Information for consumers with upcoming Transat bookings
Mississauga, ON – With the potential for an imminent Air Transat labour disruption, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), is sharing information for consumers who booked travel services with Transat Tours Canada Inc., operating as Transat Holidays, and Transat Distribution Canada Inc., operating as Transat Travel (TICO-registered tour operators) either directly or through a TICO-registered travel retailer (including TICO-registered online booking websites).
Air Transat has shared information and options for customers in destination and those with upcoming travel plans, please click here for more information.
Should a labour disruption begin with flight cancellations, the below regulation will apply.
For travel packages
Under Ontario law, if a travel retailer or tour operator acquires rights to travel services for resale to other registrants or consumers and is unable to provide the travel services purchased due to the failure of a supplier(s) to provide the service (e.g., flight to destination), then the consumer must be offered THEIR CHOICE of:
- A refund;
- Comparable alternate travel services acceptable to the customer; or
- A voucher or similar document that is acceptable to the customer for future redemption towards travel services.
Where a consumer prefers a full refund for a travel package sold, or otherwise provided, by Transat Tours, Ontario’s consumer protections laws require a refund be provided within a reasonable timeframe.
“The possibility of travel disruptions is challenging on both travellers and for the travel advisors working hard to support them,” said TICO CEO Richard Smart. “Ontario’s travel laws ensure consumers are given practical options when an element of their travel package can’t be delivered, providing added clarity and peace of mind.”
For air-only bookings
For potential compensation and regulations for air-only cancellations and delays, advisors and passengers should refer to the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations.
About TICO
Formed in 1997, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) regulates Ontario’s approximately 1,900 travel agencies, booking websites and tour operators. TICO administers the Travel Industry Act, 2002. As a consumer protection organization, TICO facilitates a consumer complaints process and administers the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund. By booking travel with a TICO-registered business, consumers have access to added protection. To verify if a company is registered with TICO, and for helpful information and resources, visit www.tico.ca.
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Media contact
Kristina Wilson
Stakeholder Relations Manager