Passenger rights · 2026

Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations

On flights to, from and within Canada, airlines owe up to C$1,000 per person for a delay of three hours or more that was within their control and not required for safety, plus care and rebooking.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

What you're owed

On flights to, from and within Canada, airlines owe up to C$1,000 per person for a delay of three hours or more that was within their control and not required for safety, plus care and rebooking.

Arrival 3–6 hours late (large airline)
C$400
Arrival 6–9 hours late (large airline)
C$700
Arrival 9+ hours late (large airline)
C$1,000
Small airlines (under 2 million passengers a year)
C$125, C$250 or C$500

Which flights: All flights to, from and within Canada, on any airline, including connecting flights through Canada.

Status in 2026: In force. The government announced an overhaul on May 1, 2026 that would simplify the categories and make airlines prove exceptional circumstances; it isn't in force yet, so today's rules apply.

When you're owed compensation

  • •The delay or cancellation was within the airline's control and not required for safety: for example crew shortages, overbooking or IT problems. Mechanical problems found outside scheduled maintenance count as "required for safety" and don't earn compensation, though you still get rebooking and care.
  • •You claim within one year; the airline has 30 days to pay or explain why not.

Rebooking and refunds

For delays of three hours or more, airlines must rebook you, and if that doesn't work for you, refund the unused part of the ticket, whatever the cause.

Care while you wait

Food, drink and a way to communicate after two hours, and a hotel if you're stuck overnight, when the cause is within the airline's control or required for safety.

FAQ

Arrival 3–6 hours late (large airline): C$400; Arrival 6–9 hours late (large airline): C$700; Arrival 9+ hours late (large airline): C$1,000; Small airlines (under 2 million passengers a year): C$125, C$250 or C$500.

A cheap fare is the best compensation

Pick your home airports and we'll email you when fares drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

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