Canada’s air passenger “Bill of Rights” has come into force on July 15, 2019.
First of new regulations, the Bill is giving the passengers that for any reason have problems while traveling, a new mechanism to seek compensation from their air carriers:
- Compensation for being denied boarding due to overbooking up to $2,400
- Delays on the tarmac
- Damaged luggage up to $ 2,100
The remainder of the rules will come into force on December 15, 2019, and will specify the amount an airline must pay a passenger if their flight is delayed and the level of service they are entitled to.
DECEMBER 2019 REGULATIONS:
- delayed 3 to 6 hours – $400.00 in compensation
- delayed 6 to 9 hours – $700.00 in compensation
- delayed more than 9 hours – $1,000.00 in compensation
There have been mixed reactions about the new Bill, where as some travellers consider the Bill a good step ahead, some experts believe that overall, the new Bill instead of enhancing the right of passengers is limiting the actions that any individual can take against their carrier.
On the opposite side, the airlines are against this new regulation and have gone to Court to fight the Passenger Bill of Rights.
Essential Extracts from Canadian Transportation Agency’s News Release:
“Starting July 15, 2019, passengers have new rights under the Canadian Transportation Agency’s (CTA) Air Passenger Protection Regulations when they travel by air. The new regulations, a major CTA regulatory initiative, require airlines to meet certain obligations towards passengers, such as:
- communicating to passengers, in a simple, clear way, information on their rights and recourses and regular updates in the event of flight delays and cancellations;
- providing compensation of up to $2,400 for bumping a passenger for reasons within the airlines’ control;
- ensuring passengers receive prescribed standards of treatment during all tarmac delays and allowing them to leave the airplane, when it’s safe to do so, if a tarmac delay lasts for over three hours and there is no prospect of an imminent take-off;
- providing compensation for lost or damaged baggage of up to $2,100 and a refund of any baggage fees; and
- setting clear policies for transporting musical instruments.
To help passengers navigate their new rights, the CTA has launched an online service for air passengers at airpassengerprotection.ca. This dedicated website is a one-stop-shop for air passengers to learn about their rights, file a travel complaint, and find tips for hassle-free travel.
Beginning December 15, 2019, airlines will also have obligations towards passengers during flight disruptions and when seating children.”
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/transportation-agency/news/2019/07/new-air-passenger-protection-regulations-now-in-force.html
