The flight delay compensation process of Air Canada is well-established and regulated by both the domestic and international laws, depending on the point of disruption. Understanding the eligibility rules, payments and the step by step claims can enable passengers to effectively make claims to cover the cost of their travelling problems.

Eligibility for Compensation

The eligibility Air Canada Flight Delay Compensation depends on a number of aspects:

  • The delay should be due to the control of Air Canada and not due to safety like maintenance problems or manpower shortages.
  • Any delay caused due to exceptional circumstances such as extreme weather, medical services, security threats or directives issued by the air traffic control is usually not considered.
  • In case of the flight arriving at the final destination at least three hours late, and the passenger has an existing reservation in a publicly available fare, the eligibility is determined.
  • The given rules are applicable concerning domestic and international flights, and there are extra EU Regulation protections of the flights arriving or departing the European Union operated by Air Canada.

Amounts of Compensation

The compensation is paid according to the time of delay at arrival:

  • If the delay is between 3 and 6 hours then you are eligible for the compensation of around $400.
  • If the delay is between 6 and 9 hours then you are entitled for the compensation of around $700.
  • Passengers are entitled for the compensation of around $1000 for the delays of over 9 hours.
  • The EU Regulation states that the compensation on eligible international flights is between 250-600 EU based on the distance covered by a flight.

Passenger Rights During Delays

The passengers have the right to effective communication timely and clearly as to the cause of the delay. Air Canada must notify the passengers about the current information after every 30 minutes until new arrangements are made. In case the rebooking is required and a proper replacement flight is not available within 48 hours, the passengers can request the refund with a return flight as well as in the event of passengers who are already traveling.

In the event that the journey is rendered useless by a delay, passengers are allowed to receive a refund of the unused portion of their ticket. When Air Canada is stuck in one of its connecting cities, the company ought to refund the money and send the passenger back to the point of his departure. Also, keep in mind that when delays are completely in the hands of the airline then you do not need to pay the Air Canada Flight Cancellation  Fee and you will receive the full refund for the canceled flight.

The Compensation Claim Process

To file a compensation claim:

  • Collect flight information, ticket references, and documents (boarding passes, flight delays).
  • Go to the official website of Air Canada and move to the section of Flight Delay or Cancellation Claim.
  • Check eligibility using the self-serve eligibility checker which requires the last name and ticket number.
  • Fill in online compensation form with personal and flight details, and send the claim.
  • Within 30 days, Air Canada must respond (the approval or the denial).

The passengers can get the compensation in cash, cheque, e-Transfer, or as a travel voucher. Frequent Air Canada users may choose the option of voucher, but financial compensation is a right.

Tips for a Smooth Process

  • File your claim within weeks of the disruption, preferably.
  • Re-verify eligibility particularly when the interference was occasioned by factors beyond the control of Air Canada.
  • Record in detail communications and costs associated with the delay.

Conclusion

The awareness of the Air Canada flight delay compensation process will enable passengers to exercise their rights and demand compensation on disruption of their travels. Travelers can ease the process by getting to understand the criteria of eligibility, the amounts they need to be compensated and proper process of making claims. They have to be fast to act, keep great records, and be aware of the rights they have when there is a delay.