In May, The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) announced that the Air Passenger Protection Regulations were now finalized and would come into effect in two stages.

The first phase of the new air travel rules are coming into force on July 15, 2019. The new rules effect the rights of passengers in the case of excessive tarmac delays, denial of boarding, and damage and loss of baggage.

Beginning July 15, 2019, 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

 

 

Beginning December 15, 2019, 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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Sources: Air Passenger Rights and Cision