Air Transat narrowly averted a potential strike this week by reaching a last-minute agreement with its 750 pilots, thereby preventing significant disruptions at the onset of the holiday travel season. Prior to the deal, eighteen flights had been preemptively canceled as negotiations reached a critical stage, with wage issues being the primary sticking point.
To provide insights into the implications for travelers and their rights during flight cancellations amid labor disputes, Dr. Gábor Lukács, president of Air Passenger Rights, spoke with CityNews.
Dr. Lukács clarified that labor negotiations do not equate to a labor dispute and are under the control of the airline. In the case of Air Transat, the decision to cancel flights was a managerial choice rather than a safety requirement. Passengers affected by such cancellations are entitled to rebooking on another flight departing within nine hours or on a competitor’s next available flight. Additionally, they are owed a lump sum compensation of $1,000 based on the extent of their delay, in addition to accommodation and reimbursement for lost wages and prepaid expenses.
Regarding passengers who were brought back early as a precautionary measure by Air Transat, they may have rights to compensation for any inconveniences incurred due to changes in their travel plans. Dr. Lukács emphasized that passengers who were misled into taking earlier flights may have been deprived of their rights under the APPR. He advised passengers to assert their rights by refusing any misleading rebookings and insisting on being placed on the next available flight as per regulations.
