AC has stranded us in Athens … advice?

[hixxes]

We’re at the end of a family vacation in Greece, and were supposed to fly back tomorrow at noon via Montreal. Air Canada has cancelled our flight to Montreal and have said there are no options to book us on a similar flight with another carrier. They have offered a refund for the flight to Montreal, but as yet haven’t cancelled to flight from Montreal to Calgary.

A quick search shows numerous flights to get back to Calgary over the next couple of days. It is my understanding that the regulations state they have to book us on another flight, even if it costs more. They seem to be using the Montreal part of the trip as a reason to not do so.

Of course we have no one at AC we can talk to. And if we go ahead and book new flights I fear we will be on the hook for the totality of the new flights. We don’t want a refund, we want to get home.

It seems we are screwed. Anyone have any advice or tips to get this straightened out?

[bc-chris]

this was on one of the local news webpages this morning...

the "first" thing on the list of 5

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/5_Things/5_things_you_need_to_know_this_morning_Aug_15_2025/
#fs_150028

Five things you need to know

1. Experts warn against accepting refunds during Air Canada strike
A passenger rights expert says accepting the refund could trigger the airline to “wash their hands” of any further obligations to rebook you for another flight. Regulations say that if you have a ticket booked with Air Canada, they must cover the cost for a new ticket with another airline. The Air Canada flight attendant strike goes into effect late Saturday night. Hundreds of flights are being cancelled.

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by hixxes

We’re at the end of a family vacation in Greece, and were supposed to fly back tomorrow at noon via Montreal. Air Canada has cancelled our flight to Montreal and have said there are no options to book us on a similar flight with another carrier. They have offered a refund for the flight to Montreal, but as yet haven’t cancelled to flight from Montreal to Calgary.

A quick search shows numerous flights to get back to Calgary over the next couple of days. It is my understanding that the regulations state they have to book us on another flight, even if it costs more. They seem to be using the Montreal part of the trip as a reason to not do so.

Of course we have no one at AC we can talk to. And if we go ahead and book new flights I fear we will be on the hook for the totality of the new flights. We don’t want a refund, we want to get home.

It seems we are screwed. Anyone have any advice or tips to get this straightened out?

They are lying to you. The air passenger rights guy says to not accept refund. They have to book you according to the rules. There are many people asking the same thing on Facebook. He says to call them on that. It’s because they lose money rebooking you. You can rebook and take to small claims which sucks ass.

[chemgear]

Saw this today:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/arti...s-expert-says/

[EldrickOnIce]

I recommend more souvlaki

[SeeGeeWhy]

If you paid for your trip with a credit card, check to see if you have any travel disruption insurance by default.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Because your flight is leaving from Europe you are very likely to get some level of refund, but yeah wait until you get back to file the claim. EU law is far more protective than ours.

[KelVarnsen]

Was I the only one who thought the poster AC had stranded the OP in Athens?

[hixxes]

Thanks all. The only way only way I see us getting home is to book on our own and try to get compensated after the fact. Totally sucks that this is likely going to cost us thousands. Nice finish to our dream vacay. Luckily our employers should be understanding if we miss a few extra days.

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by hixxes

Thanks all. The only way only way I see us getting home is to book on our own and try to get compensated after the fact. Totally sucks that this is likely going to cost us thousands. Nice finish to our dream vacay. Luckily our employers should be understanding if we miss a few extra days.

They have to pay whatever that is plus other costs. This is within their control. Just going to be a pain in the ass to get it.

[topfiverecords]

You live in Greece now. Go find an apartment.

[lazypucker]

Is the strike just flight attendents? Couldn't Air Canada still have the flights going with the passengers grabbing their own food and pouring their own tomato juice? Just don't put any liquor in the little carts and everything is good to go.

[Strange Brew]

Yes if you are having trouble talking to someone at Air Canada, you should book a ticket at the same class of service that gets you home as close to the original date of travel. And then Air Canada is obligated to reimburse you.

Do not accept their offer of a refund.

If you have travel insurance as part of your credit card, you may get reimbursed faster by them.

[Lubicon]

Originally Posted by hixxes

We’re at the end of a family vacation in Greece, and were supposed to fly back tomorrow at noon via Montreal. Air Canada has cancelled our flight to Montreal and have said there are no options to book us on a similar flight with another carrier. They have offered a refund for the flight to Montreal, but as yet haven’t cancelled to flight from Montreal to Calgary.

A quick search shows numerous flights to get back to Calgary over the next couple of days. It is my understanding that the regulations state they have to book us on another flight, even if it costs more. They seem to be using the Montreal part of the trip as a reason to not do so.

Of course we have no one at AC we can talk to. And if we go ahead and book new flights I fear we will be on the hook for the totality of the new flights. We don’t want a refund, we want to get home.

It seems we are screwed. Anyone have any advice or tips to get this straightened out?

Both true. They are responsible to get you home but keep in mind most of those alternative flights were likely quite full already even before the strike/lockout. There are lots of options, it might just take a few days (or more) for AC to find you something.

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by hixxes

Thanks all. The only way only way I see us getting home is to book on our own and try to get compensated after the fact. Totally sucks that this is likely going to cost us thousands. Nice finish to our dream vacay. Luckily our employers should be understanding if we miss a few extra days.

Weird double post

[troutman]

Last time I flew Olympic Airlines there was smoking.

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by lazypucker

Is the strike just flight attendents? Couldn't Air Canada still have the flights going with the passengers grabbing their own food and pouring their own tomato juice? Just don't put any liquor in the little carts and everything is good to go.

They will cite some safety nonsense. Like in that likely chance the plane crashes and not everyone instantly dies, which happens so often.

[hixxes]

Originally Posted by troutman

Last time I flew Olympic Airlines there was smoking.

There is smoking everywhere here! Not on the planes anymore though.

[AC]

Originally Posted by KelVarnsen

Was I the only one who thought the poster AC had stranded the OP in Athens?

####, I knew I forgot to do something.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by fotze2

They will cite some safety nonsense. Like in that likely chance the plane crashes and not everyone instantly dies, which happens so often.

This is such an ignorant thing to say.

I know whenever I'm in a life or death situation I seek out the closest 24-year-old 5'2" hot chick to save me and the 160 people sitting close by.