Air Canada passengers from London and elsewhere advised to start making alternate arrangements
Time is running out on a potential work stoppage by Air Canada pilots - that means passengers flying from London International Airport or Toronto Pearson Airport may have to start considering alternate travel plans.
Wallaceburg resident Dorothy MacDonald arrived early to London Airport Friday for her flight to Toronto, to catch an Air Canada flight to Halifax. She said she has not been informed of any contingency plans by the airline.
“But, if I can’t get back, I have to find another mode of transportation, right?” she questioned.
Flying out is one thing, but being able to return without disruption or headaches is quite another.
“It’s a little unnerving, just the inconvenience of feeling stranded,” said another passenger, who spoke to CTV News.
Air Canada says some services like cargo or vacation packages will begin being affected as of Friday. A full shutdown could happen by September 18, as the runway runs out on the labour dispute between the airline and the Air Line Pilots Association.
Wallaceburg resident Dorothy MacDonald prepares for her flight from London International Airport (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
The airline and pilots’ association will on Sunday be in a position to issue a three-day notice for a strike or a lockout. That’s when the airline says it will begin its plan for a wind-down.
Air Canada third party carriers like Jazz will continue flights.
The regional carrier has three flights departing London daily. Many London Jazz passengers ultimately connect with Air Canada. London International Airport CEO Scott McFadzean said that Air Canada is working with other carriers to accommodate passengers.
“In the event Air Canada Pilots do go on strike and the schedules are impacted, Air Canada is going to do their best to connect passengers with other Star Lines partners or other airlines,” explained McFadzean. “That may not be possible, hence why I’m advising anyone traveling to really stay in touch with the airlines and check schedules on a regular basis,” he said.
London International Airport CEO Scott McFadzean speaks with CTV News, September 13, 2024 (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
With no guarantees, insurance expert RATESDOTCA says passengers that have already purchased Air Canda tickets should review their travel insurance policies.
Key points to look for:
- What situations does the travel insurance policy accept for trip cancellation insurance? Some policies will cover trip cancellations if a strike prevents a carrier from getting a passenger to their destination within 24 consecutive hours from the originally scheduled arrival time. Others will cover the costs of planned tours that are cancelled due to the strike.
- Does your insurance policy cover trip delays? If so, you may be able to claim meals, hotel stays and other eligible expenses incurred during the delay. You may also be able to claim reimbursement for a portion of the trip you’ve missed.
- Does your insurance policy cover travel interruptions? If the strike causes you to miss 50% of your trip or more, you may be entitled to reimbursement for that portion of the trip.
Source: RATESDOTCA
As for traveler Dorothy MacDonald, her return Air Canada flight from Halifax is scheduled for September 23. For now, she’s taking it in stride.
“I don’t have an option, but you know I try not to let things like that bother me,” said MacDonald.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada travellers share worries and frustrations ahead of possible pilot strike
Here's what customers had to say about their travel plans ahead of a potential Air Canada pilot strike.
Trudeau says Ukraine can strike deep into Russia with NATO arms, Putin hints at war
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ukraine should be allowed to strike deep inside Russia, regardless of Moscow threatening that this would draw Canada and its allies into direct war.
Driver charged with killing NHL's Johnny Gaudreau and his brother had .087 blood-alcohol level
The driver charged with killing NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew as they bicycled on a rural road had a blood-alcohol level of .087, above the .08 legal limit in New Jersey, a prosecutor said Friday.
Ontario's top court dismisses application for bail from Jacob Hoggard
Jacob Hoggard will remain behind bars while he tries to appeal his sexual assault conviction at Canada's top court, a justice with Ontario's Appeal Court ruled Friday, calling the musician's attempt unlikely to succeed.
2 suspects charged after Lamborghini stolen in armed home invasion in Richmond Hill: police
York Regional Police say they have arrested two suspects and are looking for at least one more following an armed home invasion in Richmond Hill that saw thieves escape in the victim’s Lamborghini.
Stuck-in-space astronauts make first public comments since Boeing capsule left without them
Stuck-in-space astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams said Friday they appreciated all the prayers and well wishes from strangers back home.
Former NHL enforcer Stephen Peat dies after being hit by car in B.C.
Stephen Peat, the former Washington Capitals enforcer who fought concussion issues and was homeless at times after leaving hockey, has died from injuries sustained late last month when he was struck by a car while crossing a street. He was 44.
A cat named Drifter is safe after sneaking out and getting trapped in a sewer for nearly 8 weeks
A cat aptly named Drifter is safe at home after sneaking outside and getting trapped in a sewer for nearly eight weeks.
LIVE UPDATES Air Canada flights could halt next week: Here's the latest
Air Canada's potential work stoppage could ground flights, halt cargo and leave travellers scrambling to reschedule next week. Follow along with live updates here.