Service disruptions at Air Canada this week and the possibility of a strike by the carrier’s flight attendants this weekend highlight the critical role of travel advisors, says ACTA.
“Service disruptions of this potential magnitude create significant challenges for our members and their clients, and this underscores why working with a professional travel advisor matters,” said Suzanne Acton-Gervais, President of ACTA. “While no one enjoys disruptions, they demonstrate the critical role travel advisors play – advocating for clients, rebooking flights, finding alternatives, and guiding travellers through complex situations. Having a trusted professional in your corner makes all the difference.”
Calling the Air Canada labour dispute a “very unfortunate situation,” ACTA says, “we hope that this will be resolved with a mutually beneficial solution as soon as possible. With the busy summer travel season at its peak, even a short strike could trigger significant disruption, as winding down and ramping up airline operations takes considerable time.”
ACTA says it welcomes Air Canada’s proactive communication and the swift implementation of a flexible booking policy for travel between Aug. 15 and 18 , along with the airline’s commitment to protect travel advisor commissions – one of ACTA’s key advocacy priorities.
Acton-Gervais also emphasized the importance of comprehensive travel insurance: “Many policies can cover expenses related to labour disruptions, providing an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. Travel advisors offer the expertise to help travellers choose the right coverage for their specific needs.”
ACTA says it will continue to monitor developments closely and remains committed to supporting Canada’s travel advisor community throughout this period.
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