Best-Selling Author Dan Gardner’s Unfortunate Air Canada Experience on “Trip of a Lifetime”

Best-selling author Dan Gardner, renowned for his New York Times bestsellers, found himself entangled in a perplexing situation when Air Canada unexpectedly bumped him and his son from a flight, leaving them without any explanation. This incident occurred during what Gardner had called the “trip of a lifetime,” as they were heading to London’s Heathrow Airport from Ottawa’s Macdonald–Cartier International Airport.

Gardner took to social media, specifically Twitter, to vent his frustration with the airline, addressing his grievances to thousands of followers. On June 16, 2023, he and his son were booked to fly from Ottawa to London. They successfully reached Toronto’s Pearson International Airport for the connecting leg of the flight, seemingly nearing the culmination of their journey.

As Gardner and his son were eagerly preparing to board the flight to London, they were unexpectedly told to proceed to customer service by the gate agent. Puzzled and distressed, they never received a clear explanation for the abrupt change of plans but were informed that they had been bumped from the flight.

With no alternative options from the airline, Gardner and his son were left stranded at Toronto Airport. The duo reportedly spent the night on the airport floor, unable to continue their journey as planned. The lack of adequate explanations and assistance from Air Canada employees only added to their frustration.

Gardner filed a formal complaint with Air Canada, seeking answers and resolution for the inconvenience caused. However, the airline’s automated reply system informed him that it might take up to 45 days before an Air Canada representative would respond to his complaint.

The ordeal not only disrupted their plans but also cost Gardner an opportunity to participate in a TV show alongside English writer and comedian John Cleese in London, which he had been looking forward to.

The incident raises questions about airlines’ overselling practices, where they may allocate more tickets than available seats to account for potential no-shows. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) clarifies that bumping passengers in such scenarios is not illegal, though it remains an undesirable experience for travelers.

Best-selling author Dan Gardner’s journey to London turned into a distressing episode due to Air Canada’s unexpected bumping incident. As Gardner continues to await the airline’s response, the incident sheds light on the controversial practice of overselling flights by airlines.