Better protection for airline passengers—finally!
Great news for all travellers out there! The long-awaited Air Passenger Protection Regulations came partially into effect on July 15, 2019. This new airline passenger bill of rights establishes minimum standards of treatment and provides for compensation in certain scenarios. The rest of the rules will go into effect on December 15, 2019.
CAA-Quebec has put together a guide, Air travel: Rights and recourse, to help you navigate the new regulations so you’ll know what’s covered and what isn’t and what your rights, responsibilities, and options are. Read it and share it. It’s free!
How do the new regulations protect you?
If you’ve ever flown, chances are you’ve had to deal with some kind of travel inconvenience. According to CAA-Quebec’s 2019 vacation plans survey, nearly two-thirds of air passengers have encountered a problem related to air travel. The new bill of rights is designed to help mitigate these issues by providing for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, overbooking, and lost or damaged baggage. It also sets out clear guidelines on children’s seat assignments and passenger communication. All carriers are subject to the new rules, but the standards of treatment they are obligated to provide depend on their size. Another important aspect is that airlines are required to respond promptly to claims (within 30 days).
A much-needed measure
CAA-Quebec has been actively involved in the process of developing the new regulations to offer recommendations and ensure travellers’ needs and expectations are met. Now that they have finally come into effect, they will define passenger rights, standardize how situations are handled, and make compensation consistent industry-wide.
“The airline passenger bill of rights has the potential to improve the overall delivery of services to travellers while providing them with adequate and fair protection when unfortunate situations arise. CAA-Quebec welcomes the new rules, which will improve the air travel experience,” said Philippe Blain, CAA-Quebec Vice President of Travel Services.
Important note! The airline passenger bill of rights does not cover every travel mishap. Your credit card, group insurance or trip cancellation and interruption insurance, or the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents (CFCTA) may also offer protection in some cases.