As Air Canada flight attendants move toward a potential strike, Canadians planning to travel mid-August are being warned of possible delays and cancellations. Over 10,000 flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), including those at Air Canada Rouge, are voting on a strike mandate that closes August 5. If contract negotiations remain stalled, a strike could begin as early as August 16.
Travel expert Jennifer Weatherhead recommends that passengers take a proactive approach. Speaking from the Philippines, she advised booking refundable flights, flexible accommodations, and backup transportation that can be changed or cancelled at the last minute. “Flexibility is the best currency,” she said, warning that waiting too long may leave travellers with no viable options.
However, Gabor Lukacs, president of Air Passenger Rights, cautioned against making any changes just yet. He advised passengers not to cancel their flights prematurely, as doing so could make them ineligible for compensation under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations. If a flight is cancelled by the airline, passengers are entitled to meals, lodging, and up to $1,000 in compensation. These protections don’t apply if a traveller cancels on their own.
If a strike goes ahead, lump-sum compensation may no longer apply, but airlines are still obligated to rebook passengers or issue full refunds. Should no suitable flight be found within 48 hours, the airline must book the customer on a competing carrier at no additional cost. This rule also applies to delays of over three hours due to a strike.
Central to the dispute are longstanding grievances over low wages and unpaid duties. CUPE claims that entry-level pay has increased by just $3 an hour since 2000, while inflation has surged by 169%. Flight attendants are also seeking compensation for all work performed, including boarding, deplaning, and pre-flight safety checks—duties that currently go unpaid. CUPE president Wesley Lesosky said many workers are forced to take on second jobs to make ends meet.
Air Canada downplayed the strike vote in a July 25 statement, calling it a routine part of the collective bargaining process. The airline maintains that it is working toward a fair agreement that both supports employees and promotes company growth.
As CUPE predicts strong backing for the strike mandate, both sides face increasing pressure to strike a deal before mid-August. While the union says a walkout remains a last resort, major issues such as fair pay and pensions remain unresolved. For now, travellers are urged to stay informed and prepare to pivot if talks break down.