A couple from Victoria has won a partial victory against WestJet after their chaotic spring vacation became a legal fight at the BC Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT).
In a decision released on September 22nd, Tribunal member Peter Nyhuus stated that Alexis and Duncan Blades of Victoria deserved compensation under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) after flight delays and diversions interrupted their trip to Palm Springs, California.
The Blades flew from Victoria to Palm Springs with their child in March 2024, connecting through Calgary. Their flight from Calgary to Palm Springs was first delayed because of snow and de-icing issues.
It was then diverted to Los Angeles due to dangerous wind shear.
WestJet did not rebook them on another flight, so the family rented a car and drove through the night to reach Palm Springs.
On their return trip, a mechanical failure on another WestJet aircraft in Palm Springs caused a series of delays. This, along with air traffic control congestion in Calgary, meant the Blades missed their connection back to Victoria.
They did not arrive home until after midnight, more than four hours later than scheduled.
The couple initially sought nearly $5,000 for expenses, compensation, and punitive damages. After examining the case, the CRT ordered WestJet to:
- Pay $400 each to Alexis and Duncan Blades for inconvenience under the APPR
- Reimburse the couple $478.28 for car rental, fuel, and meals in Los Angeles
- Cover tribunal fees and interest
Claims for missed accommodation and punitive damages were dismissed. The tribunal also ruled that the couple could not file a claim for their child, who was not included as a party in the dispute.
In total, WestJet was ordered to pay the BC couple a combined $1,532.41.
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