Air Canada to accommodate WestJet passengers as potential strike looms

As the possibility of a WestJet flight attendant strike draws closer, Air Canada says it is working with its rival airline to help accommodate affected travellers wherever possible.

In an update posted to its website, Air Canada said it is collaborating with WestJet to provide seats on Air Canada flights for customers whose travel plans may be disrupted if a work stoppage begins this weekend.

The airline stressed that its own operations remain unaffected.

“If you’re booked to travel with Air Canada, your plans are not affected. You can head to the airport and catch your flight as usual,” the carrier said.

Air Canada also said customers travelling on its flights can stand by for an earlier departure at no extra cost, subject to seat availability.

“If you're not travelling in the next 48 hours and need assistance with an upcoming trip, please consider calling us back later so we can prioritize helping those with immediate travel dates,” the airline said.

For WestJet passengers, the airline outlined two scenarios.

Travellers who have not yet been rebooked by WestJet must contact WestJet directly to discuss their options. They also have the option of purchasing a new Air Canada ticket.

Meanwhile, customers who have already been rebooked onto an Air Canada flight by WestJet will find dedicated check-in counters at the airport.

Those passengers can also manage their reservation online, including selecting seats and checking in within 24 hours of departure.

Air Canada said travellers who booked through a travel advisor or online travel agency should contact their booking provider directly for assistance.

“We appreciate the impact that this situation may have on your travel plans,” the airline said. “Our teams are making every effort to support WestJet passengers and provide available travel options based on demand and capacity.”

The announcement comes as WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents roughly 4,400 flight attendants, continue negotiations during a 72-hour strike notice period.

Unless a tentative agreement is reached, the earliest a strike or lockout could begin is Sunday (Aug. 2) at 12:01 a.m. MT (2:01 a.m. ET).

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.