Canada's Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities - Cancelled flights due to the pandemic: Reimbursing air passengers (Brief fromOption consommateurs)

The global health crisis has shaken many sectors of the economy and affected the lifestyles of billions of people. Canada is no exception. In addition to disrupting the daily lives of Canadian consumers, the pandemic has also affected several sectors of the economy, including air transport.

Whether in response to various measures imposed by government authorities (border closures, recommendations limiting travel to essential journeys), or following decisions taken by airlines (consolidation or cancellation of flights due to low seat occupancy), many passengers were unable to make the journey they had paid for.
cancellation of flights due to low seat occupancy), many passengers were unable to make the journey they had paid for. However, even though they have not been able to benefit from any services, most airlines refuse to reimburse them.

Instead of a refund, these airlines force passengers to take out a travel credit. Claiming that refunding passengers would jeopardize their financial situation1, they arrogate to themselves the right to keep their customers' money.

Consumers are then forced to provide interest-free financing to airlines, with no guarantee of repayment. Needless to say, this is a completely unacceptable situation.