REGINA - The looming disruption of a possible WestJet strike is weighing on air travellers with plans to take off over the long weekend. WestJet customers who could be impacted by a work stoppage have a couple of options, according to travel experts and air passenger rights advocates. The airline is allowing passengers booked between July 30 and Aug. 4 to cancel their flights or make one-time changes to the bookings, free of charge. Rachel Gray, a CAA Saskatchewan travel consultant, has been fielding calls from concerned passengers. She recommends passengers take advantage of WestJet’s offer if their travel is non-essential. “If they are able to move their dates, it is best to do so just in case the strike does happen,” Gray said. “It just makes it easier for the clients and for WestJet.” If work stoppage takes place and WestJet flights are grounded, Gray warned competitor airlines and rental cars will fill up fast, which could make it tricky for people to get home. “If you choose to keep (your booking), we will not know if you will be able to return back on the exact date you booked.” Gábor Lukács, president and founder of Air Passenger Rights, has different advice. He recommends passengers “stay put” and wait until WestJet cancels their flights. “Once they cancel your flight, you have far more rights,” Lukacs said. If WestJet cancels flights pre-emptively or during a labour disruption, the airline must rebook passengers on the next available flight, including on competitor airlines. Passengers can opt for a refund instead of a re-booking, although Lukács advises against that. “I recommend not accepting a refund for the reason that that avoids their obligation to give you alternate transportation.” What are my rights? If WestJet cancels flights ahead of the strike, Lukács says passengers are entitled to even more, including meals and overnight accommodation, while they wait for alternative transportation. Passengers would also be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash compensation for their inconvenience, depending on the length of the delay. If passengers are travelling internationally during this time, Lukács said they are further protected under the Montreal Convention, an international treaty on the rights of passengers and airline obligations. “WestJet will be liable for passengers’ meals, accommodation, lost wages and even lost prepaid activities,” Lukács said. For example, if passengers missed an international concert that they had non-refundable tickets to, WestJet would be required to provide compensation, Lukács said. “They may not voluntarily pay for it, mind you. That is something very important to bear in mind,” he said. “You may have to fight for your rights.” If no WestJet deal is reached with the union, a work stoppage could begin as early as Sunday at 12:01 a.m. Guests who booked directly with the airline will receive emails from WestJet about any changes to their flights. WestJet is asking guests who booked through a travel agent or online booking agency to contact those third parties directly.
