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Canadian Airline Passengers Could Receive Up To $1,000 For Delays, Lost Bags

Air Passenger Protection Regulations

Canadian travellers are finally able to let out a sigh of relief after Transport Minister Marc Garneau released the first version of the highly anticipated air passenger bill of rights.

The outline was revealed on Monday morning, with more details expected to be released later this week.

The new bill will compensate Canadian travellers who are impacted by flight and tarmac delays, bumped from boarding, as well as lost or damaged baggage.

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Flight Delays

Major airlines will be forced to pay $400 for delays between 3-6 hours, and $1,000 for delays resulting in 9 hours or more.

Smaller airlines serving northern or remote communities will also have to issue compensation, but in smaller amounts.

Take a look at the proposed regulations for travellers by the Canadian Transportation Agency below.

Proposed Regulations

    • Compensation for flight delays or cancellations, which will vary depending on the circumstances and how much is in the control of the airline. For larger airlines, compensation can range from $400 for a delay of three to six hours, to $1,000 for a delay of more than nine hours. There will also be new standards of treatment, including supplying food and drink and providing means for electronic communications.
    • Compensation for denied boarding that is a result of commercial decisions such as overbooking. That compensation will be $900 for circumstances that lead to a late arrival of up to six hours. $1,800 for arrivals of six to nine hours late, and $2,400 for late arrivals of more than nine hours.
    • Compensation for lost or damaged baggage of up to $2,100.
    • A requirement for airlines to provide clear communications about flight delays or cancellations with regular updates by email, text or other methods.
    • Clear policies for tarmac delays, including the provision of working washrooms, ventilation, food and drink and electronic communications for delays of three hours. After three hours the aircraft must go back to the gate.

Garneau is encouraging Canadians to comment and share feedback on the proposed regulations. If things go according to plan, the new regulations could come into effect by Summer 2019.

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