These are different categories under Passenger Rights
1. Flight Compensation
2. Denied Boarding
Under APPR( Air Passengers Protection Rights) , passengers who have been involuntarily denied boarding to their flight could be eligible for compensation from $900 CAD up to $2,400 CAD. Compensation will depend on how long a passenger’s arrival is at the airport. In addition, the airline must offer the affected passengers an alternate flight to their final destination.
APPR also applies to all flights which depart from outside of Canada but are operated by Canadian carriers.
Air Compensation can help you claim your compensation for denied boarding. We have trained professionals such as paralegals, lawyers and other agents who will take all of the necessary steps to ensure that the airline compensates you according to your provincial rights under APPR.
Voluntary denied boarding means that the airline tries to find passengers of the particular flight who are willing to be rebooked on a later flight or to give up the flight in exchange for certain benefits and advantages.
It is important to know that airlines have a responsibility to inform passengers who volunteer to be moved to another flight their APPR rights and benefits that are offered to the passenger in writing.
Typically Airlines sell more seats than available to avoid flights from departing empty due to passengers not arriving for their scheduled flights. This also ensures that airlines maximize their profits.
The results from this leads to airlines not being able to predict the exact number of passengers arriving the day of the scheduled flight. When this occurs it leads to overbooking of flights and passengers being denied boarding.
If you agree to voluntarily take another flight, you are surrendering your right to compensation and therefore you will NOT receive any compensation for denied boarding. However, the airline must honour any offer that was given to you for voluntarily taking another flight.
- Ask the airline Representative why you are being denied boarding
- Hold onto all your travel documents including boarding passes and flight tickets
- Do not voluntarily give up your seat to your flight in exchange for vouchers or deals
- Request an alternate flight to your final destination (Airline must provide to bumped passengers)
- Request Compensation for being denied boarding
- Document and take photos of all conversations and communication
If you have been Involuntarily bumped from a flight due to overbooking, the airline is obligated and responsible for providing you food, water, hotel and transportation to and from the hotel if they cannot book you on another flight the same day.
In the event that the airline has failed to provide all or the necessary accommodations according to your situation, you may have to purchase meals and accommodation. To ensure you will be reimbursed for all purchases, always keep a physical and digital copy for when you are seeking reimbursement.
The airline must also compensate you for bumping you from your flight.
Financial compensations for the passengers who have been denied boarding are covered under the APPR ( Air Passenger Protection Regulation) (Denied Boarding Compensation)
The law specifically holds Airlines responsible for compensating passengers in the event of denied boarding and also expects that airlines should be “Handling “bumped” passengers with fairness and care.
Passengers are entitled to compensation if they were denied boarding due to overbooking or if they were selected as a passenger to not board a flight due to the airline having a smaller aircraft.
The total amount of compensation that each passenger is entitled to is
- $900 CAD if the passenger arrives less than six hours late;
- $1,800 CAD if the passenger arrives six hours or more late, but less than nine hours; and
- $2,400 CAD if the passenger arrives nine hours or more late.
This APPR Boarding Regulation applies to all airlines departing from Canada or airlines operating inside of Canada from another country.
Each passenger that holds a valid airline ticket is entitled to one or more below:
- Compensation
- Hotel
- Transportation
- Food & Water
- Phone calls, Faxes
- Rebooking of flights
The type of compensation that you receive depends on the circumstance of your flight and the reasons why you were denied boarding.
If you are unsure what you are entitled to you may contact Air Compensation or provide your flight details and we will determine if you are qualified.
Claiming compensation for flights can be a very difficult process at times due to the fact that airlines have a tendency to deny claims and refuse payment to travelers leading to weeks and months of paper just to receive what you are legally entitled to.
If you are unsure and would like to have someone take care of the communication and hassle with the airline, we at Air Compensation have a team of trained professionals that know your passenger rights and will get you compensated quickly and fairly even if it requires us to bring the airline to court.
There is no refund requirement if an airline denies boarding for reasons outside its control unless it is provided in the airline’s tariff.
If the airline’s tariff includes a policy allowing a passenger to seek a refund of the remaining value of their unused ticket because they no longer wish to continue their travel or make use of the alternate travel arrangement offered, the airline must at any time provide this refund to the affected passengers.
If a passenger accepts such a refund, their journey ends and the airline has no further obligation towards them.
According to the APPR, In Canada, Passengers have up to 1 Year (12) months to make a claim with the airline to seek compensation. If you are seeking compensation, Airlines have 30 days to get back to your claim.
We at Air Compensation have a track record of ensuring that the airline follows the rules and fairly compensates passengers. Over the course of time, we have been successful in getting passengers paid in under 30 days depending on their circumstance.
