OwedAirline blamed the weather?
Weather is the most common excuse. But under Canada's rules it only counts when it made safe operation of the aircraft impossible, and the airline should be able to show that.
Get your escalation kitFree check and claim letter. You send it yourself, so you keep 100% of what you're paid.
What the rules say
- Section 10(1)(c) of the Air Passenger Protection Regulations covers "meteorological conditions or natural disasters that make the safe operation of the aircraft impossible".
- Instructions from air traffic control (s. 10(1)(d)) and airport operation issues (s. 10(1)(g)) are also outside the airline's control.
- A knock-on delay from earlier bad weather only counts if the airline took all reasonable measures to limit its impact (s. 10(2)).
If other flights operated normally from the same airport at the same time, ask the airline to explain why yours couldn't.
The $24 escalation kit
- A follow-up letter that answers the airline's exact excuse and demands its evidence
- A final demand letter, the last step before court
- A ready-to-paste complaint to the Canadian Transportation Agency, with filing steps
- Your small claims court claim, already written for your province
- A dated plan with calendar reminders, for everyone on your booking
Start with a free 60-second check so the documents use your exact amounts. You keep 100% of what the airline pays. Refund within 30 days if the kit doesn't help.
Am I owed anything if it really was the weather?
No cash compensation, but the airline still has to rebook you or refund you and keep you informed.
How do I challenge it?
Ask in writing for the specific conditions at the relevant airport and time and how they caused your disruption. The escalation kit includes this letter.