Travellers across the country are frantically reconsidering and adjusting their travel plans for next week as a potential Air Canada strike looms and the deadline for an agreement inches closer and closer. 

The labour dispute is based on the Air Line Pilots Association's (ALPA) goal to narrow the gap between Canadian and American pilot salaries, which in some cases, can vary greatly. In August, members of the union voted 98 per cent in favour of a strike. 

While the airline claims that the union is being inflexible with "unreasonable wage demands," the union argues that "corporate greed" is stalling the agreement, noting that Air Canada continues to post record profits while offering its pilots below-market compensation. 

With talks still continuing, Air Canada is preparing for a potential shutdown of most of its operations next week, and a 72-hour strike or lockout notice could be issued as early as Sunday, Sept. 15. 

If you've been keeping up with the dispute, you might be wondering how the airline's salaries actually compare to its U.S. counterparts. 

How Air Canada pilot salaries compare to other airlines

Pilot pay can vary drastically, depending on the airline, pilot credentials, experience, job title, pilot union agreements, flight routes, and even the type of aircraft.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median U.S. airline pilot, copilot, and flight engineer salary was $219,140 (USD) in May 2023.

On the other hand, an Air Canada job posting for a pilot in July notes that the time to upgrade to a narrowbody captain is between three to five years, with an average salary of $215,000 to $290,000 plus expenses. 

Major airline captain salaries in 2024. Source: Epic Flight Academy. 

"To upgrade to a widebody Captain typically takes 11-15 years, with an average salary of between $315,000 to $350,000 plus expenses. The airline also offers comprehensive benefits, including a pension plan and an Annual Incentive Plan," the job posting notes. 

According to an Epic Flight Academy report, Southwest Airlines pilots usually earn an average annual salary of $254,000 (USD), United Airlines pilots earn an average salary of $151,154 (USD), and Delta Air Lines pilots typically earn around $201,178 (USD). 

First officer salaries across major airlines in 2024. Source: Epic Flight Academy. 

First officer salaries are typically much lower, and begin at $50,000 on the lower end during the first year (Air Canada) and go up to $320,000 (American Airlines) after over a decade of experience. 

Still, it's important to note that pilot wages will vary drastically depending on seniority, plane flow, and rank. 

What happens if there is a strike?

With the potential for a strike inching closer, Air Canada is allowing customers with scheduled flights between Sept. 15 and Sept. 23 to make changes to their booking at no added cost.

If you're travelling during this time, you can also choose to cancel your flight and receive an Air Canada credit for future travel. 

As the deadline for an agreement quickly approaches, the airline is calling on the government to intervene to avoid disruptions that would affect roughly 110,000 passengers a day. 

Despite this, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau maintained on Friday that it is up to the airline and the union to reach an agreement.