TICO Outlines Consumer Rights Ahead of Potential Air Transat Strike

With the possibility of an imminent labour disruption at Air Transat, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is providing guidance for those who booked travel services with Transat Tours Canada Inc. (operating as Transat Holidays) and Transat Distribution Canada Inc. (operating as Transat Travel).

TICO notes that if a labour disruption leads to flight cancellations, Ontario consumer protection laws provide specific recourse for travellers.

For travel packages, if a travel retailer or tour operator cannot provide the purchased services due to a supplier failure—such as a cancelled flight—consumers must be offered their choice of:

• A refund;
• Comparable alternate travel services acceptable to the customer; or
• A voucher or similar document redeemable toward future travel services.

Where a full refund is preferred for a travel package sold by Transat Tours, Ontario law requires that the refund be issued 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, TICO advises travellers and advisors to consult the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations for guidance on potential compensation and regulations related to cancellations or delays.

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