An Edmonton dog agility trainer is out thousands of dollars after deciding to rebook her WestJet flights ahead of a potential strike by flight attendants.
Anneli Hilton, owner of See Spot Run Doggie Daycare & Training Inc., was scheduled to fly from Edmonton to Ottawa on August 5 to compete in the 2026 Agility Association of Canada (AAC) National Dog Agility Championships in Brome, Quebec. The high-stakes competition represented months of preparation for Hilton and her four-legged competitors.
But with the threat of WestJet job action looming, Hilton made a difficult decision. After six hours on hold with the Calgary-based carrier, she learned WestJet would not offer a refund—only a credit or rebooking option. Facing uncertainty about whether her flight would even operate, Hilton opted to reschedule her departure four days earlier, over the long weekend.
That early exit came with a sticker shock Hilton hadn't anticipated.
"Extended hotel stay, that's another $1,000–$1,500. Car rental is double the price. And there were no cars available because it's the long weekend," Hilton said.
The cascade of complications has left her holding the bag for thousands in additional expenses—costs she says she can ill afford.
"I don't have lots of money," Hilton reflected. "I can't just throw another $1,500 at a flight."
Experts Say Wait It Out
Air passenger rights advocate Gabor Lukacs suggests travellers in Hilton's situation take a different approach. Rather than proactively rebooking, Lukacs recommends waiting for the airline to cancel the flight, which then places the rebooking burden—and cost—squarely on the carrier.
"If the airline doesn't meet its legal obligation, then you have the ability to do the same things as this lady did, but then you can send the bill to WestJet and hold WestJet accountable," Lukacs explained.
Under Canadian airline passenger protection rules, carriers are required to arrange alternative transportation or offer compensation if they cancel flights due to labour action. By rebooking proactively, passengers may forfeit their right to claim those protections.
WestJet did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
Hilton remains determined to make it to the national championships, but the financial and emotional toll of the disruption has weighed heavily on her and her dogs.
This article is based on reporting from Global Calgary.