CanadaWhat are my rights if the airline bumps me from an overbooked flight?
If bumped from an overbooked flight in Canada, you have the right to compensation, rebooking, and care (e.g., meals, accommodation) under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations — unless the denial was due to safety, security, or medical reasons.
What the Law Says
Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), made under the Aeronautics Act and Canada Transportation Act, set clear rights for passengers denied boarding due to overbooking. These rules apply to all flights to, from, and within Canada operated by licensed carriers.
If you’re denied boarding against your will on an overbooked flight — and it’s not for safety, security, or medical reasons — the airline must offer you a choice between a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight. You’re also entitled to compensation based on how long the delay is to your original destination.
Compensation ranges from C$400 for delays of 3–6 hours, to C$700 for 6–9 hours, and up to C$1,200 for delays of 9 hours or more. The amount depends on whether the flight is domestic, transborder (e.g., Canada–U.S.), or international.
In addition to money, airlines must provide care: timely updates, free calls/emails, food and drink (if waiting >2 hours), and hotel + transport (if overnight delay). These obligations begin as soon as the airline knows you’ll be denied boarding.
Statutory TextGovernor in Council may make regulations respecting obligations of carriers towards passengers including denied boarding, delays, cancellations, lost baggage and tarmac delays.
— Aeronautics Act, s. 4.9 — Air passenger protection regulations
Statutory TextThe Agency shall make regulations respecting flights to, from and within Canada regarding obligations of carriers towards passengers.
— Canada Transportation Act, s. 85.1 — Air passenger protection
What to Do
Ask the airline in writing for a written explanation of why you were denied boarding.
Choose either a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight.
Request compensation based on your delay length — airlines must pay within 30 days.
Keep receipts for meals, accommodation, or transport — you can claim reimbursement for reasonable expenses.
If the airline refuses or delays, file a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) within one year.
Sources
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US FederalNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.