Flight Delayed or Cancelled? Your APPR Compensation in Canada (Up to $1,000)
Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations can require an airline to pay you up to $1,000 for a delayed or cancelled flight — but only if four conditions...
Frequently Asked Questions
How much compensation can I get for a delayed flight in Canada?
It depends on how late you arrived at your final destination and the size of the airline. For a large airline: $400 (3 to under 6 hours late), $700 (6 to under 9), or $1,000 (9 hours or more). For a small airline: $125, $250, or $500 on the same tiers. Large airlines are Air Canada (including Jazz and Rouge), WestJet, Sunwing, Air Transat, Porter, and Flair.
What if the delay was caused by weather?
Then no compensation is payable. Weather is 'outside the airline's control' — you are still entitled to rebooking and refunds, but not compensation for inconvenience. The same is true for security events, air traffic control, and government travel bans.
The airline said it was a safety issue. Does that kill my claim?
Often, yes — 'within the airline's control but required for safety' entitles you to assistance, rebooking, and a refund but NOT compensation. Airlines lean on this category heavily. If you believe the real cause was crew scheduling or an aircraft swap, ask the airline in writing to state the specific reason, and keep the answer.
How long do I have to claim?
You must file a claim in writing with the airline within one year of the delay or cancellation. A phone call is not a claim. If you are also claiming expenses under the Montreal Convention on an international itinerary, there is a separate two-year limit for starting a court action.
Can the airline just give me a travel voucher?
Only on strict conditions. Compensation must be offered in monetary form (cash, cheque, bank draft, e-transfer). A voucher is permitted only if the airline tells you the cash amount, gives you the alternative's value in writing, the voucher is worth MORE than the cash, it never expires, and you confirm in writing that you are choosing it anyway. Otherwise, take the money.
What if the airline refuses to pay?
You can complain to the Canadian Transportation Agency, though it has carried a significant backlog. Or you can sue in Small Claims Court (claims up to $50,000), where a licensed paralegal can represent you. For most APPR claims, Small Claims is the faster and more decisive route.
Contact Legal Assist
Legal Assist Paralegal Services — Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. Serving London, Ontario and Southwestern Ontario. Call 226-272-5153 or email jeanfrancois@legalassist.london for a free consultation.