How do I ask for a compensation from Air Transat?

The most effective way is to use their official online claim form. It creates a paper trail and ensures your request goes to the right department from the start. Be direct and clear.

What if Air Transat doesn't compensate me?

Don't accept no for an answer. Escalate immediately by filing a formal complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).

Should I email rather than phone to complain about getting my compensation from Air Transat?

Absolutely. Always use their web form or email. It creates a written record with timestamps, which is crucial evidence if you need to escalate your complaint later. I once spent an hour on the phone getting a promise that never materialized, and had no proof it ever happened.

What's the easiest way to contact Air Transat customer service?

For non-urgent claims, their online web form is the 'easiest' because it avoids hold times. For anything urgent while you're actually traveling, you just have to brave the phone lines. Good luck. For detailed contact information, check out our [Air Transat customer service guide](/customer-service/airlines-and-aviation/how-to-contact-air-transat-customer-service).

How to check if I'm entitled to a compensation from Air Transat?

It depends on your flight route and the reason for the disruption. Check the Canadian APPR rules if your flight touched Canada, or DOT rules for US flights. If the delay was the airline's fault, you're likely eligible.

Does Air Transat have to pay for my hotel if my flight is cancelled overnight?

Yes, if the cancellation is their fault. If they cancel your flight for a reason within their control, like a mechanical issue or crew shortage, they are required under APPR to provide accommodation, meals, and transport. If it's weather, forget it.

Claim Compensation from Air Transat

Your Air Transat flight was cancelled and now you're stuck. You're not alone. Their Trustpilot score is a dismal 1.4 stars, with thousands of reviews echoing the same frustrations about last-minute changes and impossible-to-get refunds. It's a mess. Pissed Consumer even estimates that customers have lost over $1.5 million dealing with the airline, a staggering figure that highlights just how difficult it can be to get the money you're owed. Many travelers report being left on hold for hours or receiving generic email responses that lead nowhere, turning a simple compensation claim into a full-time battle. This guide is here to cut through that noise. We'll show you exactly what you're entitled to and how to demand the compensation you deserve for the delays, cancellations, or baggage issues you've endured. Don't let them wear you down.

Last Edited on 03 Nov, 2025

Olivia Harper, Senior Content Manager

8 min read

Best Ways to Get Compensation from Air Transat

Contact Method	Details & Availability	Expected Response Time	Best For	Chances of Being Compensated
Online Claim Form	Available 24/7 on the Air Transat website under 'Contact Us' or 'Customer Relations'.	7-30 days	Formal compensation claims for delays, cancellations, and baggage issues.	High
Phone	1-877-872-6728 (Canada & US). Hours vary, expect long waits.	1-2 hours (including hold time)	Urgent issues during travel (e.g., rebooking, immediate assistance).	Medium
Social Media	Twitter: @airtransat	2-8 hours	Public complaints to get a faster initial response or escalation.	Low
Mail	Air Transat Customer Relations, 300 Léo-Pariseau, Suite 500, Montreal, QC H2X 4C2, Canada	30-60 days	Sending physical evidence or if other methods fail.	Medium

Before You Start Your Compensation Claim What You Need

Getting your documents in order before you contact Air Transat is critical. Don't give them an easy reason to dismiss your claim.

Gather Your Flight Details: Find your 6-character booking reference, ticket numbers, and flight numbers. Have the original and rescheduled flight times ready.
Document Everything: Write down a clear, chronological timeline of what happened. Note who you spoke to and when. If your bag was damaged, you need photos. Seriously, take pictures of everything.
Keep All Receipts: Did you have to buy a meal, toiletries, or book a hotel because of a delay or cancellation? Keep every single receipt. Without proof of expenses, you won't get reimbursed.
Know Your Rights: Briefly read up on the regulations that might apply to your flight (we cover this in the next section). Mentioning the specific rule you believe Air Transat has broken shows you've done your homework.
State Your Desired Outcome: Be specific. Are you asking for a full refund, reimbursement for expenses totaling $157.50, or a specific amount of compensation under passenger rights regulations? Put a number on it.

