A brutal late-December cold snap is colliding with peak holiday demand, and Canadian air travel is feeling it in real time—especially for passengers moving through major hubs like Toronto and Vancouver.
On Sunday, December 28, 2025, Travel And Tour World reported widespread disruptions affecting travelers “stuck in Canada” as winter conditions triggered 67 cancellations and 437 delays, with multiple airlines impacted, including Air Canada, Porter, WestJet, and regional operators. [1]
Behind the headline numbers is a familiar winter chain reaction: weather reduces airport capacity, de-icing takes time, crews and aircraft end up out of position, and delays can ripple across the country for days. NAV CANADA—Canada’s air navigation service provider—notes that winter hazards like snowstorms and freezing rain can disrupt schedules and require extra vigilance for runway and taxiway safety. [2]
At the same time, travelers are looking for two things: fast, reliable flight information and practical options when plans blow up. If you’re flying Air Canada (or connecting onto it), you may also be wondering how your Aeroplan points and status can help you get rebooked faster—or even book an alternate flight when seats are disappearing.
Here’s what’s happening, how to track disruptions the smart way, what Canada’s passenger rules require airlines to do, and how to get the most out of Air Canada Aeroplan when winter travel goes sideways.
What’s driving the disruption: Extreme cold and winter operations
Canada’s deep freeze isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be operationally punishing for aviation.
In a broader look at the cold spell, MetDesk’s weather tracker published by The Guardian described weeks of harsh conditions across northern Canada, with temperatures hovering around -20°C to -40°C, and an especially dramatic reading in Yukon where Braeburn recorded -55.7°C—reported as its coldest December temperature since 1975. [3]
Airports and airlines can and do operate in cold weather, but winter conditions add friction everywhere: longer de-icing queues, more time needed for runway clearing and treatment, and greater odds of knock-on impacts if something slips—like a missed departure “slot” or a crew timing out.
NAV CANADA’s aviation meteorology reference also emphasizes that freezing rain and snow events can degrade movement areas quickly and lead to significant delays and major cancellations, particularly when conditions force airports to slow operations or pause departures. [4]
Toronto Pearson delays and cancellations: What the reported numbers show
According to Travel And Tour World’s December 28 report, Toronto Pearson (YYZ) was experiencing the biggest concentration of disruption, with the outlet citing 437 delays and 67 cancellations. The report also listed airline-by-airline impacts at Pearson, with Air Canada and affiliates among the most affected. [5]
For a second data point, FlightAware’s live airport delays page listed Toronto Pearson (CYYZ) among airports experiencing departure delays averaging about 25 minutes at the time of publication. [6]
Separately, FlightAware also publishes a rolling “today” snapshot of total delays and cancellations (systemwide), which can help travelers understand whether disruptions are local—or part of a broader regional weather pattern. [7]
The takeaway: when Pearson is constrained, it can quickly affect passengers far beyond Toronto—especially anyone connecting across Air Canada’s network.
How to track flight delays in Canada: The “airport tracker” approach that actually works
When flights start slipping, the biggest mistake travelers make is relying on a single source—especially a generic “on time / delayed” badge that may update slowly.
A CBC News airport tracker concept circulating this week highlights a useful approach: use airport departure/arrival boards as a real-time snapshot, but verify details with your airline for the most current information. A preview of CBC’s tracker explains that the figures are a real-time snapshot of what’s published on airport websites, and it reminds travelers that for the most up-to-the-minute details on an individual flight, you should check the airline or the airport directly. [8]
Here’s the practical, low-stress tracking stack many frequent flyers use during disruption days:
1) Start with your airline’s tools (fastest path to rebooking)
Air Canada’s own channels aren’t just for information—they’re often the quickest way to get re-accommodated.
- Air Canada Daily Travel Outlook posts an outlook for possible disruptions and lists affected airports when forecasted conditions may cause delays or cancellations. [9]
- Air Canada also notes that when you book, you’re enrolled to receive flight notifications to your phone or email (and you can reconfirm during check-in). [10]
If you’re flying Air Canada, checking the app first isn’t “brand loyalty”—it’s efficiency.
2) Use third-party trackers to see the bigger picture
When airport boards are chaotic and customer-service lines are long, third-party trackers can show whether your flight is part of a larger bottleneck.
FlightAware’s airport delays view, for example, lists airports with current delay conditions, including major Canadian fields like Montreal and Toronto when they’re impacted. [11]
3) Cross-check the airport board for gate and departure flow
Airport boards can be especially helpful for:
- Gate changes that haven’t pushed to your airline app yet
- Seeing whether multiple departures to the same region are slipping (a clue that de-icing or runway capacity is the bottleneck)
Then circle back to the airline app to confirm your specific flight and your rebooking options.
Canada flight delay and cancellation rules: What airlines must do (and when compensation applies)
During major weather events, travelers often hear “you’re not entitled to anything.” That’s not always true—and even when compensation doesn’t apply, rebooking and duty-of-care obligations still matter.
Canada’s Air Passenger Protection framework (APPR) distinguishes between disruptions within an airline’s control vs. outside its control (like weather). But the rules still require airlines to take specific steps.
