Courtready’s Canada Flight Disruption Compensation Calculator
Check whether you may be entitled to fixed compensation for inconvenience under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations.
This tool gives a general indication of whether a flight delay or cancellation may qualify for fixed compensation under the federal Air Passenger Protection Regulations (SOR/2019-150). The exact outcome depends on your specific facts and the evidence the airline provides.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided for reference purposes only and does not replace legal advice. Always verify your entitlement against the applicable regulations and seek legal advice when appropriate. For questions or to report an error, please email Tom at admin [at] courtready.ca.
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The airline must prove that the disruption was NOT within their control, or that it was required for safety purposes.
- The airline must provide evidence to justify their categorization.
- Vague explanations like “operational reasons” or “crew unavailability” are insufficient.
- The airline must show specific details and documentation.
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Canada Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Calculator
This free calculator estimates the fixed compensation you may be owed when your flight is delayed or cancelled, under Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations (SOR/2019-150). It works through the factors that decide eligibility: your airline's size, how late you arrived at your final destination, the reason the airline gave, and how much notice you received. Large airlines owe up to $1,000 and small airlines up to $500 for qualifying delays of three hours or more. Check out our other free tools below.
Whether you actually receive money turns on whether the disruption was within the airline's control. Airlines must prove that a delay was outside their control or required for safety; otherwise it is presumed to be within their control under the Canada Transportation Act. The tool also flags the one-year deadline to file a written claim and notes when an international itinerary may add rights under the Montreal Convention. You can read the regulations in full on the Justice Laws website.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided for reference purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Compensation outcomes depend on your specific facts and the evidence the airline provides. Always verify your entitlement against the current Air Passenger Protection Regulations and seek legal advice when appropriate. For questions or to report an error, please email admin [at] courtready.ca.
Common Questions
How much compensation can I get for a delayed or cancelled flight in Canada?
It depends on your airline's size and how late you arrived at your final destination. Large airlines owe $400 for a delay of three to six hours, $700 for six to nine hours, and $1,000 for nine hours or more. Small airlines owe $125, $250, and $500 for the same brackets. Delays under three hours, and disruptions outside the airline's control, do not qualify. This compensation is fixed and covers inconvenience, separate from any refund.
When is a flight delay the airline's fault under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations?
Compensation is only owed when the disruption is within the airline's control and not required for safety. Crew shortages, overbooking, and routine maintenance are generally within the airline's control. Weather, air traffic control restrictions, and security events are usually outside it. The airline carries the burden of proof: under section 85.07(2) of the Canada Transportation Act, a disruption is presumed to be within the airline's control unless the airline proves otherwise.
How long do I have to claim flight compensation in Canada?
You have one year from the date of the disruption to file a written claim with the airline. The airline then has 30 days to either pay you or explain its refusal. If the airline misses that deadline or gives an inadequate reason, you can escalate your complaint to the Canadian Transportation Agency or file a claim in small claims court.
Do I still get compensation if the airline refunded or rebooked me?
Often yes. A refund pays back the cost of a flight you did not take, while the fixed compensation is a separate amount for the inconvenience of the disruption. If your flight was cancelled for a reason within the airline's control, you may be entitled to compensation whether you accepted a refund or a rebooking. The main exception is when the airline notified you 14 days or more before departure, in which case compensation is generally not owed.
What if my delay was under three hours, or the airline told me well in advance?
Two situations remove the entitlement. First, if you reached your final destination less than three hours late, the delay does not meet the threshold for compensation. Second, if the airline told you about the cancellation 14 days or more before departure, compensation is generally not required. You may still be owed a refund or rebooking, and you can use the calculator above to check your exact situation.
Does this calculator cover international flights and connections?
Yes. The calculator applies to flights to, from, and within Canada that are covered by the Air Passenger Protection Regulations. If your itinerary includes an international segment, you may also have rights under the Montreal Convention, which can cover certain expenses beyond the fixed amounts. The tool flags this so you know to look further. It does not replace legal advice, so confirm your entitlement before you file.
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