The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday edition that the thousands of travellers who had plans disrupted by the recent WestJet flight attendants strike have been offered refunds or rebookings. A Globe editorial says the airline claims that in some cases, it will go beyond what is required under Canada's air passenger protection regulations, and offer compensation for hotels and meals for stranded travellers. While most passengers should have their situations settled quickly, anyone who feels the company didn't live up to its obligations, and wants to file a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), will find a backlog nearing 100,000 complaints; it can take more than two years for a complaint to be reviewed. Ottawa has been saying for years that it will reform the system, but skepticism about the pace of change is understandable. Proposed regulatory changes released in 2024 have yet to be implemented. The European Union's model is worth looking at. For cancellations, EU passengers are entitled to a refund or rebooking. In Canada, a more competitive airline industry with clearer consumer protection rules would go a long way in ensuring that Canadians' travel plans aren't grounded.