3. Flight Cancelation:
A cancellation occurs when the airline does not operate the flight at all for a certain reason.
Airlines’ obligations to you include
- compensation;
- standards of treatment; and
- completion of your itinerary or a refund.
Depending on the circumstance of the cancellation including if it’s in airlines control, you may be entitled to compensation, change of ticket or a direct refund.
The time limit to file a claim with an airline in Canada is 1 year or 12 months according to the APPR ( Air Passenger Protection Regulation) of canada.
Passengers who wish to file a claim can do so in a couple of ways. To file a claim you can contact Air Compensation and we will submit the claim on your behalf or you can submit a claim directly to the airline.
We at Air Compensation have a track record of ensuring that the airline follows the rules and fairly compensates passengers. Over the course of time, we have been successful in getting passengers paid in under 30 days depending on their circumstance.
- weather conditions or natural disasters that make the safe operation of the flight impossible;
- instructions from air traffic control;
- airport operation issues;
- medical emergency;
- security threat;
- collision with wildlife;
- war or political instability;
- illegal acts or sabotage;
- Notice to Airmen (as defined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations);
- labour disputes within the carrier or an essential service provider such as an airport or an air navigation service provider;
- a manufacturing defect in an aircraft that reduces the safety of passengers and that was identified by the manufacturer or a competent authority; or
- request from a police, security or customs official.
- Crew shortage
- Mechanical
- Aircraft not available for flight
4. Delayed Flight:
A flight delay is when an airline flight takes off and/or lands later than its scheduled time.
Flight delays can happen suddenly and unexpectedly with airlines. During these times passengers have a right to the following if they have waited 2 or more hours or informed less than 12 hours prior to your flight.
- Alternate travel arrangements
- Refunds
- Overnight Accommodations ( Hotel)
- Food & Water free of charge
- Access to Communication, Wifi, Telephone, Fax
- Transportation to and from hotel
- Compensation for the delay
- Right to be informed every 30 minutes with updates from airline
In most circumstances, Passengers are entitled to compensation depending on the type of delay and how long your flight has been delayed.
Airlines must compensate passengers between $125 CAD to 1,000 CAD
Passengers who wish to file a claim can do so in a couple of ways. To file a claim you can contact Air Compensation and we will submit the claim on your behalf or you can submit a claim directly to the airline.
The time limit to file a claim with an airline in Canada is 1 year or 12 months according to the APPR ( Air Passenger Protection Regulation) of canada.
There are cases where airlines do not have control over operational circumstances such as medical emergencies, bad weather, security incidents, bad weather, denial from Air Traffic Control.
In any circumstance, Always document the reasons airlines give to you regarding cancellation.
In some situations, airlines make decisions to delay flights based on operational issues such as pilot shortage, crew shortage, or even the decision to consolidate flights. All of these fall in the category of Circumstances that fall within airlines control.
Always seek and validate the delay with airlines and document the responses.
We at Air Compensation have a track record of ensuring that the airline follows the rules and fairly compensates passengers. Over the course of time, we have been successful in getting passengers paid in under 30 days depending on their circumstance.
5. Missed Connection Flight:
Missed connection flight is classified as a flight or journey which has a stop over in which the passenger has to switch aircraft and continue to their final destination.
When a passenger misses a connecting flight due to flight being late resulting from operational circumstances that are in airline control, the airline must provide another flight within a short time and or provide food and accommodation should the passenger need to stay overnight to await the next departing flight to their final destination.
However, if you purchase your airline ticket separately and you missed your flight then the airline is not responsible as you did not purchase the ticket entirely through your first airline.
If you missed your connecting flight due to the airline arriving late to your connecting destination, the airlines must provide you another flight.
You may also rebook your flight on your own if the airline refuses to and send a claim for refund.
Yes in most cases, you are entitled to compensation for delays and we encourage you to claim your compensation with the airline.
If you missed your connecting flight, you are entitled to the following:
- Food and water
- Compensation
- Rebooking of flight
- Accommodation
- Transportation to and from accommodation
Depending on the circumstance of the delay that led you to miss the flight, will determine your entitlements.
If you are unsure of what you are entitled to, we here at Air Compensation will be able to help you get what you need and the compensation you deserve.
If your connecting flight is with another airline, in certain circumstances the airline that flew you to the connecting location will have to cover the cost of rebooking or put you onto another flight to your final destination free of cost.
Passengers who wish to file a claim can do so in a couple of ways. To file a claim you can contact Air Compensation and we will submit the claim on your behalf or you can submit a claim directly to the airline.
- Phone calls
- Food, water
- Accommodations
- Transportation
- Refunds
In the event that your flight is delayed until the next day, the airline is responsible to rebook you for your next flight and provide you accommodation, food, transportation and updates on your flight.
