A Canadian airline has been accused of swapping well-maintained aircraft for ones in need of repairs to avoid paying passengers when their flights are delayed, according to a report.

Brad Vanderwilk and his girlfriend’s WestJet flight from Mexico to Edmonton was canceled with a day’s notice this past March. The couple was rebooked on an indirect flight through Victoria that would make them stay overnight and get them home 16 hours late, leaving them scrambling trying to make arrangements for their children, Vanderwilk told CBC Go Public.

Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations say passengers can each receive $1,000 for delays, but the compensation only kicks in if the delay is within the airline’s control and not due to safety reasons.

While Vanderwilk filed for compensation, WestJet denied the claim, citing “unscheduled maintenance required for safety.” Meanwhile, flight records reviewed by CBC showed that WestJet replaced the aircraft from Vanderwilk’s original flight with a plane that had been…