The Air Canada strike travel advice you need right now is about action, not preparation. The strike began at midnight on Friday, grounding flights and disrupting schedules across the network. Tens of thousands of passengers are already stranded, frustrated, and looking for answers. With airports jammed and call centers overloaded, the situation is chaotic. This article will show you exactly what to do next.

Air Canada and its flight attendants’ union are locked in a dispute over wages, scheduling, and working conditions. That standoff has spilled into strike action, leaving travelers caught in the middle. While both sides fight for their position, customers are left facing cancellations, delays, and uncertainty. This is where knowing your rights and making smart choices becomes critical. You cannot change the strike, but you can change how you handle it.

Whether you’re traveling for work, family, or vacation, this strike doesn’t have to ruin everything. You need to stay calm, use the tools available to you, and take control of your journey. Complaints won’t get you home faster—resourcefulness will. Read on for clear, practical advice to help you manage right now.

What the Strike Means for You

The flight attendants’ union says the strike is about fair pay, better rest rules, and manageable schedules. Air Canada argues it needs cost flexibility to deal with rising expenses and unpredictable demand. Both sides are dug in, and until they find middle ground, service disruptions will continue. This is not a one-day hiccup—it could stretch on, so you need to act quickly.

The strike impacts far more than just a single plane or route. It’s affecting entire flight schedules, from short-haul hops to long-haul international trips. Even if your flight isn’t canceled, it could be delayed or rerouted at the last minute. Think of this as system-wide turbulence that could touch any ticket in the Air Canada network.

Know Your Passenger Rights Today

During a strike, Air Canada’s legal responsibility is limited. If your flight is canceled, they must either rebook you on another flight or refund your ticket. That’s the baseline, and nothing more is guaranteed. The airline is not obligated to cover hotels, meals, taxis, or other extra expenses.

That’s why keeping receipts is so important. If you bought travel insurance, you may be able to claim some of these costs. If you didn’t, you’ll likely pay out of pocket. Understanding this upfront helps you avoid wasted time in arguments at the counter. Focus instead on what you can control—finding your next option.

Steps to Take Immediately

First, use the Air Canada mobile app. It updates in real time and shows if you’ve been automatically rebooked. Push notifications arrive faster than announcements in crowded airports. If you see a rebooking option that works, confirm it quickly before seats vanish.

Second, get in multiple queues at once. Call customer service while standing in line at the airport, and check the app while you wait. It may feel like overkill, but during a strike, speed matters. Seats on alternate flights are snapped up fast, and the first to act wins.

Third, look beyond Air Canada. Search other airlines flying your route—even if it means a connection or an indirect journey. Flexibility could get you home sooner than waiting for Air Canada’s next available seat. Yes, it might cost you more, but it beats being stuck indefinitely.

If You’re Already Stranded

Stranded in a city? Secure a bed before anything else. Use hotel apps, Airbnb, or even same-day discount sites to lock down somewhere safe to sleep. In a pinch, connect with other travelers to share rooms or transportation costs. Airports can feel overwhelming, but taking care of your basics first eases the stress.

Think about your health, too. Always travel with more medication than you expect to need, but if you didn’t, head to a local pharmacy for emergency supplies. Most will help refill essential prescriptions in a pinch. Keep water and snacks on hand, and pace yourself—lines and rebookings can take hours.

If your budget is tight, don’t burn through cash on impulse. Check if your credit card offers trip disruption benefits. Some provide hotel, meal, or emergency support even when airlines don’t. Use what resources you already have.

Smart Money Moves Right Now

Every expense during this disruption could become part of an insurance claim. Keep receipts for hotels, food, taxis, and rebooked flights. Even if the airline won’t cover it, your insurer might. Without proof, though, you’re on your own.

Avoid panic spending. Don’t throw money at the first overpriced flight or hotel you see. Compare options, check apps, and confirm cancellation policies before booking. Acting smart with your money today will soften the blow tomorrow.

Mindset Matters

Patience isn’t optional during a strike—it’s survival. Yelling at staff won’t open more seats. Getting angry in a line won’t make it move faster. Staying calm keeps your head clear so you can spot solutions others miss.

Frequent travelers know disruptions are part of the deal. They build in buffer days, carry extra meds, and rely on insurance. Right now, you can borrow that mindset. Stay flexible, resourceful, and patient, and you’ll handle this strike like a pro.

Share Your Experience

Are you stuck, stranded, or surviving the Air Canada strike? Share your story below—your tips and experiences could help another traveler find their way through the chaos.