The time limit to file a claim with an airline in Canada is 1 year or 12 months according to the APPR ( Air Passenger Protection Regulation) of canada.
Medical Emergencies, Severe weather preventing airlines from flying, security issues.
Circumstances in the airline’s control consist of low demand, crew shortage and consolidating flights.
We at Air Compensation have a track record of ensuring that the airline follows the rules and fairly compensates passengers. Over the course of time, we have been successful in getting passengers paid in under 30 days depending on their circumstance.
6. Lost,Damaged or Delayed Luggage
- Luggage that is not returned in the same condition is considered damaged Luggage.
- Luggage that is not returned after 21 days is considered Lost.
- Delayed luggage has a different time frame with different airlines.
Depending on your circumstance you may be entitled to compensation and replacement of items including the cost of the luggage.
Passengers are entitled up to $2,350 CAD
The time limit to file a claim with an airline in Canada is 1 year or 12 months according to the APPR ( Air Passenger Protection Regulation) of canada.
Passengers who wish to file a claim can do so in a couple of ways. To file a claim you can contact Air Compensation and we will submit the claim on your behalf or you can submit a claim directly to the airline
We at Air Compensation have a track record of ensuring that the airline follows the rules and fairly compensates passengers. Over the course of time, we have been successful in getting passengers paid in under 30 days depending on their circumstance.
7. Overbooked Flight:
Overbooked flights are when the airline oversells their seats on a flight.
As a passenger, you have a right to know if you have been overbooked, new flights, and offer a refund should there be a need. You also may be entitled to compensation depending on the situation.
Yes. Every passenger is entitled to compensation if their flight was overbooked.
Every passenger who’s flight has been overbooked is entitled to the following:
- Rebooking of flight
- Full Refund
- Compensation for denied boarding up to $1000 CAD
Passengers who wish to file a claim can do so in a couple of ways. To file a claim you can contact Air Compensation and we will submit the claim on your behalf or you can submit a claim directly to the airline.
The time limit to file a claim with an airline in Canada is 1 year or 12 months according to the APPR ( Air Passenger Protection Regulation) of canada.
We at Air Compensation have a track record of ensuring that the airline follows the rules and fairly compensates passengers. Over the course of time, we have been successful in getting passengers paid in under 30 days depending on their circumstance.
8. Tarmac Delays:
Tarmac delays are delays when they aircraft doors are closed for take off
Or when a flight has landed and there is a long period of time waiting to disembark.
Passengers who are delayed on the tarmac are entitled to the following free of charge
- Access to washrooms
- Proper heating and ventilation
- Food and drink
- Ways to communicate to people outside of the aircraft
Passengers may contact the airline directly, or passengers may contact the local police and explain their situation.
Yes. Every passenger who feels and believes they were held over the limit on the tarmac and file a complaint with the airline.
Depending on the circumstance relating to the delay, there may be compensation available for passengers.
Passengers who wish to file a claim can do so in a couple of ways. To file a claim you can contact Air Compensation and we will submit the claim on your behalf or you can submit a claim directly to the airline.
The time limit to file a claim with an airline in Canada is 1 year or 12 months according to the APPR ( Air Passenger Protection Regulation) of canada.
We at Air Compensation have a track record of ensuring that the airline follows the rules and fairly compensates passengers. Over the course of time, we have been successful in getting passengers paid in under 30 days depending on their circumstance.
9. File A complaint:
Passengers have a right to contact the airline and seek clarity of flights in their complaint, seek compensation, and seek refunds or rebooking of flights.
As a passenger you have the right to send your complaints directly to the airline or to the APPR.
Passengers may also contact Air Compensation and we will help with your complaint.
The time limit to file a claim with an airline in Canada is 1 year or 12 months according to the APPR ( Air Passenger Protection Regulation) of canada.
Passengers who wish to file a claim can do so in a couple of ways. To file a claim you can contact Air Compensation and we will submit the claim on your behalf or you can submit a claim directly to the airline.
Every airline that operates in Canada has 30 calendar days to respond to passenger complaints according to the APPR.
10. Bad Weather:
Airlines that experience weather that does not permit them to fly such as Severe snow storms, hurricanes, tornadoes will automatically require airlines to not fly due to safety reasons.
11. Ticket Refund:
Passengers are entitled to refunds, but if they opt out they can also receive a rebooked flight depending on the circumstance.
Depending on the circumstance passengers are also entitled to compensation.
12. Large & Small Airlines:
Large Airlines
- Air Canada (including Jazz and Rouge), WestJet, Sunwing Airlines, Air Transat, and Flair Airlines are considered large airlines.
Small Airlines (Updated 2024)
Canada Jetlines, Canadian North, Porter Airlines and all other Canadian airlines are currently considered small.