Filing a CTA Complaint
Guide to escalating your airline compensation claim to the Canadian Transportation Agency when the airline doesn't resolve it.
When to escalate to the CTA
You should file a CTA complaint when: the airline denies your claim, offers less than APPR requires, doesn't respond within 30 days, or you disagree with their categorization of the disruption.
What the CTA does
The Canadian Transportation Agency is a quasi-judicial tribunal that resolves disputes between passengers and airlines. They first attempt informal resolution (facilitation/mediation), then can issue binding formal decisions.
What to include in your complaint
Include: your original claim to the airline, the airline's response (or note they didn't respond), flight details and evidence, the specific APPR provision you believe was violated, and the remedy you're seeking.
Success rates
Airlines were ordered to pay in approximately 50% of formal CTA decisions (CBC News, August 2024). Many more cases are resolved during informal resolution before reaching a formal decision.
Does it cost money to file with the CTA?
No. Filing a CTA complaint is completely free.
Do I need a lawyer for a CTA complaint?
No. The process is designed for self-representation. Our tool generates the escalation letter you need.
How long does a CTA complaint take?
Informal resolution: 1-3 months. If it goes to a formal decision: 6-18 months. The CTA has a significant backlog.