In recent times, travelers have faced significant disruptions due to flight cancellations and delays, notably with airlines like Sunwing and WestJet. Understanding the causes, responses, and passenger rights associated with these interruptions is crucial for affected individuals.
Sunwing Airlines: Recent Cancellations and Delays
Sunwing Airlines has experienced a series of operational challenges leading to numerous flight cancellations and delays. In February 2025, Sunwing canceled multiple southbound flights departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport. These cancellations were primarily attributed to the need to repatriate customers stranded in various destinations due to prior weather disruptions, crew availability issues, and a severe shortage of hotel accommodations. The situation was further exacerbated by a Delta Air Lines incident at the airport, which resulted in the closure of two runways and subsequent cascading delays and cancellations.
In response to these challenges, Sunwing prioritized returning delayed passengers to their home destinations and committed to issuing refunds within 21 business days for the affected flights.
WestJet Airlines: Operational Interruptions
WestJet Airlines has also faced operational disruptions, though the nature and scale differ from those of Sunwing. In November 2024, a Canadian couple reported a significant alteration to their return flight with WestJet. Their original, straightforward itinerary from Las Vegas to Terrace, British Columbia, was canceled and replaced with a convoluted 72-hour journey involving multiple layovers and extended waits. Dissatisfied with the proposed arrangement and the airline’s response, the couple opted to purchase alternative flights at their own expense. WestJet later issued an apology, citing limited travel options as a contributing factor to the situation.
Additionally, in December 2022, WestJet proactively canceled all flights in Ontario and Quebec due to severe winter storms, affecting approximately 140 flights. This decision was made to ensure passenger safety amid challenging weather conditions.
Passenger Rights and Compensation
Both Sunwing and WestJet are subject to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) established by the Canadian Transportation Agency. These regulations outline the rights of passengers in events such as flight delays, cancellations, and instances of denied boarding.
For WestJet passengers, compensation for arrival delays is structured based on the length of the delay:
3 to 6 hours: $400
6 to 9 hours: $700
9 hours or more: $1,000
It’s important to note that compensation eligibility depends on whether the disruption was within the airline’s control and not related to safety considerations.
Sunwing Airlines also acknowledges passenger rights under the APPR. Passengers may be entitled to compensation or refunds if their flight was delayed by more than three hours or canceled for reasons within the airline’s control.
Staying Informed and Proactive Measures
To navigate potential disruptions, passengers are encouraged to stay informed and take proactive measures:
Regularly Check Flight Status: Utilize the airline’s official channels to monitor real-time flight statuses. WestJet provides updates through their flight status page. Sunwing offers similar information on their flight status and alerts page.
Understand Compensation Policies: Familiarize yourself with the airline’s compensation and refund policies to be prepared in case of disruptions. WestJet’s compensation details are outlined on their official site. Sunwing’s policies can be found on their delay claim page.
Stay Updated on Travel Advisories: Both airlines provide travel advisories that offer insights into potential disruptions due to weather or other unforeseen events. WestJet’s advisories are available on their website. Sunwing’s travel alerts can be accessed through their site.
Conclusion
Flight cancellations and delays, such as those experienced by Sunwing and WestJet passengers, underscore the importance of being informed and prepared. By understanding passenger rights, regularly checking flight statuses, and staying updated on travel advisories, travelers can better navigate the challenges associated with air travel disruptions.