How to Complain to Air Canada and Get APPR Compensation
Air Canada is Canada's largest carrier and among the top-five most complained-about airlines in North America. Under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), you have enforceable rights — and the Canadian Transportation Agency to back you up.
Your APPR Rights with Air Canada
The Air Passenger Protection Regulations (SOR/2019-150) apply to all Air Canada flights to, from, and within Canada. Compensation amounts depend on Air Canada's size (large carrier) and the reason for disruption:
- Delay within Air Canada's control (not safety):
- 3–6 hours late: $400
- 6–9 hours late: $700
- 9+ hours late: $1,000
- Denied boarding (within Air Canada's control):
- Rebooked: arrives 0–6h late: $900
- Arrives 6–9h late: $1,800
- Arrives 9h+ late: $2,400
- Lost/damaged baggage: Up to $2,300 for domestic; Montreal Convention amounts internationally.
How to File Your Complaint with Air Canada
Online: aircanada.com → Help → Submit a request. Select “Delay/Cancellation Compensation” and complete the APPR claim form.
Phone: 1-888-247-2262. Ask for the Customer Relations department.
Air Canada must respond within 30 days under the APPR. If they offer “travel vouchers,” you have the right to demand cash — vouchers are not a compliant form of APPR compensation.
Escalating to the CTA
If Air Canada denies your valid APPR claim or doesn't respond within 30 days, file a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) at otc-cta.gc.ca. The CTA can order Air Canada to pay compensation and has done so in thousands of cases. Filing is free.
Write an APPR-Compliant Complaint Letter
ComplainAI generates a letter that quotes the exact APPR articles, the compensation amounts Air Canada owes, and sets a legally firm deadline for payment.