Montreal-Trudeau International Delays and Cancellations - When Do you Get Compensation?

Flying to or from Montreal Trudeau Airport (YUL) and facing delays or cancellations? You may be entitled to compensation under passenger protection laws. Regulations like EC 261, the Montreal Convention, and the Canadian Transportation Act safeguard your rights, offering rebooking, refunds, and compensation depending on the circumstances. Knowing these rights can help you navigate disruptions with confidence and reduce stress.

As a major hub and the gateway to French-speaking Québec, Montreal is a bustling destination for travelers worldwide. With its high passenger traffic—especially during peak seasons—flight delays and cancellations at Montreal Trudeau Airport are common.

If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, you could qualify for up to $1,000 CAD in compensation, a full ticket refund, or both! Stay informed, act quickly, and don’t let unexpected disruptions derail your plans. Claim what you’re entitled to today!

Traveling through Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) can sometimes come with unexpected hiccups, like flight delays or cancellations. The good news? You’re protected by passenger rights laws that ensure you get the assistance, rebooking, or compensation you deserve. Here’s a quick guide to your protections:

EC 261: For flights between Montreal and Europe

If you’re flying to or from Europe from the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, EC 261 offers robust protections to passengers dealing with flight disruptions.

Flights covered:

• Flights within the EU, including Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and EU territories like the Canary Islands.

• International flights departing from the EU or arriving in the EU when operated by an EU-based airline.

• International flights departing from the EU when operated by an non-EU-based airline.

The table below explains the flights covered in detail.

• Non-extraordinary circumstances: Airlines are required to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations caused by issues within their control, such as technical or operational problems. However, they are not obligated to compensate for disruptions due to extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, security risks, or strikes.

• Compensation:

  • Amounts are based on the delay duration and flight distance, ranging from $400 CAD (€250) to $1,000 CAD (€600).

• Additional rights: Even if compensation isn’t owed, airlines must provide:

  • Meals and refreshments: Provided during long delays.

  • Hotel accommodations: Covered if an overnight stay is necessary.

  • Transportation: To and from the airport if accommodations are provided.

  • Alternate travel: Rebooking on the next flight or a full refund if you decide not to travel.

The Montreal Convention

For international flights, the Montreal Convention offers a global safety net for passengers traveling between Montreal-Trudeau International and 130+ member countries, including the US, and most of Europe.

• Scope:

  • Covers flights between more than 130 member countries, including Canada, the US, and most of Europe.

  • Covers delays, cancellations, and baggage issues.

• Compensation:

  • Reimbursement for direct costs such as missed hotel reservations or connecting flights caused by delays or cancellations.

Canadian Transportation Act

The Canadian Transportation Act provides comprehensive protections for passengers on flights within Canada or involving Canadian airlines, ensuring support in the event of delays and cancellations. These protections apply to flights departing from or arriving at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and other Canadian airports, offering passengers peace of mind no matter the disruption.

For disruptions within the airline’s control, such as staffing shortages or maintenance issues, airlines must offer assistance, rebooking options, or refunds. In such cases, passengers may also be entitled to compensation for the inconvenience caused by the delay or cancellation.

When cancellations occur due to safety concerns, such as aircraft inspections, airlines are required to assist passengers by providing rebooking options or refunds. However, compensation is typically not offered in these circumstances, as safety takes priority.

For disruptions caused by factors outside the airline’s control, including severe weather, security risks, or medical emergencies, airlines are obligated to provide necessary assistance. This can include meals, accommodations, and transportation. While compensation is not required in these situations, the focus remains on minimizing the impact on passengers.

This balanced approach ensures passengers receive appropriate support while accounting for the specific circumstances surrounding the disruption.

• Compensation

  • Compensation amounts vary based on the length of the delay and the size of the airline, ranging from up to $500 CAD for small airlines to as much as $1,000 CAD for large airlines.

  • Passengers who opt for refunds may still qualify for compensation if the disruption was within the airline’s control.

• Essential passenger rights: No matter the cause of the delay, airlines have certain obligations:

  • Regular updates: Airlines must inform passengers about delays, cancellations, and their rights in clear, accessible language.

  • Rebooking or refunds: You can choose to be rebooked on a new flight or receive a full refund for significant delays or cancellations.

  • Assistance: For long delays, airlines must provide meals, access to communication, and accommodations if you’re stuck overnight.

Key differences between regulations

• EC 261: Applies to EU flights, offering fixed compensation for delays or cancellations.

• Montreal Convention: Global coverage, providing reimbursement for actual costs rather than fixed compensation.

• Canadian Transportation Act: Covers all Canadian flights, balancing compensation and assistance based on the disruption.

No matter where you’re flying, you have rights as an air passenger. Always document delays, keep your receipts, and familiarize yourself with the applicable laws to ensure you receive the compensation and care you deserve. By understanding your rights, you can confidently navigate delays or cancellations at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport and ensure you get the compensation or care you deserve.

For more detailed information about your rights while traveling, visit our dedicated air passenger rights page.

