Here's what you need to know about your rights ahead of a possible Air Canada strike, according to a passenger advocate

As the contract negotiations continue, passengers are facing possible problems due to flight cancellations and travel disruptions from Sunday.

While Air Canada has shared advice with passengers ahead of a possible pilot strike, an airline passenger rights advocate has offered additional tips for Canadians who may be affected.

Gabor Lukacs, president of the independent, non-profit Air Passenger Rights Association in Halifax, advises travelers to avoid canceling their flights personally in order to hold Air Canada responsible for the additional fees. He said, if you do not decide to travel after the airline cancels the flight, the airline must refund your ticket in the original form of payment.

Key tips for travelers:

Wait until the airline cancels the flight. If the flight is canceled by the airline, you will have more rights.
If the airline pre-emptively cancels flights before the strike, it should be responsible for passenger costs.
If you are affected by the strike and still intend to travel, do not accept a ticket refund from the airline. The airline is obliged to book a new carriage for you.
In case of dispute, collect documents such as audio recordings.
According to Air Passenger Protection Regulations, if an airline cancels a flight due to a strike, the airline is required to offer you two options.
Rebook your flight for free, regardless of whether your destination is in Canada or abroad.
Reimbursement of the ticket in the initial amount of its payment within 30 days of "all unused parts of the flight and parts that are no longer applicable." Also, if you are not in Canada and it is no longer reasonable to continue your journey due to a flight cancellation, the airline is required to provide free transportation to your original destination.
If your destination is entirely within Canada, your only protection is the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations, although you may have additional rights under other laws.
If you bought your ticket in Canada but the flight is outside the country, you have more rights under the Aviation Act to recover your expenses and damages.
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