TICO Weighs in with Advice on Potential WestJet Labour Disruption
by Bruce Parkinson
TICO has announced the new members of its industry and consumer councils.
With the growing possibility of a WestJet labour disruption, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is sharing information for consumers who booked travel with WestJet Vacations or Sunwing Vacations, either directly or through a TICO-registered travel agency or website.
With the possibility of a labour disruption affecting flights in the coming days, WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations are offering a goodwill policy that allows consumers with upcoming travel plans to change their booking or receive a future travel voucher, TICO says.
For more information, visit the WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations websites.
Should flight cancellations begin, the below regulation will apply:
For travel packages:
Under Ontario law, if a TICO-registered travel agency or tour operator acquires rights to travel services for resale to other registrants or consumers and cannot provide those services because a supplier fails to deliver them (for example, a flight to the destination), the consumer must be offered their choice of:
- A refund.
- Comparable alternate travel services acceptable to the customer.
- A voucher or similar document that is acceptable to the customer for future redemption towards travel services.
If a consumer chooses a refund for a travel package purchased from or provided by WestJet Vacations or Sunwing Vacations, Ontario consumer protection laws require that the refund be provided within a reasonable timeframe.
“Travel disruptions can be stressful for travellers and the travel advisors guiding them,” said TICO CEO Richard Smart.
“When part of a travel package can’t be delivered, Ontario law provides protections that can give consumers added flexibility and peace of mind.”
For air-only bookings:
For potential compensation and regulations for air-only cancellations and delays, advisors and passengers should refer to the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations.
For more information about WestJet’s policies, click here.
