Vancouver air passengers should check their flight status this week as an "impactful winter storm" is expected to bring significant snowfall to the Lower Mainland.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has issued a notification for travellers on Monday (Nov. 28) to the airport as arctic air brings frigid temperatures, powerful winds, and widespread snow to the region.
While the team works to keep the airfield safe, the airport advises air passengers to check their flight status with their airline and give themselves extra time to get to the airport. Online check-in is also available for most airlines to save time before your journey.
YVR adds that the weather across B.C. and Canada can also impact flights at the local airport.
Air Canada has also issued a travel alert, warning air passengers about possible disruptions to Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz due to the inclement weather in the forecast.
Starting on Monday and continuing through at least Wednesday, flights departing from and arriving at YVR may be impacted by forecasted snow, according to Air Canada's travel outlook. You can check your Air Canada flight status online or via the Air Canada app at any time.
WestJet has also issued weather advisories for travellers to YVR, noting that forecasted snow may cause delays or cancellations on Tuesday and Wednesday. Guests are advised to check their WestJet flight status prior to travelling to the airport.
Flight status at YVR and Canada's new air passenger rules
Canada's major airlines have each stated that flexible changes will be permitted due to inclement weather. However, these changes may vary depending on codeshare flights (if there is another airline on the ticket), length of delays, and other factors.
New regulations requiring airlines to provide additional refund requirements to customers who have flights delayed by over three hours or more came into effect on Sept. 8.
According to the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), the new rules require Canadian airlines to provide customers with "either a refund or rebooking, at the passenger's choice, when there is a flight cancellation, or a lengthy delay, due to a situation outside the airline's control."
But a prominent air passenger rights advocate says the "new refund regulations shortchange Canadians" because airlines can offer a new flight within 48 hours instead of paying the refund — regardless of the customer's needs.
Find out everything you need to know about the new flight rules and what to do to keep your money.
