‘We had been left hanging’: Household denied compensation after delayed, missed flights

After delaying their trip for over two years throughout the pandemic, Steve Torgerson, his spouse, three youngsters and mother-in-law lastly received to take their journey to Liberia, Costa Rica throughout Easter break in April.

The group’s aircraft leaving Costa Rica wanted the air con mounted earlier than leaving the tarmac, inflicting a delay to the departure. When the household landed at Toronto Pearson Airport later that evening, they had been instructed they’d miss their connecting flight to Calgary and subsequent flight again to Regina.

Torgerson mentioned neither WestJet nor every other airlinad any flights obtainable for one more few days.

“It was shocking that the corporate actually left us hanging,” he mentioned.

Torgerson mentioned he understood there have been no flights obtainable however the airline wouldn’t present his household lodge or meals vouchers.

WestJet instructed CTV Information in a press release, “The delay was following takeoff on account of occasions outdoors of WestJet’s management.”

“We then thought it could be cheaper to hire a automobile than hold round in Toronto for a pair days and pay for a pair lodge rooms,” mentioned Torgerson.

The group then drove from Toronto again to Regina.

When he returned residence, Torgerson referred to as the airline for a refund on the flights he didn’t take. WestJet issued him a credit score of $484.87 per buyer.

Air Passenger Rights is a corporation which helps flyers with claims like Torgerson’s. President and Founder Gabor Lukas mentioned a credit score will not be a refund.

“In the event you pay money, it is best to get money again,” he mentioned. “They may offer you a cake or flowers or something. That’s not a refund.”

Lukas believes WestJet ought to pay for the surplus bills Torgerson incurred by failing to offer the passengers with the obligations below the Air Passenger Safety Laws (APPR).

“They’re additionally on the hook for the passenger’s bills to get residence,” he mentioned.

Torgerson is battling with WestJet for compensation on the rental automobile, gasoline and meals prices he incurred to get residence.

“These occasions occurred outdoors of WestJet’s management,” the airline mentioned. “Sadly, they didn’t qualify for compensation below the APPR.”

“It makes me think about not spending the $3,000 credit score as a result of I don’t know if I really feel snug in flying with WestJet,” mentioned Torgerson.

Torgerson has taken his declare to the Canadian Transport Company in hopes of recovering among the prices.