Air Canada selling disruption assistance

MONTREAL, April 2 (UPI) -- Canada's flagship Air Canada airline announced Wednesday it is selling travel disruption assistance to passengers caught in delays out of the airline's control.

The announcement made at its headquarters in Montreal said the "On My Way" program "goes far beyond standard industry practice of assisting customers affected by schedule changes within the airline's control," a release said.

Passengers can pay $25 for flights of less than 1,000 miles or $35 for longer flights, in each case one-way, the airline said.

Those who purchase the protection have 24-hour phone access to Air Canada customer service agents who will rebook the customer on the first available flight of any airline, arrange complimentary hotel accommodations, car rental or other ground transportation and provide for complimentary meals in the event of a flight disruption at any time within 48 hours of scheduled departure, the company said.