Air Canada Disruptions

Air Canada was having trouble anyway last week with long line-ups because they laid off too many customer service personnel. Now the power blackout has left the airline with more problems. Here's what to expect at Air Canada this weekend.

Air Canada hopes to be back on a normal schedule by Saturday evening. The airline is gradually increasing operations throughout the day on Saturday. There will still be backlogs because of the power outage though.

If you had or have a flight affected by the blackout, Air Canada says not to go to the airport unless you have confirmed a reservation on an alternate flight.

Since passenger volumes are expected to be heavy, Air Canada is suggesting that customers postpone their travel plans if possible. If you have a restricted Air Canada ticket for August 14-16, the fees to change the ticket will be waived.

Air Canada customers who have not yet started their trip will be able to retain the value of their ticket for travel within the system for a year. Of course, given that the airline is in bankruptcy protection, that is only moderately reassuring.

If you made your bookings through a travel agent, go back to the agent to rebook. If you made reservations directly with Air Canada, call reservations at 1-888-247-2262. Expect even longer wait times than normal though, since Air Canada's call centres have been affected by the power outage too.

Before you leave for the airport, be sure to check on the status of your flight by using the "Flight Status" box down on the right of the main page on the Air Canada Web site or call the toll free number for flight status information at 1-888-422-7533.
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