EXPLAINER: What Rights Do Air Passengers Have Amid the Looming Westjet Strike?

WestJet Airlines pilots assemble for a group photo after standing on a picket line at Toronto's Pearson Airport on May 8, 2023. The picket is one of three at Canada’s largest airports to show WestJet management they remain committed to negotiating a North American industry-standard contract. Chris Young/The Canadian Press

With a looming May 19 strike threatened by approximately 1,600 pilots of WestJet Airlines and its subsidiary Swoop, thousands of passengers travelling on the May long weekend could be affected by a work stoppage.

Air Passenger Rights, an advocacy organization headed by Gabor Lukacs, provided a statement on May 7 to advise Canadian passengers of their rights if pilots go on strike. It says that specific rights for compensation and rebooking of flights depend on the itinerary, but Canadian legislation dictates that the airline must always offer a choice between continuing to travel or receiving a refund.