Canada passenger rights
Canada APPR flight compensation: Up to CAD 1,000
If your flight to, from or within Canada was delayed 3 or more hours or cancelled for a reason within the airline’s control, you may be owed up to CAD 1,000 per passenger.
Rules last checked October 27, 2026
Amounts
How much APPR compensation is
| Arrival 3–6 hours late (large airline) | CAD 400 |
|---|---|
| Arrival 6–9 hours late (large airline) | CAD 700 |
| Arrival 9+ hours late (large airline) | CAD 1,000 |
| Small airlines (3–6 / 6–9 / 9+ hours) | CAD 125 / 250 / 500 |
Amounts are per passenger and are based on how late you arrived at your final destination. Large airlines carried at least 2 million passengers in each of the previous two years.
Who is covered
Flights covered by Canada APPR
- All flights to, from and within Canada, including connecting flights, on any airline.
- Compensation applies when the disruption was within the airline’s control and not required for safety.
When you can claim
Disruptions that qualify
- Your flight arrived 3 or more hours late for a reason within the airline’s control.
- Your flight was cancelled within 14 days of departure for a reason within the airline’s control, and you arrived late or chose a refund.
- You were denied boarding for a reason within the airline’s control.
Exceptions
When nothing extra is owed
- Disruptions outside the airline’s control, such as weather, air traffic control, security threats or medical emergencies.
- Disruptions within the airline’s control but required for safety, such as unscheduled maintenance found outside routine checks.
- Cancellations notified 14 or more days before departure.
Always owed
Rights you keep regardless
- Rebooking, or a refund if the rebooking does not meet your travel needs, for any cancellation or long delay.
- Food, drink and accommodation during disruptions within the airline’s control.
Claim steps
How to claim under Canada APPR
Claiming directly from the airline is free. KeenVPN does not file claims or take a cut.
Collect your flight details
Keep your booking reference, flight number, date, and the reason the airline gave for the delay or cancellation.
Send a written claim to the airline
Ask the airline for APPR compensation in writing. The airline must respond within 30 days, either paying or explaining why it does not owe compensation.
Choose cash, not vouchers
Airlines may offer travel credit, but you are entitled to choose money instead.
Complain to the CTA if refused
If the airline refuses or does not respond, file a free complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency.
Official resource
Read the official Canada APPR guidance
You must ask the airline for compensation within one year of the delay or cancellation.
FAQ
Canada APPR questions
Does APPR cover foreign airlines?
Yes. Any airline flying to, from or within Canada must follow the APPR.
Who decides whether a delay was within the airline’s control?
The airline must give you the reason. If you disagree, the Canadian Transportation Agency can review it as part of a complaint.
Can I get compensation and a refund?
If your flight was cancelled for a reason within the airline’s control and you chose a refund instead of rebooking, you are still owed CAD 400 (large airline) or CAD 125 (small airline).
Other passenger rights
Flying elsewhere?
Looking for a specific airline? See our airline-by-airline compensation guides.
Never miss a claim again
KeenVPN members can connect Gmail or Outlook. We spot flight bookings, check what happened to each flight, and alert you when compensation may be owed.