WestJet is actively working to support all affected passengers following a labor strike that began on Friday, June 28. The strike significantly disrupted operations, coinciding with the busy July long weekend, a peak travel period in Canada. This led to limited availability within WestJet’s network and alternative carriers, complicating reaccommodation efforts.
Adhering to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), WestJet is committed to arranging alternate travel plans within 48 hours of a flight cancellation. If this is not feasible, passengers are entitled to a refund to their original form of payment.
According to the APPR, airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for hotels and meals in situations beyond their control, such as labor strikes. Courts have classified strike declarations as labor disruptions, categorizing affected flights as beyond the carrier’s control under the APPR. Nevertheless, WestJet has, in some cases, exceeded its APPR obligations by offering hotel accommodations to passengers stranded abroad.
WestJet aims to address APPR claims within 30 days, and passengers are encouraged to submit claims for eligible expenses through WestJet.com.