What are my Rights? Am I eligible for a Compensation from Air Transat

Yes, you have rights, but they depend on your specific flight route. Since Air Transat is a Canadian airline flying to and from the US, a few different rules can apply. This is US-focused information.

For Flights To/From the US: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has rules primarily for tarmac delays, involuntary bumping (denied boarding), and lost or damaged baggage. Compensation for delays and cancellations isn't federally mandated in the US, but you are entitled to a refund if the airline cancels your flight and you choose not to travel.
For Flights To/From Canada: As a Canadian carrier, Air Transat must follow the Canadian Transportation Agency's (CTA) Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). These rules are quite strong and mandate specific compensation amounts for delays and cancellations within the airline's control. For example, for a large airline like Air Transat, delays of 9+ hours can result in CAD $1,000 in compensation.
For Flights Originating in Europe/UK: If your travel started in the EU or UK, you might be covered by EU261/UK261 regulations, which are very passenger-friendly and mandate compensation for delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.

Typical Compensation: This can range from a refund of your ticket to cash compensation ($125 to $1,000 CAD under APPR), reimbursement for expenses like hotels and meals, or travel vouchers for future use. Always push for cash over vouchers.

Draft email to Air Transat for compensation

Subject: Compensation Claim for Disrupted Flight [Your Flight Number] - Booking Reference [Your Booking Reference]

Dear Air Transat Customer Relations,

I am writing to request compensation for the significant disruption to my travel on [Date of Flight]. My booking reference is [Your Booking Reference] and my flight was [Flight Number] from [Departure Airport] to [Arrival Airport].

The flight was [select one: cancelled / delayed by X hours / I was denied boarding].

This disruption was due to [briefly explain the reason, e.g., 'a technical issue with the aircraft' or 'crew scheduling problems']. This situation falls under the airline's responsibility.

As a direct result of this, I incurred the following expenses:

Hotel: $[Amount]
Meals: $[Amount]
Transportation: $[Amount] (I have attached all corresponding receipts for your review.)

Under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) in Canada, a delay of this length caused by the airline requires compensation. I am formally requesting the mandated compensation of [e.g., $1,000 CAD] in addition to the reimbursement of my expenses totaling $[Total Expense Amount].

Please process this claim within 30 days. My full name is [Your Full Name] and my mailing address is [Your Address].

I expect a prompt resolution to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number]

How to Escalate if Your Compensation from Air Transat is Denied

If Air Transat denies your claim or offers an insulting voucher, don't give up. You have several powerful options to escalate the issue.

File a Complaint with the Regulator: This is your strongest move. Since Air Transat is a Canadian airline, you should file a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). They handle disputes under the APPR. If your flight involved the US, you can also file with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Initiate a Credit Card Chargeback: If you paid by credit card and the airline failed to provide the service (e.g., cancelled the flight and refused a refund), you can dispute the charge with your bank. This is often effective for getting your original ticket cost back.
Consider Small Claims Court: For larger claims that the airline refuses to pay, small claims court is a viable option. The process is designed for individuals without needing an expensive lawyer. Check the monetary limits for your local court.
Make Noise on Social Media: Sometimes, public pressure works when private emails don't. Post a clear, concise summary of your issue on Twitter (X) and tag @airtransat. Keep it professional, but firm. It can sometimes get your case re-examined by a social media support team.

How Pine AI Can Help You Get Compensation from Air Transat

Tired of Air Transat's endless hold music and generic 'we are experiencing high call volumes' messages? Sound familiar? Fighting for the compensation you're legally owed shouldn't feel like a second job. That's where Pine AI steps in. We handle the entire frustrating process for you. Our AI drafts compelling, regulation-specific claim letters and manages all the follow-up communication, so you don't have to waste another minute of your life chasing down customer service. We know the right arguments to make and the specific rules to cite to get their attention. With a 93% success rate in consumer negotiations, we turn your valid complaint into actual money back in your pocket. No more email loops. No more getting ignored. Let us deal with the corporate runaround while you get on with your life. It's time to get what you're owed, without the headache.

The information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Pine AI is not a law firm.