Looming airline strike could affect Phoenix flights. Everything travelers should know

A potential strike from one of Canada's two major commercial airlines could mean fewer flights for travelers planning to travel between Phoenix and Canada.

Air Canada pilots are preparing to go on strike as negotiations between Air Canada and its pilots union are at an impasse. A 72-hour strike notice could be issued as early as Sunday, Sept. 15, which would trigger Air Canada to wind down its operations.

That means a strike could occur as early as Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada, said in a Sept. 9 statement that he thinks there is still time to reach an agreement with the pilots union, and the airline would do what it could to protect consumers from a work stoppage that would cancel flights.

In an update issued Wednesday, Sept. 11, Air Canada said flights are operating normally and would notify passengers of any impact to their flights ahead of their travel. Passengers also have the option to change their flights for free if they're scheduled to travel during a potential strike.

Here's what Arizonans traveling to or from Canada should know.

Coming October: Low-cost airline adds Phoenix-Canada flights. Here's when they start and where you can go

How long can an Air Canada strike last?

Air Canada's pilots could begin their strike as early as Wednesday, Sept. 18. But Air Canada passengers might notice disruptions before the strike occurs.

If Air Canada and the pilots union fail to reach an agreement by Friday, Sept. 13, Air Canada stated it will need to start winding down some operations, including grounding aircraft and canceling holiday packages.

It's unknown whether the strike will occur and, if so, how long it will last.

What happens if Air Canada goes on strike?

Passengers whose flights are canceled because of a strike would receive a full refund. Air Canada stated it would notify passengers of cancellations within 48 hours of flights' scheduled departures.

For travelers seeking peace of mind in their travels, Air Canada is allowing passengers who have flights booked between Sept. 15-23 — dates that could be affected by a potential strike — to change their flights for free , as long as they booked their travel before Sept. 9.

Travelers have the option of rebooking their travel from between now and Sept. 14 or between Sept. 24 and Nov. 30 with no change fees or fare difference. Passengers who choose to travel after Nov. 30 will not have to pay change fees but must pay a fare difference.

What is the Air Canada strike about?

Pilots intend to strike for higher pay.

Rousseau, the Air Canada CEO, said in his Sept. 9 statement that an agreement with the pilots union is possible if the union "moderates its wage demands which far exceed Canadian wage increases."

Charlene Hudy, chair of Air Canada's pilots union, said in a statement that Air Canada's pilots continue to work for wages negotiated in 2014, and union leaders allege Air Canada is not listening to pilots' needs regarding fair pay, retirement benefits and quality of life improvements, forcing them to consider a strike.

One of the few things that Air Canada and the union have in common is that they both stated they want to avoid a strike and the travel disruptions it would lead to.

"Flight disruptions are never an ideal outcome for our passengers or any pilot; that’s why our primary goal is to reach an agreement and not go on strike," Hudy said.

Will Air Canada Rouge be affected by a strike?

Air Canada Rouge, a secondary brand of Air Canada that offers lower-cost flights, would suspend flights if pilots go on strike.

Air Canada Rouge is not the same as Air Canada Express, which flies regional flights aboard partners, including Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines. These regional flights operate under different carriers and would not be impacted by a strike.

Will the Air Canada strike affect other airlines?

A potential Air Canada strike would reduce available seats on flights to and from Canada as passengers look to rebook their travel on other airlines.

If Air Canada cancels a flight due to a strike, rebooking with another airline is possible "but subject to availability, which we expect will be very limited," according to Air Canada. The airline suggests travelers who have greater flexibility in their plans consider postponing or rebooking their travel for a later date.

How will the Air Canada strike affect flights from Phoenix to Canada?

Air Canada flies three nonstop routes to Canadian cities out of Phoenix to Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Air Canada is the only airline that flies nonstop to Toronto and Montreal, though Porter Airlines will launch Phoenix-Toronto flights next month.

WestJet and ultra-low-cost Flair Airlines both offer nonstop service to Vancouver. Flyers affected by a potential strike who plan to visit Toronto or Montreal can fly with another airline from Sky Harbor, but it would require a layover in Vancouver or Calgary.

Nonstop routes to Canada from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Here's where travelers can fly nonstop from Phoenix to Canada:

• Air Canada: Montreal, Quebec; Toronto, Ontario; Vancouver, British Columbia.
• WestJet: Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Kelowna, British Columbia; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Vancouver; Winnipeg, Manitoba.
• Flair Airlines: Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver.
• Porter Airlines: Toronto, starting Oct. 3.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx .

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Looming airline strike could affect Phoenix flights. Everything travelers should know