Dec 6th flight YOW to POP with connection in YYZ with Air Canada. First segment YOW to YYZ went well with no issues. Flight from YYZ to POP took off on time, BUT 45 minutes into the flight we were advised we had to return to YYZ as the air circulation was not functioning in the aircraft. Returned to YYZ, got off the plane, was given a $30 voucher for meals while we awaited reboarding on a different aircraft. This resulted in a 6.5 hour delay in arriving to our final destination POP.
The flight delay notification I received while waiting at YYZ stated, "The flight is delayed due to additional time needed to substitute the aircraft. Due to an unforeseen maintenance issue, the aircraft for your flight may have had to be changed, and the arrival of the replacement aircraft took longer than expected."
I filed a claim and the response I received was, "The root cause of your disruption was not within the control of the airline or is due to safety related reasons and therefore regulations do not call for compensation in this case."
I was offered, as a goodwill gesture, an eCoupon valued at $300 CAD.
My questions would be:
1. Do I take this eCoupon or contine on with this? And how?
2. Is it not the responsibility of Air Canada to ensure maintenance is up to date on their aircraft to prevent safety issues? Why would they board a plane and take off in one if it was not safe to do so?
3. What was the "root cause"?
4. Why was the air circulation not functioning if regular maintenance is done?
Any help in directing me on how to proceed is appreciated.
Thank you