Overview
Canadian North’s missed flight policy outlines options for passengers who fail to board their scheduled flight, whether due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances. As a small carrier under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), the policy is governed by fare rules, ticket type, and applicable regulations for flights to, from, or within Canada. Canadian North operates primarily in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, with a focus on northern communities.
Key Policy Details
- No-Show Policy: If you miss your flight without canceling in advance, it is considered a "no-show." Non-refundable tickets lose their value, and the entire itinerary may be canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. Refunds are not available for no-shows unless specified by fare rules.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable tickets, no refunds are provided for missed flights. Rebooking may be possible, subject to availability, fare differences, and change fees, which vary by fare type and route. Additional charges may apply for changes made through third-party agents.
- Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets may be eligible for a refund of the unused portion, less any applicable fees, if requested within one year from the ticket’s issue date. Refunds can be processed online or through customer service for tickets purchased directly from Canadian North.
- Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a Canadian North-operated flight within the same booking, the airline will rebook you on their next available flight or a flight with a partner airline (e.g., Air North or Calm Air) at no additional cost, per APPR requirements. If the delay is within the airline’s control and causes a delay of 3+ hours at your final destination, you may be eligible for compensation: $125 CAD for 3-6 hours, $250 CAD for 6-9 hours, or $500 CAD for 9+ hours.
- Assistance for Delays: For delays of 2+ hours within the airline’s control, Canadian North provides meal vouchers, refreshments, and access to communication (e.g., Wi-Fi or gate phones). For overnight delays, hotel accommodation and transportation to/from the hotel are provided, subject to availability in remote northern communities.
- Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as weather, air traffic control, or security issues. However, the airline will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees.
- Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking (within the airline’s control and not for safety reasons), Canadian North will rebook you and provide compensation based on the delay at your final destination: $900 CAD for 0-6 hours, $1800 CAD for 6-9 hours, or $2400 CAD for 9+ hours, as per APPR.
Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight
- Contact Canadian North customer service immediately via the website, mobile app, or airport counter to discuss rebooking or refund options.
- Provide your booking reference and explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, refunds, or tax refunds.
- Check your ticket’s fare rules to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility.
- Keep documentation (e.g., boarding passes, receipts) for any claims or expense reimbursements.
- Use the online refund request form for faster processing, especially during high-demand periods.
Note: Policies vary based on ticket type, fare rules, and booking channel (direct or through a travel agency). For code-share flights with partners like Air North or Calm Air, the operating carrier’s rules may apply. Always review fare conditions at booking, arrive early (2 hours for major hubs like Edmonton, Yellowknife, Iqaluit, Montreal, Winnipeg, or Ottawa; 30 minutes for other stations), and consider travel insurance for added protection. Due to limited amenities in remote northern communities, assistance options may be constrained.
Additional Information
If Canadian North cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. If the trip no longer serves its purpose, the airline must rebook you to your point of origin and refund the entire ticket if you are at a connecting point. Compensation claims must be filed within one year, and the airline has 30 days to respond. Refunds are processed within 30 days for unused tickets or taxes. Always retain documentation for expenses incurred due to a missed flight. For more details, review the Air Passenger Protection Regulations or Canadian North’s Domestic Tariff (Rule 31).
