Navigating Canadian airport chaos
Canadians are packing their suitcases and travelling again. After two years of cancelled trips and COVID travel restrictions, airports have seen a high volume of Canadians taking off. But they are struggling to keep up with the crowds.
Are you getting ready for your next big trip? Here is what you need to know when taking off from a Canadian airport.
Busy airports
From delays, and long lines, to lost luggage and flight cancellations, Canadian airports have been the cause of headaches and frustrations.
CTV reported that between June 22 and 27, more than half the flights from Canada’s major airport were delayed or cancelled.
Plus, according to an IPSOS survey, 70 per cent of polled Canadians found the widespread issues at airports to be a national embarrassment.
Many Canadians have chosen to delay their vacation further and avoid airport headaches. However, those who decided to proceed with their getaway must stay organized and plan accordingly.
New regulations
As of September 8, new regulations have been put in place that will help stranded travellers. The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) will now be enforcing the Regulations Amending the Air Passenger Protections Regulations.
Previously under CTA regulations, airlines were only required to issue refunds for cancellations or delays that were within the control of airlines.
CTA chair and CEO, France Pégeot is optimistic about the protection new regulations offer travellers.
“These regulations will close the gap in the Canadian air passenger protection regime highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said in an online statement.
“Even when cancellations and lengthy delays occur that are outside the airline’s control, passengers will be protected if the airline cannot complete their itinerary within a reasonable period of time.”
Support for travellers
With the new amendments, it is much easier for travellers to get refunds or rebook. Airlines must provide passengers with a refund or rebooking when a cancelled flight or lengthy delays that stop passengers from completing their itinerary within a reasonable time for any reason (including those outside of the airline’s control).
Further, airlines must help travellers affected by delays and cancellations to secure a new booking on the exact airline or a partner airline’s next available flight to their destination within 48 hours of the original departure time.
“If an airline cannot rebook passengers within 48 hours of their original departure time, it will be required to provide at the passenger’s choice, a refund or rebooking,” says Pégeot. “Regardless of the type of ticket they purchased.”
Further protection
For extra protection, don’t forget your travel insurance. Travel insurance covers you for more than just medical emergencies.
Plans cover the cost of repurchasing essential items if your luggage is lost, or fees for replacing lost or stolen travel documents.
Travel insurance can also help if you cancel your trip or if your travels are cut short.
CAA’s travel insurance covers medical emergencies and everything else that may pop up. Plus, we offer savings when you repurchase travel insurance and multi-trip insurance packages.