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Cancelled or delayed flight: the FICAV fund can reimburse you

If you buy your tickets through a Quebec-licensed travel agent, the FICAV protects your payments in case of a strike, cancellation or bankruptcy.

Vieauqc TeamAugust 13, 2026

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A reminder from the Office de la protection du consommateur. The possible labour dispute at WestJet has brought travellers' rights back into the spotlight when a flight is delayed or cancelled. Quebec's consumer protection office (OPC) reminds travellers that clients of Quebec-licensed travel agents are protected by a fund: the FICAV. This Quebec news page is available in French only.

What FICAV covers. The travel agents' client compensation fund can reimburse travellers who do not receive the travel services they paid for, because of a supplier default or the occurrence of an event such as a strike or lockout. The fund can also cover extra expenses: for example, unplanned hotel nights or the cost of a cruise missed because of a cancelled flight.

The important condition. The protection applies when tickets were bought from a Quebec-licensed travel agent, online or in person. If you buy directly from the airline or through an unlicensed intermediary, FICAV protection does not apply — you can still demand that the carrier find you another flight or refund your tickets.

How to check. Before buying, you can check on the OPC website whether a company holds a licence, under the "Se renseigner sur un commerçant" section. The fund also covers other services bought through the agency: coach transport, hotel nights, cruises, excursions.

Good to know for newcomers: if you are travelling back to your home country and buy your tickets through a travel agency, keep your proof of purchase and the agency's name. In case of a strike or cancellation, you can claim a refund from FICAV — a safety net that direct online bookers do not have.

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