Air Canada Delays: What You Need To Know About Compensation

Air Canada delay compensation refers to the monetary compensation that eligible passengers can claim when their Air Canada flight experiences a significant delay or cancellation. The compensation is intended to reimburse passengers for expenses, inconvenience, and loss of time incurred due to the disruption.

Eligibility for Air Canada Delay Compensation

Passengers are eligible for Air Canada delay compensation if their flight meets the following criteria:

• The flight is operated by Air Canada or its codeshare partners.
• The flight departs from an airport within the European Union (EU) or Switzerland.
• The flight is delayed by three hours or more.
• The delay is not caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as weather conditions, strikes, or security issues.

Amount of Air Canada Delay Compensation

The amount of Air Canada delay compensation depends on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight:

• Delay of 3-4 hours: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km; €400 for flights between 1,500-3,500 km; €600 for flights over 3,500 km.
• Delay of 5-6 hours: €400 for flights up to 1,500 km; €600 for flights between 1,500-3,500 km; €800 for flights over 3,500 km.
• Delay of over 6 hours: €600 for flights up to 1,500 km; €800 for flights between 1,500-3,500 km; €1,000 for flights over 3,500 km.

How to Claim Air Canada Delay Compensation

To claim Air Canada delay compensation, passengers can follow these steps:

1. Contact Air Canada: Inform the airline about the delay and request a claim form.
2. Submit a Claim: Fill out the claim form and provide supporting documentation, such as boarding passes and proof of expenses.
3. Submit the Claim: Send the completed claim form and supporting documents to Air Canada via email, mail, or online.

Timeline for Air Canada Delay Compensation

Air Canada has a legal obligation to process claims within eight weeks. However, the actual processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the claim.

Rights of Air Canada Delay Compensation Claimants

Passengers who claim Air Canada delay compensation have certain rights:

• Right to Information: Passengers have the right to be informed about their compensation rights and the status of their claim.
• Right to Assistance: Air Canada must provide assistance to passengers who have experienced a delay, including meals, drinks, and accommodation if necessary.
• Right to Alternative Transportation: If the delay is significant, Air Canada may provide alternative transportation to passengers.

Exceptions to Air Canada Delay Compensation

Air Canada delay compensation is not payable in the following circumstances:

• The delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances.
• The passenger is denied boarding due to safety or security reasons.
• The passenger has voluntarily given up their seat.

In a nutshell: Ensuring Fair Compensation

Air Canada delay compensation is an important mechanism for protecting the rights of passengers who experience significant flight disruptions. By understanding the eligibility criteria, amount of compensation, and claim process, passengers can ensure that they receive fair compensation for their inconvenience and expenses.