Flight delays can be stressful, but as a passenger flying from or to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), you have rights that protect you under Canadian law, EU regulations, and international agreements. Understanding these protections can help you claim the compensation and assistance you’re entitled to when travel disruptions occur.

International passenger rights: Flight delays

When your international flight from Montreal is delayed, the laws that apply depend on your route and airline. Two key frameworks protect passengers in these cases: the EC 261 and Montreal Convention.

EC 261 passenger rights

For flights between Montreal and Europe, EC 261 provides robust compensation if the airline is at fault.

Eligibility for compensation:

• Delay duration: Delays must reach at least three hours at the final destination.

• Airline responsibility: The airline must be responsible for the delay (e.g., operational issues or technical problems).

Compensation amounts:

Based on the delay and flight distance, you could be entitled to:

• $400 CAD (€250): For flights under 1,500 km delayed by 3+ hours.

• $700 CAD (€400): For flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km delayed by 3+ hours.

• $1,000 CAD (€600): For flights over 3,500 km delayed by 4+ hours.

The Montreal Convention

The Montreal Convention protects passengers on flights between Montreal and over 130 member countries, ensuring reimbursement for disruption-related expenses.

Your rights for flight delays:

• Reimbursement for expenses:

  • If your flight is significantly delayed, you can claim reimbursement for reasonable costs such as meals, accommodations, and transportation.

  • Keep all receipts for these expenses, as they are required to support your claim.

• Claim limits:

  • Compensation under the Montreal Convention is capped, with a maximum of approximately US$8,200 for expenses related to delays.

Your rights under Canadian regulations

For flights within Canada or involving Canadian airlines, the Canadian Transportation Act provides a clear framework for assistance and compensation based on the cause of the delay.

Delays within the airline’s control

For issues like staffing shortages or maintenance problems, airlines must:

• Provide compensation for inconvenience (up to $1,000 CAD for large airlines, $500 CAD for smaller ones).

• Offer rebooking on a new flight or a full refund.

• Cover necessary expenses, such as meals and accommodations, for long delays.

Delays within the airline’s control but required for safety

These disruptions include pre-flight safety inspections or technical repairs. Airlines are required to:

• Rebook or refund your ticket.

• Offer assistance (meals, accommodations).

• Compensation may be more limited in these cases.

Compensation for Canadian flights

The amount of compensation depends on the size of the airline and the delay:

• Large airlines: Up to $1,000 CAD.

• Small airlines: Up to $500 CAD.

If you opt for a refund instead of rebooking, you may still be entitled to compensation if the delay was within the airline’s control.

For more information about rights regarding delayed flight and compensation, visit our dedicated page for flight delays.

Flight cancellations can disrupt your plans, but passengers flying to or from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) are protected by a variety of regulations. These include EC 261, the Montreal Convention, and the Canadian Transportation Act, which outline your rights to assistance, refunds, and compensation when your flight is canceled.

EC 261: Compensation for flight cancellations to and from Europe

If your flight between Montreal and Europe is canceled, EC 261 provides strong passenger protections in cases of cancellations.

Are you eligible for cancellation compensation?

You may qualify for compensation under EC 261 if:

• Confirmed reservation: You have a confirmed booking. Your ticket must include specific flight details like the flight number and your name.

• Short-notice cancellation: The airline must have notified you less than 14 days before departure.

Compensation amounts

Compensation varies based on the flight distance and timing of your rebooking:

• $400–$1,000 CAD (€250–€600), based on specific criteria.

Re-routing and advance notice

The airline can avoid paying compensation if they offer an alternative flight that meets these criteria:

• 14 days: No compensation if a suitable alternative is provided.

• 7–13 days: The new flight must depart less than 2 hours earlier and arrive less than 4 hours later than the original flight.

• Less than 7 days: The new flight must depart less than 1 hour earlier and arrive less than 2 hours later than the original flight.

The Montreal Convention: Global protections for cancellations

The Montreal Convention protects passengers on international flights between member countries, including Canada, ensuring reimbursement for expenses caused by cancellations.

Key rights under the Montreal Convention

• Expense reimbursement:

  • Covers costs such as meals, accommodations, or transportation.

  • Keep your receipts as these are required to claim reimbursement.

• Compensation Limit:

  • Reimbursement is capped at approximately US$8,200 for documented expenses.

Canadian Transportation Act: Protections within Canada

For flights departing from or arriving at Montreal, the Canadian Transportation Act ensures you receive assistance, refunds, or compensation, depending on the cause of the cancellation.

Cancellations within the airline’s control

• Airlines must offer rebooking or a full refund.

• Compensation for inconvenience: Up to $1,000 (large airlines) or $500 (smaller airlines).

Cancellations for safety reasons or outside the airline's control

• Safety reasons: Airlines provide assistance and rebooking or refunds but are not required to pay compensation.

• Outside airline's control: For disruptions caused by weather or other uncontrollable factors, airlines assist with meals, lodging, and transportation but do not owe compensation.

For more information on your rights with cancelled flights and compensation, visit our dedicated flight cancellation page.

Arrivals information

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) provides a range of amenities to ensure a smooth arrival experience. Travelers can access luggage storage facilities, luggage carts, baby care stations, and currency exchange services. The airport also features captivating art exhibitions for visitors to enjoy.

