Post Last Modified – March 14, 2021
New Canada Air Passenger Regulations – Delayed & Cancelled Flights
New Canada Air Passenger Regulations
There are new federal rules introduced in Canada on December 15, 2020. Compensation for delayed and cancelled flights will finally arrive in Canada. Its a step in the right direction with the government introducing New Canada Air Passenger Regulations.
Below, check out this Global News YouTube video interview with Canadian Transportation Minister Marc Garneau, on Canada’s New Air Passenger “Bill of Rights.”
Canada’s Air Passenger “Bill of Rights” – Global News Youtube Video
Compensation To Be Awarded For Flight Delays
It certainly looks like the Government of Canada is taking a step in the right direction with these new rules that have just been implemented. However, travel experts warn that although the new rules are welcomed, there exists a lot of loopholes for airlines to get around this.
For instance, not every flight will be covered and it will also be up to passengers themselves to apply to the airlines for compensation. Hopefully, this will be reversed, with the airlines automatically having to compensate passengers for their delayed or cancelled flights.
Below, the graph shows what you can expect to receive based on hours of delay for both large and small airlines. Certainly better than nothing! These new air passengers regulations are to cover all airlines either coming to, from or flying within Canada.
Bumped From A Flight And Lost Baggage Compensation
Compensation for being bumped from your booked flight and/or the airlines losing your baggage, came into effect in the summer of 2019. The new regulations provide passengers up to $2,400 for being bumped from their reserved flight.
I cant think of anything more devastating than being bumped from your flight. Especially if you were just on your way to that long awaited vacation. Knock on wood, this has never happened to us. We have known others that have had their travels dramatically affected from this inexcusable behavior airlines have gotten away with for years!
Compensation for lost or damaged baggage can be as high as $2,100.
Compensation For Flight Delays
With these new regulations, airlines will be responsible for re-booking or refunding passengers when flights are delayed. This includes searching for and using a competing airline. As well, during the delay, the airline is required to provide food, drink and accommodations to affected passengers, depending on the time of delay.
For those traveling with children aged 14 and under, they must now allow the child to sit near an accompanying adult at no extra charge.
Numerous Loopholes Still Plaguing New Regulations
Travel experts believe there still needs to be some hardline enforceable rules taken with the airlines regarding compensation to passengers. Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) spokesperson Ian Jack said the new Canadian compensation rules are not perfect.
“There are loopholes in there that airlines could take advantage of,” he said. “There’s a clear financial incentive on the face of it for a carrier to classify a problem as being weather related, or mechanically related, because then they can save themselves potentially thousands of dollars for one flight.”
Concerns With New Regulations
Industry experts worry that airlines may simply use the excuse of weather and/or new mechanical issues to avoid having to compensate passengers when there really isnt a problem for either to fly.
On a positive note, with these new rules, airlines are required to document the reasons for each flight delay and cancellation, and must report their reasons for flight disruptions to Transport Canada.
File A Formal Air Travel Complaint
According to the new regulations, passengers must receive compensation from the airlines within 48 hours of being denied boarding. If you have difficulty in dealing with the airlines themselves, the next step is to file a formal complaint to the Canadian Transportation Agency – Air Passenger Protection.
I have listed their Official website link below for your convenience. Their website offers much more in depth coverage on Knowing Your Rights, Filing A Complaint and Tips For Travelers.
Lets hope these new rules will assist passengers down the road in receiving just compensation for flight delays, cancellations and especially for being bumped from a reserved seat just prior to their flight.
Important Note:
Remember, its still up to you to know your rights and eligibility for compensation. Unfortunately at this time, still with these New Canada Air Passenger Regulations, you have to submit a formal complaint to the airline and/or to the Canadian Transportation Agency.
Safe and Healthy Travels!
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