With a potential strike by Air Canada flight attendants just a week away, a leading air passenger advocate is urging travellers to stay calm and informed before making any costly changes to their plans. Negotiations between Air Canada and the union representing roughly 10,000 flight attendants resume Friday. If no deal is reached, workers could walk off the job as early as next Friday morning. Gabor Lukacs, president of Air Passenger Rights, says passengers should not rush to rebook flights or spend money on alternative travel unless it’s absolutely necessary. “Relax at this point. There is nothing you can or should do other than perhaps just exploring what other flights may be available to you on the day that you’re coming back,” Lukacs told CTV News. “I would not incur any expenses at this point unless your travel is incredibly time-sensitive, like a medical appointment or a court hearing.” Under Canadian law, he explains, Air Canada is obligated to provide alternate transportation if a strike leads to cancellations, even if it means booking passengers on competing carriers such as WestJet or Porter. “They cannot simply wash their hands and tell you, ‘Sorry you are out of luck.’ That is not an option under the law,” he said. “If they fail to do so, and you can book on another airline for the same day or next day, you can make Air Canada pay for that expense. But don’t jump the gun — wait until the airline cancels your flight.” Lukacs says travelers with very time-sensitive trips could consider buying a refundable ticket on another airline as a backup, but warns the cost may not be recoverable unless Air Canada refuses to meet its rebooking obligations. He also cautions passengers against accepting a refund too quickly. “It’s a trap,” he said. “If you accept a refund, then Air Canada can wash its hands from your alternate transportation. I would say, ‘No, I am not accepting a refund. I am insisting that you provide alternate transportation.’” If the airline refuses, Lukacs advises recording the conversation, keeping all documentation, and, if necessary, pursuing reimbursement through small claims court rather than the Canadian Transportation Agency, which he says is facing a massive backlog. “Don’t pre-emptively do anything yourself, and don’t accept a refund unless you’ve decided you are not going anywhere,” he said. “Those are the two most common mistakes passengers make.” The outcome of this week’s negotiations will determine whether travellers face disruptions during one of the busiest times of year for travel. In the meantime, Lukacs says preparation and patience are passengers’ best tools.