To track arriving flights, the airport’s website offers a real-time arrivals page with up-to-date flight statuses, including scheduled and revised times, airline carriers, flight numbers, and origins. Travelers can sort information by airline or schedule, making it easy to check flight statuses for airlines like Air Canada, Air Transat, and American Airlines.

Once passengers arrive, they can easily leave the airport using taxis, shuttles, or other ground transportation options.

Departures information

The departures terminal at YUL is well-organized, with separate areas for domestic, transborder, and international flights. Passengers can enjoy a variety of amenities, including lounges, family service stations, food options, duty-free shopping, and even spa services.

For real-time updates, the airport’s website provides a departures page listing flight statuses, scheduled and revised times, destinations, and gate numbers. Travelers can also subscribe to the airport’s SMS Alerts service for flight status updates via text message, ensuring they stay informed about any schedule changes.

Parking at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) offers several parking options to cater to different needs and budgets. Whether you're stopping by to pick someone up, parking for a short trip, or need long-term parking, there’s a convenient solution for you. Here’s a breakdown of the available parking options, walking times to the terminal, and pricing to help you decide.

• Short-Term Parking: Located just a short 3–4 minute walk from the terminal, Short-Term Parking is perfect for quick visits. It costs $8 for 20 minutes and $43 for 24 hours, making it a convenient choice for short stays.

• ValetParc: For premium service, ValetParc offers 200 spaces and a walking time of just 2–3 minutes. Valet service ensures a hassle-free parking experience. Prices are $50 per day and $350 for a week, ideal for those seeking convenience.

• HotelParc Parking: HotelParc Parking is directly connected to the terminal, offering unmatched convenience for travelers. With 127 spaces available, this in-terminal option is great for quick access. Rates are $10 for 20 minutes, $45 for 24 hours, and $315 for 7 days.

• Multi-Level Parking: Multi-Level Parking provides covered spaces and is about a 5–6 minute walk to the terminal. It’s great for short or medium-term stays. The first 40 minutes are free, while it costs $8 for 20 minutes, $37 for 24 hours, and $259 for a week.

• P4 Parking: If you don’t mind a slightly longer walk or taking the 5-minute shuttle, P4 Parking offers 1,602 spaces at budget-friendly rates. The first 40 minutes are free, while prices are $8 for 20 minutes, $34 for 24 hours, and $238 for 7 days.

• EconoParc P5: EconoParc P5 is an economical choice for long-term parking and is 6–8 minutes away by foot or 14 minutes via shuttle. It offers 578 spaces and costs $8 for 20 minutes, $36 for 24 hours, and $252 for 7 days.

• EconoParc P9: For the most affordable option, EconoParc P9 is a great choice. Located 16 minutes from the terminal, it has 1,627 spaces. Parking here is free for the first 40 minutes, $30 for 24 hours, and $210 for 7 days.

Which option is right for you?

• Quick Visits: Use Short-Term Parking, ValetParc, or HotelParc for the fastest access.

• Budget-Friendly Stays: Choose EconoParc P9 for the lowest rates for long-term parking.

• Convenience: Multi-Level Parking and HotelParc provide easy access for those who want to be closer to the terminal.

• Premium Service: ValetParc offers the ultimate convenience for those who value time and service.

No matter your needs, Montreal-Trudeau International Airport has a parking solution to fit your trip. Visit the airport’s website or app for reservations and real-time parking availability.

Pickup and drop-off at Montreal Airport

For picking up passengers, drivers should first confirm that the flight has landed. If early, they can wait at the free CellParc lot until their passenger is ready for pickup. The Arrivals level is divided into zones A through E, so travelers should inform their ride of their exact location.

When dropping off passengers, drivers should head to the Departures level, which is organized by airline. Quick stops are encouraged, and for those with limited mobility, reserved parking spaces are available for easier access.

How to get to and from Montreal Airport

Montreal Airport is conveniently accessible by multiple modes of transportation. For those driving, the airport can be reached via Highway 520. Taxis provide an efficient alternative, with a flat fare of approximately $30 from downtown Montreal. Public transit is also available, with several local and night bus options connecting the airport to the city center.

For departing travelers, rental car services are available at the airport, including options like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, National, and Budget. Prices and vehicle availability vary by provider.

At AirHelp, we’re here to make your airport experience as smooth as possible. Whether you’re navigating through parkings and pick-ups, check-ins, dealing with unexpected delays, or understanding your passenger rights, our goal is to support you every step of the way. From real-time flight updates to simplified compensation claims, we’re dedicated to helping you travel with ease and confidence.

Stay informed about flight delays and cancellations at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport with our real-time updates. Our easy-to-use table provides accurate, up-to-the-minute information so you can quickly check if your flight is affected.

Simply search for your flight number or browse the list to find details about delays, cancellations, and updated departure or arrival times.

Whether you’re at home, on your way to the airport, or already there, our table keeps you in the know and helps you plan your next steps with ease. Remember to refresh the table regularly for the most recent updates on your flight status.