada apply them.
Air Canada's website and customer service representatives do not always provide clear or consistent information to passengers about their compensation rights, which can contribute to confusion and frustration during the claims process.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the number of flight disruptions and compensation claims, potentially straining the resources and capacity of both airlines and regulatory bodies like the CTA to process and respond to these issues.
Passengers may have better luck obtaining compensation if they can demonstrate that the delay was directly caused by factors within Air Canada's control, such as technical issues, staffing problems, or operational decisions, rather than external "extraordinary circumstances."
The APPR regulations are intended to provide a standardized framework for passenger rights and airline obligations, but the interpretation and application of these rules can vary based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Passengers who have been denied compensation by Air Canada may consider escalating their complaints to the CTA or seeking legal advice to better understand their rights and the airline's obligations under the APPR.
The APPR is part of a broader trend towards increased consumer protection and regulation in the aviation industry, which may continue to evolve and impact how airlines like Air Canada handle flight disruptions and compensation claims.
Effective communication and transparency from Air Canada, as well as clear and consistent application of the APPR regulations, could help improve the passenger experience and reduce the number of complaints and disputes over compensation.
AI Flight Refunds: Get Your Compensation Fast and Hassle-Free with Advanced Technology (Get started for free)