01

When the APPR applies

  • Flights to, from and within Canada, including connecting flights, operated by Canadian or foreign airlines.
  • The obligations depend on whether the disruption is within the airline’s control, within its control but required for safety, or outside its control.
  • Some compensation amounts differ between large and small airlines.
02

Delay, cancellation and denied boarding

  • For disruptions within airline control and not required for safety, standards of treatment, alternate travel/refunds and inconvenience compensation may apply.
  • Delay/cancellation compensation is based on how late you arrive and generally requires notice 14 days or less before departure; submit the claim within one year.
  • Involuntary denied boarding within airline control and not required for safety attracts a separate, higher compensation table.
  • For outside-control disruptions, communication and rebooking/refund duties still apply, but inconvenience compensation generally does not.
At a glance

APPR minimum compensation (CAD)

Arrival delayLarge airlineSmall airline / denied boarding
3–6 hours$400$125
6–9 hours$700$250
9+ hours$1,000$500
Denied boarding: under 6 hours$900 (all airlines)
Denied boarding: 6–9 hours$1,800 (all airlines)
Denied boarding: 9+ hours$2,400 (all airlines)
03

When inconvenience compensation may not be due

  • Situations outside the airline’s control, such as weather, war, security incidents, air traffic control instructions and certain labour disruptions.
  • Situations within airline control but required for safety generally do not attract inconvenience compensation.
  • The airline must still meet the communication and alternate-travel obligations assigned to the applicable category.
Official basis

Canadian Transportation Agency APPR FAQ

Information, not legal advice

Rules can change and outcomes depend on the operating airline, itinerary, notice, cause and evidence. This guide is general information only and is not legal advice. Check the current official source before making a claim.