File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / GudellaFile photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / Gudella
Midwestern

New airline passenger regulations now in effect; next phase in December

New rights for Canadian airline passengers are now in effect.

Under the new regulations, passengers who experience certain types of travel disruptions will be compensated.

The new regulations are being launched in two phases, with the next coming into effect on December 15th.

Airlines flying to and from Canada will now require carriers to provide a certain standard of treatment and compensation to passengers, without the customer first complaining to the Canadian Transportation Agency.

 

Starting on July 15, airlines will have to: -Communicate to passengers in a simple, clear way information on their rights and recourses and regular updates in the event of flight delays and cancellations

-Provide compensation of up to $2,400 for bumping a passenger for reasons within their control

-Ensure passengers receive standards of treatment during all tarmac delays and allow them to leave the airplane, when it’s safe to do so, if a tarmac delay lasts for over three hours and there’s no prospect of an imminent take-off

-Provide compensation for lost or damaged baggage of up to $2,100 and a refund of any baggage fees

-Set clear policies for transporting musical instruments

 

The second stage is set to begin on December 15, 2019. At this time, airlines will have to: -Provide compensation of up to $1,000 for flight delays and cancellations within an airline’s control that are not safety-related.

-Rebook or refund passengers when flights are delayed, including, in some cases, using a competing airline to get passengers to their destination.

-Provide food, drink and accommodation when passengers’ flights are delayed.

-Facilitate the seating of children under 14 years in close proximity to an accompanying adult, at no extra charge.

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