Rebooking obligations (including “any airline” rules in certain cases)
The Canadian Transportation Agency states plainly that airlines must always ensure you complete your itinerary as soon as possible, and that in all situations, you must be rebooked if your flight is delayed by 3 hours or more or is cancelled. [12]
For large airlines, the CTA guidance explains:
- They must rebook you on their next available flight (or a partner/commercial agreement airline) on a reasonable route.
- If the next available option would depart more than 9 hours after your original departure time, the airline must rebook you on a flight of any airline on a reasonable route from the same airport. [13]
- If the airline can’t rebook you from the same airport within 48 hours, they may need to book you from a nearby airport and transport you there. [14]
Air Passenger Protection guidance similarly explains that if your flight is cancelled or delayed by 3 hours, the airline must offer to rebook you free of charge, and it outlines the “large airline” escalation steps. [15]
Communication and standards of treatment
The federal APPR text on Justice Laws also requires airlines to provide key information—like the reason for the disruption, compensation you may be entitled to, and your recourse—and, in the case of a delay, provide status updates every 30 minutes until a new departure time is set or alternate arrangements have been made. [16]
Compensation amounts (when the disruption is within the airline’s control)
For delays/cancellations within the airline’s control and not related to safety, and when you’re notified 14 days or less in advance, Air Passenger Protection lists compensation for large airlines of:
- $400 (3–6 hours late)
- $700 (6–9 hours late)
- $1,000 (9+ hours late) [17]
Weather is commonly treated as outside the airline’s control, which can limit compensation—but rebooking and communication duties still apply, and you should still document everything.
How Air Canada Aeroplan can help during disruptions (and how to maximize it year-round)
If you’re stranded at an airport, Aeroplan points won’t melt the snow. But they can give you something incredibly valuable on a disruption day: options.
Aeroplan value isn’t just about “free flights.” It’s about building a travel setup where you can:
- earn points faster,
- redeem them for high-leverage routes,
- and use them as a backup plan when cash fares spike and seats sell out.
Aeroplan 101: Earning isn’t limited to flying
Air Canada’s Aeroplan pages emphasize that members can earn points on:
- Air Canada-operated flights in every fare class
- partner airline flights
- in-flight food and beverage purchases
- duty free purchases
- and by paying with an Aeroplan credit card for accelerated earnings. [18]
Aeroplan also promotes earning through everyday partners and the Aeroplan eStore. For example, Air Canada highlights linking Aeroplan with partners such as Starbucks Rewards, Journie Rewards, Uber, and Uber Eats, plus earning through online shopping via the Aeroplan eStore. [19]
That everyday-earning strategy matches the core “maximize Aeroplan” theme in recent frequent-flyer coverage. Simple Flying’s latest Aeroplan tips frame the key as concentrating your spending and flying within Air Canada’s partner ecosystem. [20]
A major change starts January 1, 2026: Points earned based on spending (not distance) on Air Canada flights
This matters for anyone planning 2026 travel.
Air Canada has published details stating that for travel on or after January 1, 2026, Aeroplan points earning will vary based on operating carrier and who issues the ticket. For example:
- For Air Canada-operated flights, you’ll earn Aeroplan points based on what you spend (base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding taxes/fees/third-party charges). [21]
- For partner flights ticketed by Air Canada (ticket number starting with 014), points are also based on what you spend. [22]
- For partner flights ticketed by another airline (not 014), earning generally remains distance-based (with noted exceptions). [23]
Why it matters: if you’re trying to “get the most” out of Aeroplan in 2026, fare choice and where you ticket your flights can become as important as where you fly.
Redeeming Aeroplan points: The high-impact moves frequent-flyer experts keep repeating
Aeroplan has become a favorite among points-and-miles strategists because it can offer both breadth (Star Alliance access) and structure (published award charts for many partner flights).
The Points Guy notes that Aeroplan still uses published award charts for partner flights, while Air Canada-operated award pricing is dynamic within a range. It also describes Aeroplan as a hybrid distance- and region-based system for awards. [24]
What does that mean for real travelers—especially during disruption periods?
1) Keep points as a “break glass” rebooking tool
When storms hit, cash fares often surge and remaining seats can be expensive. Having Aeroplan points can let you book an alternate itinerary without waiting for a phone queue to clear—especially if you’re willing to route on partners.
2) Know the “sweet spots” and flexibility tools
The Points Guy highlights Aeroplan’s interesting award features, including stopovers on one-way award tickets and the ability to find better value by traveling off-peak. [25]
Thrifty Traveler similarly frames Aeroplan as a powerful way to book flights across many airlines worldwide, and it emphasizes that Aeroplan searches and bookings are generally user-friendly, with useful filters for refining options. [26]
3) Earn faster through everyday activity (especially if you’re not flying weekly)
Condé Nast Traveler’s Aeroplan overview (sponsored) underscores the idea that everyday spending can accelerate your path to Aeroplan Elite Status and travel perks, and that members earn even in any fare class, plus on in-flight purchases and duty free. [27]
Even if you’re not chasing elite status, the point is simple: building a steady inflow of points makes it easier to pivot when disruptions hit.
