Flight Delayed or Cancelled? Your Rights Under Canada's Air Passenger Rules
A delayed or cancelled flight can ruin a trip. Canada's air passenger rules may entitle you to meals, a new flight, a refund or compensation.
The Air Passenger Protection Regulations apply to flights to, from and within Canada. They set minimum standards that airlines must meet when things go wrong.
Depending on the cause, you may be entitled to updates, food and drink, a hotel, rebooking or a refund, and compensation. Claim from the airline in writing within one year, then complain to the Canadian Transportation Agency if needed.
It depends on the cause
- Within the airline's control (for example, crew scheduling): the strongest rights, including compensation.
- Within the airline's control but needed for safety: rebooking or refund and care, but no compensation.
- Outside the airline's control (for example, severe weather): rebooking or refund, but no compensation.
Compensation for delays
For delays within the airline's control, if you arrive at least three hours late, compensation depends on the length of the delay and the size of the airline:
| Arrival delay | Large airline | Small airline |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to under 6 hours | $400 | $125 |
| 6 to under 9 hours | $700 | $250 |
| 9 hours or more | $1,000 | $500 |
Compensation generally doesn't apply if you were told about the delay more than 14 days before departure. The airline has 30 days to pay or explain why it won't.
Care while you wait
For delays of two hours or more within the airline's control, airlines must provide food and drink and access to communication, and a hotel if you are delayed overnight.
Denied boarding and lost bags
- Bumped from an oversold flight: higher amounts apply, from $900 up to $2,400 depending on the delay.
- Lost or damaged baggage: you can claim, within limits set by international treaty. Report it right away and keep receipts.
How to claim
- Ask the airline for the reason for the delay, in writing.
- Submit your claim to the airline within one year.
- If you don't get a satisfactory answer, complain to the Canadian Transportation Agency.
Need help with a consumer dispute? NEO can help you write a demand letter, or bring or defend a claim in Small Claims Court. Call 647-200-3526 or toll-free 888-519-2435, email info@neolegalservices.com, or book a free consultation.
Sources
- Air Passenger Protection Regulations
- Canadian Transportation Agency: flight delays and cancellations
- Canadian Transportation Agency: air travel complaints
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General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.
Photos from Pexels: Holding a passport with travel documents · A sailboat on Lake Ontario off Toronto.
This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.
Not sure where you stand? A licensed paralegal can look at your documents and tell you your options.
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