Lynx Air has ceased to be, and Canadian consumers are scrambling to find out if they can get their money back for cancelled flights.
Calgary-based Lynx announced last week that it was ceasing operations at 12:01 MT on 26FEB. Customers were told to contact their credit card company to secure refunds for pre-booked travel.
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario said it’s gathering more information in regard to potential compensation, and will publish updates when those details become available. In the meantime, it outlined was in NOT covered by the Compensation Fund.
“Airfare purchased directly from Lynx Air or through a travel agency/booking website outside of Ontario is NOT eligible for reimbursement through the Compensation Fund,” TICO said in a statement. “Affected passengers should note the Compensation Fund does not reimburse consumers for the cost of replacement travel services purchased.”
For consumers who booked with a TICO registered travel agency or website and who are in transit / in destination with their return Lynx flight cancelled:
- The Compensation Fund does not allow for trip completion claims as a result of an end supplier failure (e.g., airline).
- Consumers will have to make their own arrangements to return home and TICO recommends they contact a travel agent for assistance.
- We will provide additional information as soon as possible for consumers who purchased their Lynx Air travel services through a TICO registered travel agency or website and did not receive their services.
Consumers who booked with a TICO registered travel agency or website and have future travel bookings with Lynx Air (beyond February 26, 2024):
- More information about potential claims against the Compensation Fund will be provided once TICO has additional details from the Receiver.
Ultimately, TICO says, affected consumers should contact their credit card company and travel insurance provider, if applicable, to seek refunds. These steps will be required should the claims process open for Lynx Air against the Compensation Fund.
If the credit card or travel insurance company denies your refund, please seek a letter from them confirming that a refund will not be provided.
Lynx Air’s announcement late last week took many observers by surprise. There had been reports that Edmonton-based Flair Airlines was ready to buy Lynx, a possibility that Flair CEO Stephen Jones confirmed.
“The discussions were pretty well advanced,” Jones told the Calgary Herald. “And we were ready to move as quickly as we could. Ultimately, though, it was a Lynx decision to do what they did … and we had no input on that.”
WestJet
When the news broke of Lynx’s demise, WestJet announced it would offer a 25% discount on all economy cabin fares on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel between 22FEB and 26OCT for bookings made up until 29FEB.
WestJet also said fares are capped at $250 plus taxes and fees on all northbound economy cabin fares, on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel up until 29FEB for bookings made before 29FEB. All domestic fares on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel up until 29FEB, will not exceed $500 plus taxes and fees.
Air Canada
Air Canada on 23FEB announced it will cap fares and add more than 6,000 seats in select markets operated by Lynx. But the fare cap expired on 25FEB: “These fares will be available for purchase before February 26 for travel through April 2.”
Air Canada has also added incremental capacity of more than 6,000 seats on Lynx routes from Toronto and Montreal to Cancun, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa. Phoenix and Las Vegas between 25FEB and 19MAR.
“However, with the busy winter travel holiday period underway, flights are already relatively full and the carrier's ability to increase capacity further is limited.”
