08/13/2025
I am including a link to a great site on reddit that will keep you updated on the news for the strike. We are watching closely and are ready to get you rebooked if required.
https://www.reddit.com/r/aircanada/comments/1morhu3/megathread_ac_fa_strike_aug_1213/
What is happening?
AC and the union that represents their flight attendants have been undergoing negotiations regarding a new contract for several months, and have yet to reach an agreement. As a result, earlier this month, FAs have voted almost unanimously to pursue job action if a deal is not reached.
A strike is not yet confirmed. Further negotiations are ongoing, but we are undoubtedly reaching critical stages and dates, and job action may be imminent.
FAQs
1. When can a strike start?
A 72-hour strike notice was issued on Aug 13, 12:58 EDT. As a result, the first flights that can be affected are Aug 16, 12:58 EDT, but we are likely to see operational cancellation from AC in preparation for the strike.
2. How long will a strike last? Will the strike actually take effect?
This is impossible to predict, as no one has a crystal ball. To be clear, a deal can still be reached before the impending strike starts.
The most recent labour negotiations with pilots for AC/WestJet were resolved after strike notification, but before the actual strike. That said, there were major disruptions to flights leading up to agreements being reached in both cases, and days were required for operations to fully recover.
3. I am on AC mainline or Rouge, will my flight be impacted?
YES – flights will be cancelled during the strike, and may be impacted in the days leading up to the strike. This is especially the case if they are international routes, as operational requirements may be required equipment and staff to be positioned appropriately in the 2-3 days prior, but travel domestically is also likely to see some degree of impact.
4. Will AC Express/Jazz be affected?
Although FAs working for Jazz/PAL are with different unions, these flights may still be impacted due to inability for staff to commute to their assignments on affected flights.
5. Will my codeshare/interline flight be affected?
No, flights on codeshare/interline metal will not be affected. If you've booked a flight through a partner, but fly on AC metal, then your flight will be affected as above.
6. If the strike occurs after my outbound flight, will my RETURN flight be impacted?
If it is on AC mainline or Rouge, the flight will be impacted. AC will rebook you on a partner or other airline. Note that limited availability of seats may impact the convenience of the rebooked flight.
You should be rebooked automatically, or can try the online booking tools; however, due to high volumes, it may take some time before a new itinerary is found and/or you may have to call in if your travel is imminent.
7. If my flight is cancelled/delayed, am I entitled to compensation?
Under the APPR, flights directly impacted by job action are considered outside of Air Canada’s control, and passengers are not compensated.
AC's obligations are to provide you a new AC flight within 48-hours of your initial ticketed departure time. If unable, they must provide you a reservation on any airline, or provide a refund. They are not responsible for your accommodation or meal expenses. Please note - flights may be extremely difficult to come by despite these obligations, and there is no guarantee you will be re-booked within that time frame.
If your flights are cancelled for operational reasons in preparation for the strike, you may be eligible for compensation.
You should verify if your credit card or other insurance may cover relevant costs. You may have other passenger protections under law from other countries (i.e. UK/EU261).
You may find the link to our delay/compensation wiki here: Wiki
8. If my flight is cancelled/delayed, am I entitled to a refund?
Under the APPR, you always have the right to decline alternative travel arrangements if your flight is cancelled or delayed by 3+ hours.
9. Should/could I book a “back up flight”? What should I do?!
Making a back-up booking is 100% your decision. Although AC will rebook on alternative flights, limited availability may impact the convenience of the options you are given, and there's no guarantee when you will be re-booked for.
Porter offers fares that are refundable. WestJet offers Economy fares that can be returned to credit. Many US mainline airlines offer fares that can also be returned to credit/cash.
Unfortunately, it's as simple as that - you either shell out and book yourself a plan B, or wait it out knowing that you may end up with sub-optimal re-accomodation options.
10. Will AC offer flexible change/cancellation policies?
AC has released a flexible change policy as of Aug 12, for the travel period of Aug 15-18.
Change fees are waived if you would like to change your flight to a later date (Aug 21 to Sep 12). You may also cancel any non-refundable fares to credit. Generally, we would highly recommend receiving any credits as AC Wallet, as Future Travel Credit is highly restrictive.
While this may not help some of you as of yet, these dates will likely be updated on a rolling basis. See link below for further.
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates/2025/ac-action.html #/
For AC Vacations bookings, please refer to the AC Vacations' website for their ongoing flexibility policies:
https://vacations.aircanada.com/en/plan-your-trip/travel-info/travel-advisories/air-canada-labour-negotiations
11. When and how will I be notified if/when my flight is cancelled?
Unfortunately, given the chaos of how many flights could be impacted, nobody knows. You could be notified at the very last minute.
You will receive a notification via e-mail if you booked direct through AC. Otherwise, you will receive notification through your booking avenue, if you used a third-party. You may also look on AC's website/app to check the status of your flights at any time.
