WS has been spewing BS regarding their delays ever since the APPR came into effect. They are miles worse than AC, and that's really saying something. Ironic that prior to the APPR, they used to goodwill WSDs to passengers who suffered delays, even if it was for aircraft maintenance.

The issue itself relies within the APPR and CTA. They mandate that airlines be transparent about delays, but do not have any mechanism (aside from complaining/legal action) to force airlines to be transparent. My guess is that WS just denies every single claim in hopes that a percentage of them are never pursued, and to buy time to raise capital in the currently challenging airline environment. Why not? No penalties from the CTA for mis-classifying or straight-up willfully lying to passengers, so might as well take an interest-free loan. If the CTA was worthy, they would impose a penalty on air carriers for every claim they adjudicate, where the initial explanation of the airline was incorrect.

I've had to go the CTA route a few times now. I've been successful with three claims, and currently awaiting a fourth, though I don't expect to hear back anytime soon given the 35k case backlog.