Canadians stranded in Europe, and Europeans stranded in Canada because of weather related travel chaos are likely going to be out of pocket for their additional expenses, though that depends on the airline and the airport where the passenger is stranded.
Passengers in Terminal 1 at Heathrow Airport wait for their long-delayed flights. Passengers flying from European airports on EU flights are entitled to help from the airlines, though some have balked at paying for hotel rooms. (Ivan Sekretarev/Associated Press)
"Most of those passengers are probably going to have to take it on the teeth themselves," airline analyst Rick Erickson told CBC News.
"There's a lot of arcane bits and parts to this and generally each carrier has its own procedures and operations for these eventualities, and it differs a little bit between the international arena and the domestic arena as well."
While it may not seem like it to most stranded travellers, being stuck in Europe and flying on an EU regulated airline has far more advantages than being in Canada, or flying with a Canadian airline.
Air Canada, in a written statement to CBC News, said it has assisted customers in postponing travel at no cost, provided alternative itineraries, and offered refunds. It also said it has provided some customers with hotel accommodation and meals. However, the airline said it won't do this any more.
"In view of the prolonged nature of the disruption, we are no longer in a position to assume these additional costs and are now encouraging customers to return to their point of origin," the airline stated.
In April, European airlines were held responsible for looking after passengers stranded by a cloud of ash that originated from a volcano in Iceland.
According to the British government, passengers who are rerouted are entitled to "reasonable meals and overnight accommodation." However, once a passenger accepts a refund from the carrier, that rule no longer applies.
"Most of those passengers are probably going to have to take it on the teeth themselves," airline analyst Rick Erickson told CBC News.
"There's a lot of arcane bits and parts to this and generally each carrier has its own procedures and operations for these eventualities, and it differs a little bit between the international arena and the domestic arena as well."
While it may not seem like it to most stranded travellers, being stuck in Europe and flying on an EU regulated airline has far more advantages than being in Canada, or flying with a Canadian airline.
Air Canada, in a written statement to CBC News, said it has assisted customers in postponing travel at no cost, provided alternative itineraries, and offered refunds. It also said it has provided some customers with hotel accommodation and meals. However, the airline said it won't do this any more.
"In view of the prolonged nature of the disruption, we are no longer in a position to assume these additional costs and are now encouraging customers to return to their point of origin," the airline stated.
EU says airlines should provide meals, accommodation
The European Commission on Mobility and Transport sets out specific rights for air travellers. Those rules state that passengers "should be adequately cared for while awaiting a later flight."'[Passengers] should be adequately cared for while awaiting a later flight.'—European Commission on Mobility and TransportWhile international air rules deem that weather delays are considered extraordinary circumstances, the EU has in the past insisted that European airlines fulfil that obligation to passengers.
In April, European airlines were held responsible for looking after passengers stranded by a cloud of ash that originated from a volcano in Iceland.
According to the British government, passengers who are rerouted are entitled to "reasonable meals and overnight accommodation." However, once a passenger accepts a refund from the carrier, that rule no longer applies.
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