Flair Airlines Faces Criticism for Stranding Passengers in the Dominican Republic

Flair Airlines, a Canadian low-cost carrier, is under fire after passengers reported being stranded in the Dominican Republic due to a weather-related flight cancellation. The flight, which was supposed to return to Toronto from Punta Cana, was canceled on August 17, 2024, following severe weather conditions in Toronto. Passengers were informed that the next available flight with Flair Airlines would not depart until two weeks later, sparking frustration and concern among those affected.

According to a report by CTV News Toronto, Deanne Trinka, a former Flair Airlines flight attendant, was among the 123 passengers left stranded. Trinka and her husband, who were accompanying a group of graduates, were initially told they would have to wait until August 31 for the next available flight. This left many passengers scrambling to find alternative ways to return home, with some eventually being rebooked on flights with Air Canada and WestJet three days later.

Despite Flair Airlines covering the costs of the rebooked flights, Trinka reported that her group incurred significant additional expenses, ranging from $1,200 to $1,500, for food and accommodation during the unexpected extended stay. The airline stated that the flight was canceled out of caution due to the storms in Toronto, which caused widespread disruptions across multiple airline networks.

This incident highlights the importance of understanding passenger rights in the event of flight cancellations. According to Transport Canada, airlines are obligated to ensure passengers reach their destinations as per their original tickets, even if flights are canceled or delayed. In such cases, airlines must provide alternative travel arrangements at no additional cost to the passenger. However, the level of obligation can vary depending on the size of the airline and the availability of commercial agreements with other carriers.