Expert advice on rebooking vs. refunds: A warning travelers often miss
During a cancellation, airlines commonly offer refunds—sometimes quickly. But if your real goal is to still take the trip, the “fast refund” can become a trap.
Air Passenger Rights president Gábor Lukács has been blunt in interviews about this dynamic. In a CityNews segment, he said: “Passengers should not accept a refund” in scenarios where they still need transportation, arguing that accepting a refund may be used as evidence that you’re no longer entitled to alternate transportation. [28]
Important nuance: rules and outcomes depend on the cause of the disruption and your specific ticket and itinerary. But the practical takeaway is smart—don’t click “refund” on autopilot if your priority is getting to your destination.
Instead:
- ask for rebooking,
- push for a confirmed new itinerary,
- and keep records of all communications.
A disruption-day playbook for Aeroplan members (and anyone flying Air Canada)
If you’re traveling today or this week and facing delays in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or beyond, here’s a practical checklist that blends passenger rights, tracking tools, and points strategy.
Step 1: Confirm the reality (don’t rely on one status screen)
- Check the Air Canada app/website for your flight status and rebooking options. [29]
- Cross-check with a broad view like FlightAware airport delays to understand whether your airport is constrained systemwide. [30]
- Use the airport board snapshot approach described in CBC’s tracker preview—useful for seeing how many flights are slipping at once, but verify your exact flight with the airline. [31]
Step 2: If you’re delayed, start documenting immediately
Canada’s APPR requires airlines to provide the reason for disruptions and keep passengers informed with regular updates in delay scenarios. [32]
Take screenshots of:
- delay notifications,
- the posted reason (if any),
- new estimated times,
- and your eventual arrival time.
Step 3: If you’re cancelled or delayed 3+ hours, ask for rebooking—not vibes
The CTA states airlines must ensure you complete your itinerary as soon as possible and must rebook you in these situations. [33]
If you’re on a large airline and the rebooking window stretches, the rules can escalate to rebooking on other airlines depending on timing and circumstances. [34]
Step 4: Use Aeroplan points strategically—don’t spend them on low-value redemptions out of panic
A better approach:
- First, pursue the airline’s rebooking obligations.
- If you can’t get a workable itinerary quickly and you must move, use Aeroplan as your “backup currency” to book an alternate routing—especially if partner availability exists. Aeroplan’s structure for partner charts is part of why points experts continue to rate it highly. [35]
Step 5: Build your 2026 Aeroplan strategy now (because earning rules are changing)
If you’re planning next year’s travel, Air Canada’s published guidance indicates that beginning January 1, 2026, earning on Air Canada-operated flights is tied to spend (base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding taxes/fees/third-party charges). [36]
That means maximizing Aeroplan may increasingly come down to:
- how you ticket flights,
- which fares you choose,
- and how much of your travel and everyday spend you concentrate in Aeroplan’s ecosystem. [37]
What this means for travelers heading into New Year’s week
With extreme cold expected to persist into the new year in parts of Canada, winter operations are likely to remain a risk factor for holiday and return travel. [38]
If you’re flying through major hubs like Toronto Pearson or Vancouver International, the most effective approach is a three-part system:
- Track smarter (airline app + airport snapshot + third-party context). [39]
- Know your rights (especially rebooking rules and required communication). [40]
- Use Aeroplan as leverage—both for resilience today and for better value in 2026 as the program shifts toward spend-based earning on Air Canada flights. [41]
In a winter where weather can rewrite the departure board in minutes, the travelers who do best aren’t just the ones with warm boots—they’re the ones with a plan, documentation, and enough options to pivot quickly.
References
1. www.travelandtourworld.com, 2. www.navcanada.ca, 3. www.theguardian.com, 4. avmet.navcanada.ca, 5. www.travelandtourworld.com, 6. www.flightaware.com, 7. www.flightaware.com, 8. www.libspace.io, 9. www.aircanada.com, 10. www.aircanada.com, 11. www.flightaware.com, 12. otc-cta.gc.ca, 13. otc-cta.gc.ca, 14. otc-cta.gc.ca, 15. rppa-appr.ca, 16. laws.justice.gc.ca, 17. rppa-appr.ca, 18. www.aircanada.com, 19. www.aircanada.com, 20. simpleflying.com, 21. www.aircanada.com, 22. www.aircanada.com, 23. www.aircanada.com, 24. thepointsguy.com, 25. thepointsguy.com, 26. thriftytraveler.com, 27. www.cntraveler.com, 28. montreal.citynews.ca, 29. www.aircanada.com, 30. www.flightaware.com, 31. www.libspace.io, 32. laws.justice.gc.ca, 33. otc-cta.gc.ca, 34. otc-cta.gc.ca, 35. thepointsguy.com, 36. www.aircanada.com, 37. www.aircanada.com, 38. www.theguardian.com, 39. www.aircanada.com, 40. otc-cta.gc.ca, 41. www.aircanada.com
