I’m writing this from a hotel room paid for by Air Canada - but wow did I have to fight for it!

First flight of two leg journey was delayed and the original announcement was that it was delayed due to a mechanical issue. I knew I had a tight connection so checked with Air Canada staff - they assured me that if I missed my connection they would put me in a hotel until the next available flight. After about an hour delay they announced that they had discovered bird strike damage and we would be delayed further.

When I arrived at the connection airport I was told there would be no hotel as the delay was due to a bird strike and therefore out of their control. I was tired and cranky and went full “Karen mode” asked to speak to managers, explained what I was told at the original airport and finally got a hotel voucher.

I wonder if there is publicly available data on the incidence of aircraft bird strikes? I wonder if they are increasing? I’m not cynical…