If you’re planning a fall or winter getaway, now is the perfect time to think beyond where you’re going—and start thinking about how you’ll get there.
Airline disruptions across Canada are on the rise, and many travelers are feeling the impact before they even leave the ground. From labor disputes to reduced flight schedules and widespread delays, the skies are anything but predictable right now.
Here’s a quick look at what travelers have been facing this year:
- 3.4% of flights were cancelled in 2024
- Over 37% of flights experienced delays
- WestJet’s mechanics strike grounded nearly half of its flights
- Air Canada’s flight attendant strike impacted over 500,000 passengers in just 3 days, with further disruptions lasting up to 10 days
- Seat capacity on U.S. routes from Canadian carriers is already down by more than 6% for early 2025
Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a critical business trip, these disruptions can seriously affect your schedule, and your wallet.
✈️ My Experience Flying to Norway
“I recently traveled to Norway , and it was a trip I’ll never forget, not just for the destination, but for what happened along the way.
Off to a bad start, the first leg of my trip (Saskatoon to Toronto) was delayed almost five hours, due to a mechanical issue beyond the airline’s control, causing me to miss a connection in Toronto and resulted in our spending an extra 24 hours in Toronto with only a minor pittance from airline – a hotel for the night and $15 to buy three meals. To make matters worse when I did get on my way 24 hours later, unfortunately my bags didn’t get loaded on the flight with me, causing me to be without luggage for the first three days of my cruise. Thanks to the trip interruption and & baggage benefits of my travel insurance we’ll be reimbursed the $1000 out of pocket we spent to purchase necessities and some new clothes so I didn’t look out of place on the ultra luxury cruise plus the $95 for meals not covered by the airline meal voucher.
This was a powerful reminder: no matter how experienced you are, having the right protection makes all the difference.”
How a Travel Advisor Helps You Travel Smarter
As your Travel advisor, I do more than just book flights. We help you travel with confidence and peace of mind by offering:
- Expert guidance on travel insurance (including protection for strikes, cancellations, and unexpected delays)
- Tailored coverage to protect your travel investment
- Personal support before, during, and after your trip
- Access to both Manulife and Allianz Global Assistance, so we can find the right policy, and price for you.
Bottom Line: Don’t Leave Without a Plan B
Travel is unpredictable but with the right protection, it doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re jetting off this fall or winter, don’t leave home without:
- A solid itinerary
- Travel insurance that fits your needs
- A trusted travel advisor in your corner
Because while you can’t control flight delays, baggage mishaps, or labor strikes… you can control how prepared you are.
Travel Insurance: Don’t leave home without it!
