A former MP and his wife were compensated by a Canadian airline for travel disruption after the company considered their claim for a third time.

John Barritt said they were each paid C$1,000 (about $756) by WestJet.

Mr Barritt revealed: “This story has a happy ending.”

He added: “All I can say is that persistence pays.

“It was, however, a long, hard slog and we are both pleased — and grateful — that WestJet did the right thing in the end.”

The amount received was considered by the customer to be “just about the right compensation”, taking into account four extra nights in a hotel plus meals.

A spokeswoman for WestJet said yesterday: “Despite our best efforts in reviewing and adjudicating claims, human error can occur, and we sincerely apologise to Mr and Mrs Barritt for the inconvenience and confusion caused.”

Mr Barritt, who was a United Bermuda Party and One Bermuda Alliance MP for 18 years, explained earlier that he and his wife, Sharon, were booked with the airline in January to return to the island from Toronto.

He added: “The night before, I received an e-mail from WestJet advising that the flight had been cancelled and giving us an alternate way home the next day via Atlanta but after an overnight stay.

“There was no mention of where we would stay overnight, putting aside the issue of who would pay and how.”

Mr Barritt said a WestJet agent advised him the cancellation was because of unscheduled but necessary maintenance.

He told the call handler the alternative arrangement was unacceptable owing to the lack of fixed accommodation as well as potential challenges related to flying through the US.

Instead, the couple booked the next direct flight from Toronto, which was four days later and meant additional expenses as well as the inconvenience of cancelling appointments.

It emerged the next day, however, that the flight on which the Barritts were originally booked was reinstated, but they received no notification and found out only by the time they were too late to catch it.

Mr Barritt said that although the online claims process was difficult to navigate, the couple logged an application for compensation in May, but it was rejected.

In an e-mail, the airline told them then: “Upon review of your reservation, we are unable to approve your claim for compensation as the most significant reason for your flight interruption was due to operational delay and outside of WestJet’s control.

“Situations surrounding flight disruptions can be complex and have multiple causes.

“This reason may change as the situation evolves, new issues arise, or new information is received.”

The Barritts replied to the airline, taking issue with its decision, but were told that another review of the claim reached the same conclusion.

They were informed by e-mail then: “As such, your claim has been closed and there will be no further escalation within WestJet.”

The Royal Gazette published the story on June 16, when Brenda Warwick of Travel Edge, read it and contacted Mr Barritt.

She highlighted yesterday how booking through a travel agency provided customers with greater resources if plans were disrupted.

Ms Warwick said: “We are the branch office of a large travel company in Toronto, therefore we have the support system to take care of things like this.”

The senior travel adviser added: “I was happy to be able to help.”

A spokeswoman for WestJet also said last month, after the article was published, that the Barritts’ claim was to be re-examined.

Mr Barritt said this week: “WestJet was totally responsible for the four-day inconvenience and added expense we had to endure.

“I think the fact that The Royal Gazette did a news story was influential as well as the assistance of travel agent Brenda Warwick of Travel Edge who took up our cause after reading the story.”