Your Rights Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR)

Many frequent travelers are familiar with the European Union’s EU261 rule that gives passengers a set amount of compensation when their flights are delayed or canceled. But did you know that Canada has similar protections for those flying to and from the country?

These rules — known as Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) — went into effect in 2019 and outline what air passengers are owed when flights are delayed. It covers all flights to, from or within Canada, including on U.S. carriers.

Let’s take a look at Canada’s APPR regulations and how to claim compensation when your next Canadian flight is delayed.

Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR)

Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) work similarly to EU261 in that they outline how much someone is owed if their flight is delayed by more than three hours. It applies to all airlines, though the amount of compensation depends on the carrier’s size and the duration of your delay.

APPR rules are simple — if you’re delayed more than three hours with less than 14 days notice from the airline, you’re owed compensation. Further, you’re eligible for more compensation on longer delays, with the maximum payout being CAD 1,000, equivalent to roughly USD 698 at the time of writing.

Further, those flying large airlines — defined as carrying 2 million or more passengers per year — get higher payouts than those on smaller airlines. This encompasses most Canadian and American airlines that operate cross-border flights, including Air Canada, American, Delta, Porter, United, and WestJet.

Here’s how much you’re owed for delays on these carriers:

3-6 hour delays: CAD 400
6-9 hour delays: CAD 700
9+ hour delays: CAD 1,000

Meanwhile, small airlines — think Canadian North — with under 2 million annual passengers are required to pay the following amounts for long delays:

3-6 hour delays: CAD 125
6-9 hour delays: CAD 250
9+ hour delays: CAD 500

Finally, all airlines are required to compensate you if you’re denied boarding. You’re owed the following amounts regardless of the airline, based on how long it takes to get to your final destination after being denied boarding.

0-6 hours: CAD 900
6-9 hours: CAD 1,800
9+ hours: CAD 2,400

Airlines must pay this compensation in cash, generally through a check or bank transfer. The airline can also offer you a flight voucher or other compensation if it exceeds the APPR compensation listed here, but you always have the choice of cash compensation.

When are you eligible for APPR compensation?

Airlines compensate passengers by APPR rules when they’re delayed for three or more hours due to reasons within the airline’s control. However, passengers are not eligible for compensation when the reason for the delay is within the airline’s power, but operating the flight would be unsafe.

These are vague terms, but you can expect weather and airport operation issues to be ineligible for compensation. Further, mechanical issues may not be eligible for compensation due to the safety clause.

However, you would likely be eligible for compensation if your airline has an operational meltdown that delays your flights. Consider situations like Southwest Airlines’ 2022 holiday meltdown, when a computer issue caused thousands of flights to be delayed or canceled.

Likewise, being delayed due to a flight crew timing out would likely be eligible for APPR compensation. Regardless of the reason, it’s worth researching why your flight was delayed and filing a claim if you think it falls under APPR rules — the worst thing that can happen is the airline denying your claim.

Filing an APPR claim

Filing an APPR claim often requires emailing the airline with which you were delayed. In this email, mention the APPR policy for delayed flights and how much you’re owed due to your recent delay. In my experience, the rules are clear-cut enough for a quick payment.

You must submit your claim within a year of your delay, so don’t wait.

Bottom line

Canada’s APPR rules outline how much you’re owed if your flight to, from, or within Canada is delayed by three hours or longer for reasons within the airline’s control. In some cases, compensation is well over CAD 1,000.

If you’re delayed for reasons outside the airline’s control — think weather — APPR compensation does not apply. However, you might be able to get expenses incurred reimbursed with travel insurance or trip delay protections offered by popular travel credit cards.

Compare

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

ChaseChase Ultimate Rewards

Annual fee: $95
Our valuation: $1,538Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,538Total$1,538Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer: 75,000 points

FAQs – Canada Flight Delay Compensation (APPR)

What is Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR)?

The Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) are Canadian rules established in 2019 that provide compensation for flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. These apply to flights to, from, or within Canada, including those operated by U.S. carriers.

How much compensation can I receive for a delayed flight in Canada?

Compensation depends on the airline size and length of delay. For large airlines (like Air Canada, Delta, United):

3–6 hours: $400 CAD6–9 hours: $700 CAD9+ hours: $1,000 CAD

For small airlines (under 2 million passengers annually):

3–6 hours: $125 CAD6–9 hours: $250 CAD9+ hours: $500 CAD

What if I’m denied boarding?

All airlines must compensate passengers denied boarding due to reasons within their control:

0–6 hours delay to destination: $900 CAD6–9 hours: $1,800 CAD9+ hours: $2,400 CAD

This must be paid in cash, check, or bank transfer — unless you voluntarily accept a higher-value travel voucher.

Am I eligible if the delay was due to weather or airport issues?

No. APPR compensation only applies to delays within the airline’s control. Weather, air traffic, and most airport operations are considered outside the airline’s control. However, you may still be entitled to support (food, lodging) and insurance coverage.

Are mechanical issues eligible for APPR compensation?

Sometimes. If the mechanical issue is considered within the airline’s control and not related to safety, you may be eligible. However, airlines may invoke the “safety” exception to avoid paying. Always submit a claim if in doubt.

How do I file a compensation claim under APPR?

You can file a claim by emailing the airline, citing the APPR rules and stating the amount you’re owed based on the delay. Keep records of your delay and flight details. Claims must be submitted within one year of the incident.

Can I get reimbursed if APPR doesn’t apply?

If your delay was due to uncontrollable events (e.g. weather), APPR doesn’t apply. However, you may get reimbursed through travel insurance or trip delay protections from credit cards.