The Air Canada flight attendants dispute is quickly escalating, and it could affect thousands of travelers this week. Negotiations between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) — representing about 10,000 flight attendants — have reached a breaking point.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s happening, what it means for your travel plans, and what you can do right now to stay ahead.
Why Is There a Dispute?
CUPE has been in talks with Air Canada over issues such as pay, scheduling, and working conditions. Overnight, the union issued a 72-hour strike notice, meaning a work stoppage could start as early as Saturday at 1:00 a.m. ET.
In response, Air Canada announced a lockout for the same time and has started preparing for a controlled wind-down of its flight schedule.
When Will Flights Be Affected?
Air Canada plans to begin cancelling flights as early as Thursday, with more cancellations on Friday, leading to a full shutdown on Saturday if no agreement is reached.
The airline says this phased approach helps:
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Avoid leaving passengers stranded
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Give travelers time to make alternate arrangements
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Provide more certainty instead of last-minute chaos
What Are Your Options if Your Flight Is Cancelled?
If your travel is affected by the Air Canada flight attendants dispute, here are your main options:
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Refunds – Air Canada has confirmed that all cancelled flights will be refunded in full.
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Free Rebooking – If your trip is between August 15–18, you can rebook without fees for any date between August 21 and September 12.
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Travel Credits – Non-refundable fares can be turned into credits for future flights.
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Alternate Flights – Air Canada is working with partner airlines, but space will be limited due to peak travel season.
Know Your Passenger Rights
Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations, labour disruptions like strikes are considered outside the airline’s control. That means you’re entitled to a refund or rebooking, but not necessarily compensation for extra expenses such as hotels or meals.
If you have travel insurance or used a credit card with trip protection, check your policy—some plans cover strike-related delays or cancellations.
What to Do Right Now
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Check Your Flight Status – Use the Air Canada app, website, or your booking confirmation email for updates.
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Act Quickly – If you’re travelling in the next few days, decide now whether to rebook or request a refund.
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Keep Receipts – If you incur extra expenses, save documentation for potential insurance claims.
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Stay Updated – This situation is developing daily, so check the news before heading to the airport.
Bottom Line:
The Air Canada flight attendants dispute could cause major travel disruptions this weekend. If you have an upcoming flight, act now to secure your best options—whether that’s a refund, rebooking, or alternate travel plans.