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Air Canada Strike: How Credit Card Travel Insurance Can Save Your Trip (And the Best Cards to Use)
July 1, 2025
The possibility of an Air Canada strike has left thousands of travelers scrambling to understand their options. With the airline gradually suspending flights and a potential work stoppage looming, many passengers are discovering the value of credit card travel insurance for the first time.
If you're caught in this situation or want to protect yourself from future travel disruptions, understanding credit card travel insurance could save you thousands of dollars. Here's everything you need to know about using your credit card's built-in protection during travel emergencies.
How Credit Card Travel Insurance Works During Strikes and Disruptions
Credit card travel insurance can be a lifesaver when airlines face labor disputes, but timing is everything. The key factor is when you booked your tickets relative to when the strike became public knowledge.
The "Known Event" Rule
Credit cards won't cover disruptions if you booked your trip after the labor dispute became a "known event." For the Air Canada situation, if you purchased your tickets before the strike notices were issued, you're likely covered. However, if you booked after the 72-hour strike notice, most credit card policies won't provide coverage for strike-related cancellations.
What's Typically Covered
Most credit card travel insurance policies include:
- Trip cancellation/interruption: Reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs due to covered reasons
- Trip delay: Coverage for meals, lodging, and other expenses during extended delays
- Baggage protection: Reimbursement for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage
- Rental car insurance: Protection against theft and collision damage
- Travel accident insurance: Coverage for accidental death or dismemberment
Best Credit Cards for Travel Insurance in 2025
Based on current coverage options and expert analysis, here are the top credit cards offering comprehensive travel insurance protection:
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve® - Best Overall Travel Insurance
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]
Annual Fee: $795
Key Coverage:
- Trip cancellation/interruption: Up to $10,000 per person, $20,000 per trip
- Primary rental car coverage: Up to $75,000
- Baggage protection: Up to $3,000 per passenger
- Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers one of the most comprehensive travel insurance packages available from any credit card. The card provides "one of the most extensive lists of travel protections currently available from any credit card" and includes primary rental car coverage, which means it pays first before your personal auto insurance.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - Best Value for Travel Insurance
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Exceptional Travel Value"} ]]
Annual Fee: $95
Key Coverage:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Primary rental car insurance
- Lost luggage insurance
- Trip delay protection
This card "wins at the TPG Awards for Best Travel Rewards Card" year after year, offering premium travel protection at a much lower annual fee than luxury cards.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card - Best Premium Alternative
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2888", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Luxurious Travel Benefits" } ]]
Annual Fee: $395
Key Coverage:
- Comprehensive trip cancellation/interruption coverage
- Primary rental car insurance
- Lost baggage protection
- Trip delay reimbursement
Capital One overhauled its cards, and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card now competes with the top brands, including offering some of the best travel protection around.
4. The Platinum Card® from American Express (See Rates & Fees) - Best for International Travel
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]
Annual Fee: $695
Key Coverage:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Car rental loss and damage insurance up to $75,000
- Baggage insurance protection
- Global Assist Hotline for emergency services
- Terms Apply
The Platinum Card is an excellent choice for international travel insurance and a solid runner-up to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® because of its extensive coverage and access to the Global Assist Hotline.
“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”
5. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card - Best No-Annual-Fee Option
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "7644", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "5x on Hotels"} ]]
Annual Fee: $0
Key Coverage:
- Travel accident insurance
- Lost baggage reimbursement
- Trip cancellation and interruption protection
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
This card stands out as one of the few no-annual-fee cards offering comprehensive travel insurance coverage, making it accessible for budget-conscious travelers.
Critical Things to Check in Your Credit Card Policy
Coverage Exclusions
Not all travel disruptions are covered. Common exclusions include:
- Government actions or advisories
- Pandemic-related cancellations
- Labor disputes (varies by card and timing)
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Travel to certain destinations
Coverage Limits and Requirements
Payment Requirements: Most cards require you to pay for the entire trip (or a significant portion) with that specific credit card to qualify for coverage.
Coverage Limits: Payout limits vary greatly, with some cards covering up to $5,000 for a trip cancellation, while other cards may have a lower limit.
Filing Deadlines: Most policies require you to file claims within a specific timeframe, often 60-90 days.
What to Do If You're Affected by the Air Canada Strike
Immediate Steps
- Check your booking method: If you paid with a credit card, review your card's travel insurance policy immediately
- Document everything: Keep all receipts for additional expenses like rebooking fees, meals, and accommodation
- Contact your credit card company: Call the travel insurance claims line as soon as possible
- Don't accept airline vouchers immediately: This might affect your ability to claim reimbursement
Long-term Protection Strategy
For future travel protection, consider:
- Upgrading to a card with comprehensive travel insurance
- Booking travel well in advance of any potential disruptions
- Understanding your card's specific coverage details before traveling
The Bottom Line
Credit card travel insurance can provide significant protection during travel disruptions like the Air Canada strike, but only if you meet the policy requirements. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards offer some of the most robust travel insurance coverage available, while options like the Capital One Venture X provide competitive protection at a lower annual fee.
The key is understanding your coverage before you need it. Read your card's benefits guide, know the exclusions, and ensure you meet the payment requirements. With the right credit card and proper planning, you can travel with confidence knowing you're protected when the unexpected happens.
Remember: Credit card travel insurance works best as a complement to, not a replacement for, comprehensive travel insurance on expensive or complex trips. But for many domestic and shorter international trips, a good travel credit card can provide all the protection you need.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
