Air Transat Strike Could Disrupt Your Flight Plans – What Canadian and International Travelers Need to Know Before Dec 12!

Published on December 9, 2025

A potential strike at Air Transat is raising concerns for passengers who have flights booked over the next few days. As the situation develops, those with flights scheduled between now and December 12, 2025, are left wondering how to proceed. While the uncertainty surrounding the strike has many anxious, one passenger advocate urges travelers to hold off on making drastic decisions until absolutely necessary.

The Dilemma for Passengers: Should You Change Your Plans?

For Marlene Gallyot, the situation is particularly stressful. Gallyot, who is scheduled to fly to Cuba on Saturday with her family, including her nine-month-old granddaughter, has been eagerly anticipating the trip. Having visited Cuba multiple times, she was excited to share the experience with her granddaughter for the first time. However, the looming strike has caused her to second-guess her plans.

“I’ve packed my bags, booked a hotel in Toronto for the night before my early flight, and was looking forward to this special trip,” said Gallyot. “Now, I’m wondering whether I should cancel the hotel… or even the flight altogether. Should I wait and see what happens, or rebook now?”

Many passengers, like Gallyot, find themselves in a similar predicament, unsure about whether to wait or make changes. Gabor Lukacs, founder of the advocacy group Air Passenger Rights, has advice for passengers: hold tight and wait. Lukacs explains that a flight’s cancellation is what triggers a passenger’s legal rights, and until that happens, travelers are essentially at the airline’s mercy.

Understanding the Legal Framework for Flight Cancellations

Lukacs stresses that if Air Transat does not cancel a flight, passengers are not legally entitled to compensation. While the airline might offer early return flights or vouchers, these actions are considered goodwill gestures, not obligations under the law.

“In this situation, it’s a waiting game. Until the flight is canceled, there is no need to take action other than considering alternative options for your travel plans,” Lukacs advised.

For now, Lukacs recommends passengers develop a Plan B in case their flight is canceled but wait before making any changes. According to him, this waiting period is essential because any voluntary changes to flight bookings could lead to the loss of legal rights.

Air Transat’s Flexibility for Passengers Amid Uncertainty

In response to the ongoing situation, Air Transat has made efforts to provide flexibility to its customers. The airline is offering more lenient cancellation policies for passengers whose flights are scheduled between now and December 12, 2025. Those affected can go online and complete a form to cancel their flight and receive a credit valid for future travel within the next twelve months. Passengers can also rebook their flights immediately by using the credit they receive after canceling.

However, Lukacs points out that cancelling flights voluntarily may result in the loss of certain compensation rights that would be available if the airline cancels the flight. Once a strike begins, any additional rights passengers may have under Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations will change. In the event of a strike, the situation is considered outside of the airline’s control, meaning the company will no longer be obligated to provide certain compensations to travelers.

When the Strike Hits: Understanding Your Rights

Air Transat has also taken steps to minimize disruptions by adding extra flights and offering passengers returning flights home today. For some, this might mean cutting their vacations short. Several passengers who were contacted by CTV News shared their frustration about needing to return from vacations earlier than planned, with one traveler explaining that their trip from Mexico, originally scheduled to last until December 10, would now be truncated.

Lukacs expressed his concern that these measures could be seen as intimidation tactics, with the airline attempting to get passengers to agree to early return flights. This could significantly impact travelers’ legal rights if they decide to accept the offer without understanding the consequences.

According to Lukacs, agreeing to an early flight means passengers are voluntarily forfeiting their rights to compensation, as the flight was not officially canceled by the airline.

Hotel and Package Deal Refunds

For those who have booked flights as part of a package deal through Air Transat, the company has confirmed that travelers will be entitled to a refund for any unused hotel nights if their flight is affected by the strike. However, this refund will not apply to travelers who booked hotels independently, and there are no guarantees that other costs, such as for meals or alternative accommodations, will be covered.

The Emotional Toll of Uncertainty

While Marlene Gallyot is hopeful that the strike will be avoided, she admits that the ongoing uncertainty is beginning to take a toll. She is looking forward to reuniting with friends in Cuba whom she has met during previous trips. Nevertheless, the anxiety over potential flight disruptions has made her reconsider the ease with which she plans future travel.

“We love traveling,” said Gallyot. “But now, we have to think twice before buying tickets. The stress and uncertainty just make it harder to commit.”

Tips for Protecting Yourself as a Passenger

To help passengers protect their rights, Lukacs suggests keeping a record of all interactions with the airline. This includes recording phone calls about flight cancellations or changes and saving any written correspondence. By maintaining detailed records, travelers can build a case if the airline’s compensation is inadequate.

Passengers who experience disruptions should not hesitate to assert their rights. Lukacs strongly advises against agreeing to any settlement that involves accepting alternative flights before understanding the full scope of the situation.

Final Thoughts

As Air Transat faces the possibility of a strike, travelers are left navigating a sea of uncertainty. For those with flights booked in the coming days, Lukacs’ advice is clear: wait, stay informed, and don’t make any hasty decisions that could jeopardize your legal rights. While the potential disruption may seem daunting, passengers are urged to remain patient and prepared, knowing that their rights will only fully come into play if the flight is officially canceled. For those like Gallyot, the hope remains that the strike will be averted, allowing their travel plans to unfold as expected.