Phê Vé
May 13, 2026 • 3 min read
WestJet has been caught engaging in deceptive practices to evade compensation for passengers. A recent investigation revealed alarming tactics employed by the airline.
Introduction to the Issue
WestJet has been exposed for using inaccurate justifications to avoid paying compensation to passengers when flights are canceled. The situation is serious enough that the airline refused to provide a reasonable explanation to one of Canada’s largest news outlets regarding its actions.
Regulations and Reality
In 2019, Canada introduced the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which stipulate that passengers are entitled to compensation when their flights are significantly delayed or canceled. However, this regulation does not cover incidents caused by unforeseen maintenance, which airlines like WestJet may exploit to deny compensation claims.
For example, according to a recent investigation by CBC News, on March 2, 2026, a Canadian couple had their WestJet flight from Los Cabos (SJD) to Calgary (YYC) canceled, resulting in a delay of over 16 hours. Upon returning home, they filed a compensation claim but were denied due to alleged unforeseen maintenance.
WestJet's Tactics
WestJet justified the cancellation by claiming it was due to unforeseen maintenance for safety reasons. However, data from FlightStats shows that the flight was canceled at 8:11 PM, coinciding with the airline changing the aircraft from C-FAJA to C-GUDH. The C-FAJA continued its journey to Cancun without any maintenance issues, while C-GUDH reportedly had been inactive since February 28.
The reality is that WestJet has employed this tactic to blame flight cancellations on maintenance issues, thereby avoiding compensation to passengers. CBC News also uncovered 34 similar instances where aircraft numbers were changed to justify cancellations.
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WestJet's Response
Despite CBC News's attempts to question WestJet about these issues, the airline declined to provide direct answers, merely stating that aircraft adjustments are sometimes made to minimize the impact of incidents. This is unacceptable, as passengers still deserve their compensation rights, regardless of aircraft adjustments.
Need for Stronger Measures
In the current climate, the airline industry faces numerous challenges, and airlines like WestJet may see evading compensation as a way to cut costs. However, this cannot justify such a lack of transparency. Canadian regulators need to take this issue seriously, as abusing regulations not only infringes on passenger rights but also erodes public trust in airlines.
Helpful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
If you're planning to fly to Canada, be aware that you may need to pay a visa application fee. For flights from Vietnam (SGN or HAN) to major cities like Calgary or Vancouver, the flight duration is approximately 16-20 hours, depending on layovers. Be sure to budget for both your flight costs and any additional fees in case your flight is canceled.
Lastly, keep an eye on airline information and protect your rights if you encounter similar situations!
This article is referenced and edited from: One Mile at a Time
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