The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has proposed air passenger protection regulations that should make Canadian travellers happy.
The Transportation Modernization Act would provide for clearer and more consistent rights for air passengers.
It would hold airlines to a certain standard of treatment for passengers and, in some cases, even compensation.
Our government’s goal is simple: to provide air travelers with the fair and balanced passenger rights approach they deserve. https://t.co/yfRw6kw1oD pic.twitter.com/Ttd8h7wnv7
— Marc Garneau (@MarcGarneau) December 17, 2018
The new regulations would set out airlines’ obligations to passengers in a number of areas, including:
You can see more in depth details on all of these obligations by clicking this link.
One example provided, however, is for delays, which airlines would have to compensate passengers for if the delays are in the control and not due to weather or safety.
Passengers would be entitled to the following compensation, which they'd have 120 days to submit a claim for:
It would also cover things like food vouchers and hotel stays for lengthy or overnight delays.
“Our government is pleased with the progress made in strengthening air passenger rights for Canadians, and that Canadians have had – and continue to have – a chance to shape these rules,” said Marc Garneau, Canada’s minister of transport.
“An airline ticket is a contract for service, and it imposes obligations on both the airline and on the traveller. Once finalized, these regulations will create a more predictable and balanced approach that will benefit both.”
The regulations would apply to all flights to, from and within Canada, including connecting flights.
They’d also apply to any size airline, but it’s proposed that different requirements for compensation and rebooking apply to small airlines.
On Dec. 22, the CTA will publish the full proposed air passenger protection regulations for a final 60-day public comment period.
