Travel to Canada

Nebulous2

We are going to Canada for a family event at the end of September. Dates are fairly tight, with little room for flexibility. We are booked on Air Canada.

I've just found out about the planned Air Canada strike. 

Any suggestions on what we can do for back-up? 

I've been looking to book fully refundable tickets. BA have business class availability, but it would cost £600 to cancel. 

Brie

Me too - but I've actually made it over - it's just getting back that might be an issue.

There was something on the AC comms that I got that said that if your flight was cancelled due to the strike the fare was fully refundable.  If you are delayed there's all the usual compensation.  

Be warned though that if you are given a voucher for money off the next time you book you might not be able to use it in the UK.  I had a 15% off voucher from last year that their website would not accept for this year's flight.  No idea why but it's good for another year so I hope to get it sorted for the next time.  

eskbanker

There's some discussion about this on another thread, albeit with a vague title:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6553018/strike-action

As said there, the airline is responsible for arranging rerouting (or refunding) if the flight from the UK is cancelled, but is likely to be inundated so best be prepared with alternative flights in mind ready to press the button if needed....

Nebulous2

eskbanker said:

There's some discussion about this on another thread, albeit with a vague title:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6553018/strike-action

As said there, the airline is responsible for arranging rerouting (or refunding) if the flight from the UK is cancelled, but is likely to be inundated so best be prepared with alternative flights in mind ready to press the button if needed....

Thanks, I hadn't spotted that thread. I had a nightmare during COVID getting a refund from an agent, and my insurer, and now try to book direct with the airline. 

I'm sure the finances will work out eventually, but there is a function that I particularly want to be at. Looking at dates there are not many options. Some involve transiting through the US, so I'd have to sort out an ESTA. 

The airlines will know what is going on, so it's not surprising I can't find a refundable option. 

Nebulous2

I've just booked a fully refundable flight as a standby, via Seattle. It actually costs less than my original Air Canada flight did, but I'll need an esta. 

Nebulous2

Just to round this out. After booking I received an email from Air Canada saying the dispute has been settled. The offer still has to be voted on, but the union is recommending acceptance. 

eskbanker

canadiansim said:

It sounds like a stressful situation with your upcoming trip to Canada....

Too late to offer advice, even if you're an actual human rather than AI/bot - from OP:

Nebulous2 said:

We are going to Canada for a family event at the end of September...

TELLIT01

Many years ago we were in Banff when AC went on strike.  Instead of a direct flight from Calgary to Heathrow we were routed Calgary, Vancouver, Seattle, Los Angeles, Heathrow.  19 hours from the time we boarded the first flight to arrival at Heathrow.  Minus 2 of our 3 suitcases, which did appear 48 hours later.