With our guide to cancelled flights, you’ll know who to call, what to do, and the flight compensation you may or may not be entitled to. Here’s what you need to know.

What to do if your flight is cancelled by the airline

5 essential steps

If your flight has been cancelled, make sure you do the following. You may be able to hop on another flight or get your money back.

1. Ask if your airline can rebook you on another flight

You may be entitled to alternative travel

If the APPR covers your journey, your airline must offer you a choice between a refund and alternative travel to your final destination. Larger airlines must rebook you on their next available flight departing within nine hours of your original departure time. If they can’t, they must rebook you on any airline as soon as possible. 

Discuss your options directly with your airline at the airport, via customer service, or through online rebooking tools.

In some cases, airlines must provide care while you wait

If your flight disruption is within the airline’s control, your airline is required to provide reasonable care while you wait for your new flight. This can include meals, refreshments, accommodation, and transport between the airport and your hotel, depending on the length of the delay.

Keep all receipts for any costs incurred so you can request reimbursement if necessary.

3. Explore your money-back options

If you choose not to travel, you’re entitled to a full refund

All airlines must issue a full refund for flight cancellations and delays if passengers aren’t placed on a new flight within 48 hours, including for reasons outside their control. All airlines process refunds differently, so contact them directly for advice on your refund entitlements. Be ready to provide all flight details and booking reference numbers. The flight refund can be given as cash or as a flight booking voucher. 

4. Check advice for non-Canadian destinations and airlines

Your entitlement will vary outside of Canada

If you’re travelling with a non-Canadian-based airline from a non-Canadian destination, the APPR may not apply, and the airline may not have the same duty for cancelled flights. Always refer to the terms and conditions of your booking. Explore our guide to learn more about the refund process.

5. Check what your rights are

Cancellation policies vary for every airline and travel agent

While the APPR sets minimum requirements, airlines and travel agents manage flight delay claims differently. You can visit your provider’s official website to find their cancellation policy. Your airline should also notify you of how to claim compensation for a delayed flight.

Find out if you’re eligible for flight cancellation compensation

You may be entitled to compensation for any disruption caused

Flight delay compensation varies based on whether the airline gives less than two weeks’ notice, the cancellation is within the airline’s control, the size of the airline, the length of your cancelled flight, and the length of the disruption.

If the cancellation is caused by “extraordinary circumstances” outside the airline’s control—such as severe weather, security risks, or airspace closures—fixed compensation is usually not owed. In these cases, refund or rerouting rights may still apply, but compensation may not.

For large airlines

According to the CTA, if you’re flying with a large airline that carries two million or more passengers in each of the previous two years, including Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Porter, Flair, and Sunwing, you’re entitled to:

• $400 for a three to six-hour delay

• $700 for a six to nine-hour delay

• $1,000 for a delay of nine hours or more

If you choose to receive a refund instead of rebooking, major airlines like Air Canada still owe $400 in flight cancellation compensation.

For small airlines

If you’re flying with a small airline, you’re entitled to:

• $125 for a three to six-hour delay

• $250 for a six to nine-hour delay

• $500 for a delay of nine hours or more

If you choose to be refunded instead of rebooked, small airlines must still pay you $125.

For the most up-to-date guidance on your rights, refer to the Canadian Transportation Agency website.

Don’t let a cancelled flight derail your trip

If your flight gets cancelled or delayed, knowing your rights can make the stress much easier to manage. If your trip is to, from, or within Canada, the APPR is your trusted safety net for flight disruptions. So don’t let the fear of a cancelled flight stop you from booking your next getaway, and start exploring Skyscanner today for flight deals across Canada.