Was your WestJet flight cancelled this weekend? What you need to know

Around 33,000 travellers were affected by the unexpected news on Saturday morning that WestJet had cancelled a number of flights after mechanics announced a surprise strike.

Here you can find out how to continue your journey and/or receive compensation if you are one of the affected travellers.

What rules apply in such a situation?

Airlines must comply with Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). These regulations grant certain rights to passengers on Canadian airlines by setting the minimum requirements that companies must meet when travelling by air.

The regulations also set standards for communication with passengers and compensation in the event of flight delays or cancellations or if your baggage is lost. The Canadian Transportation Agency oversees the APPR.

According to the regulations, affected passengers can expect an update every 30 minutes until they have a new departure time or itinerary.

Can I still achieve my goal?

According to Air Passenger Rights, an independent, nonprofit advocacy group, an airline must give its passengers the choice of either continuing their journey to their destination or returning them to their departure point for a refund.

WestJet can rebook you on another flight operated by its airline or a partner airline within 48 hours of your original departure time, said Gabor Lukacs, president of the group.

“But if that’s not possible, WestJet has to pull out its corporate credit card and buy tickets for its passengers on Air Canada or another competitor – that’s the law,” he told CBC News Network on Saturday morning.

According to APPR, you can even look at flights from other airports within a “reasonable distance” and expect WestJet to help you get to that departure location.

If the only seats available are in a higher class of service than the one you originally booked – for example, first or business class – the APPR requires the airline to book you that seat without charging you the difference.

If the opposite is the case – you have booked a higher class of service and can now only fly economy – the airline must reimburse you the difference.

Can I take matters into my own hands?

In a statement posted on its website on Friday, WestJet said that “limited rebooking options are available,” suggesting that some people may find it difficult to make alternative plans to get to their destination.

On Saturday, the airline canceled 235 flights and said another 150 would not take place if a solution to the dispute was not found by early Saturday afternoon.

If you had problems with WestJet’s “rebooking options,” you could rebook the flights yourself and claim compensation later, Lukacs said.

“If you want to fly, don’t say the word ‘refund,'” Lukacs said. “You don’t want a refund. You want a rebooking. If you want a refund, WestJet will just refund your money and later clean up your expenses.”

He recommends carefully logging your conversations with the airline – even going so far as to record your conversations – and keeping track of any costs involved.

Proceedings before a small claims court are an option, he added.

What if I want a refund?

The simple answer? You are entitled to a refund of your money.

“Money back is always an option,” said Lukacs. “If you didn’t get the flight you paid for, the airline has to give you your money back. It’s a no-brainer.”

The rules also state that the airline must fly you back home even if you are not at your departure point when you request a refund.

But if you ask for a refund, you could be leaving money on the table in the long run, Lukacs warned.

If you choose this route, the regulations require you to get your money back within 30 days.