Claim Compensation from Air Canada

Don't just fire off an angry email yet. You need ammo. Air Canada will look for any technicality to deny your claim, so gather these specific details first.

• Save your boarding passes and baggage tags. Seriously, do not throw them away until the money is in your bank account.
• Screenshot the notification. Capture the app notification or email that says "Cancelled" or "Delayed." You need proof of the time they notified you.
• Write down the timeline. "Gate agent said crew was late at 2:00 PM." This specific detail matters because "crew availability" is within their control, while "weather" is not.
• Keep all receipts. If you slept in a hotel or bought a sandwich because of a delay, keep the itemized receipt. Credit card statements often aren't enough for them.
• Check the reason code. Ask the gate agent specifically why the flight is disrupted and write it down. If they say "Maintenance," you are likely owed money.

Since you are dealing with a major carrier flying into or out of the US, you have layers of protection. However, Air Canada is also bound by Canadian regulations which can actually be more generous for delays.

• Airlines (US/Canada): For flights to/from the US, DOT rules apply for refunds if they cancel. But under Canada's APPR (Air Passenger Protection Regulations), if a delay is within their control (like maintenance or crew scheduling) and you arrive 3+ hours late, you are entitled to cash compensation.
  • 3-6 hour delay: ~$295 USD ($400 CAD)
  • 6-9 hour delay: ~$515 USD ($700 CAD)
  • 9+ hour delay: ~$735 USD ($1,000 CAD)
• Baggage: Under the Montreal Convention, their liability for lost or damaged bags is capped at approximately $1,700 USD. They must reimburse you for "reasonable" expenses (clothes, toiletries) while you wait for delayed bags.
• Overbooking: If you are involuntarily bumped from a flight from the US, DOT regulations require compensation up to $1,550 depending on the delay length.

Note: They will almost always try to claim "safety reasons" or "weather" to avoid paying. Always push back if you saw other airlines flying that same route.

Subject: Formal Compensation Claim - Flight [Flight Number] - [Date] - Booking Ref: [Reference Number]

To Air Canada Customer Relations,

I am writing to formally request compensation for the disruption to flight [Flight Number] from [Departure City] to [Arrival City] on [Date].

The flight was [cancelled / delayed by X hours] due to factors within Air Canada's control. I was informed by ground staff that the cause was [insert reason, e.g., crew scheduling/maintenance].

Under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), I am entitled to compensation of [insert amount, e.g., $1,000 CAD] for a delay exceeding 9 hours. Additionally, I incurred expenses for meals and accommodation totaling $[Amount] USD, for which receipts are attached.

Please remit the total compensation to my original form of payment. If this claim is rejected, I require a full explanation of the flight disruption reason code to submit to the Canadian Transportation Agency.

I expect a response within 30 days as required by law.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Phone Number] [Aeroplan Number if applicable]

If they ghost you or offer a measly $50 coupon, don't give up. You have options to force their hand.

• File with the CTA: The Canadian Transportation Agency handles disputes for flights to/from Canada. It's a slow process, but it forces a formal review.
• US DOT Complaint: For flights touching US soil, file a complaint with the Department of Transportation. Airlines hate these because they affect their federal statistics.
• Credit Card Chargeback: If they cancelled and refused a refund (not just compensation, but the actual ticket cost), call your bank. Tell them "Services not received."
• Small Claims Court: If the amount is significant, you can file in small claims. Often, their legal team will settle just to avoid showing up.

Dealing with airlines feels like shouting at a brick wall. Maybe you signed up for a Flight Pass or an Aeroplan subscription you don't need anymore, or maybe you're just trying to get a straight answer about a refund. It’s exhausting. Tired of hearing Air Canada support say "please hold" every 5 minutes? Sound familiar?

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for legal matters.