MISSISSAUGA — TICO is giving consumers some much needed clarity on travel services amid news of an imminent Air Canada labour disruption.

Travelweek reported earlier this morning that Air Canada has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to CUPE, which represents 10,000 flights attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, after the union announced plans to strike. Flight attendants could potentially walk off the job this Saturday.

TICO is now sharing information for consumers who’ve booked travel services with Air Canada Vacations (a TICO-registered tour operator) either directly or through a TICO-registered travel retailer – including TICO-registered online booking websites.

Though Air Canada flights have yet to be cancelled or impacted, Air Canada Vacations is offering a goodwill policy, allowing consumers with imminent travel to change their plans or receive a future travel voucher. More information can be found here.

Should a labour disruption begin with flight cancellations, the below regulation will apply:

FOR TRAVEL PACKAGES

Under Ontario law, if a travel retailer or tour operator acquires rights to travel services for resale to other registrants or consumers and is unable to provide the travel services purchased due to the failure of a supplier to provide the service (ie. flight to destination), then the consumer must be offered their choice of:

• A refund;
• Comparable alternate travel services acceptable to the customer; or
• A voucher or similar document that is acceptable to the customer for future redemption towards travel services.

Where a consumer prefers a full refund for a travel package sold, or otherwise provided, by Air Canada Vacations, Ontario’s consumer protections laws require a refund be provided within a reasonable timeframe.

“Travel disruptions can create uncertainty and stress for travellers and for the travel advisors supporting them,” said TICO CEO Richard Smart. “If any part of a travel package cannot be delivered, consumers are protected under Ontario law, providing flexibility and peace of mind during uncertain times.”

FOR AIR-ONLY BOOKINGS

For potential compensation and regulations for air-only cancellations and delays, advisors and passengers should refer to the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations. For more information about Air Canada’s policies, click here.