Via Rail passengers in the Maritimes are scrambling to change their travel plans as a possible strike derails itineraries.

The company has cancelled service on long-distance runs in case its unionized engineers walk off the job at noon ET on Friday, saying it doesn't want passengers stranded mid-route.

Travellers booked for the Halifax-Montreal departure early Friday afternoon — just before the engineers could walk off the job — are being offered a refund or alternate transportation. Anyone travelling after that will have to find their own way but will get their money back, Via said.

Laura Scott, a traveller in Halifax, said she's been warned she may not get to Montreal as planned.

"I'm a little annoyed," said told CBC News on Thursday. "I'm trying to backpack on the cheap. It's a little frustrating."

Scott said she's been told to keep her ticket in case the strike doesn't go ahead on Friday.

"If it does, I'll look up some buses and just try to find out what I can do," she said.

The cancellations have thrown a wrench in one Moncton resident's plans for a family reunion.

Megan Garland said she's been telling her children for months about the train trip they were scheduled to take to Ontario on Sunday.

"I think mostly the kids are disappointed. They've been waiting, really looking forward to going on a train ride, and we've been explaining it for the last six months," Garland said.

With four children, Garland prefers the train to other means of transportation. She likes that they can get out of their seats and walk around.

Garland said it will cost an extra $1,000 to fly her family out of Moncton.

Representatives of Via and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union, which represents about 340 locomotive engineers, are currently in negotiations.

Customers seeking more information can consult Via's website or contact Via at 1-888-VIA-RAIL, or 1-800-268-9503 for the hearing-impaired.