With an Air Transat labour disruption potentially starting today (Monday), the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), has shared information for consumers in the province who booked travel services either directly or through a TICO-registered travel retailer (including TICO-registered online booking websites).
TICO points to information and options for customers in destination and those with upcoming travel plans, by Transat, which can be found HERE.
At the same time, TICO advises that should a labour disruption begin with flight cancellations, the following regulations will apply:
For travel packages
Under Ontario law, if a travel retailer or tour operator acquires rights to travel services for resale to other registrants or consumers and is unable to provide the travel services purchased due to the failure of a supplier(s) to provide the service (e.g., flight to destination), then the consumer must be offered THEIR CHOICE of:
- A refund
- Comparable alternate travel services acceptable to the customer; or
- A voucher or similar document that is acceptable to the customer for future redemption towards travel services.
Where a consumer prefers a full refund for a travel package sold, or otherwise provided, by Transat, Ontario’s consumer protections laws require a refund be provided within a reasonable timeframe.
“The possibility of travel disruptions is challenging on both travellers and for the travel advisors working hard to support them,” said TICO CEO Richard Smart. “Ontario’s travel laws ensure consumers are given practical options when an element of their travel package can’t be delivered, providing added clarity and peace of mind.”
For air-only bookings
For potential compensation and regulations for air-only cancellations and delays, advisors and passengers should refer to the Canadian Transportation Agency’s HERE.
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