Canada to strengthen legislation for overbooked flights
Sunday, 12 Apr, 2017
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Canada said it will tighten up legislation on overbooked flights to set clear minimum requirements for compensation.
Transport minister Marc Garneau says the government will include a passenger bill of rights making compensation rights more transparent.
It was first announced last year but the government restated its position in view of the uproar over a United Airlines passenger seen violently dragged off a lane on Sunday.
The bill is expected to clearly detail compensation applicable when passengers are denied boarding due to factors within an airline’s control.
Garneau said the Air Travellers Passenger Rights Regime legislation would ‘ensure that Canadians’ rights are protected by rules that are both fair and clear.’
"We recognize that when a passenger books a ticket, they are entitled to certain rights."
In 2008 Canada introduced Flight Rights Canada, a voluntary code of conduct which relates to the standard of care and compensation given to customers during delays, flight cancelations and overbooking.
Air Canada has a policy of overbooking but says bumped passengers are rare.
"We appreciate this is inconvenient for customers and we do take a very conservative approach to avoid this situation arising and when it does, we pay significant compensation," spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick said.
Westjet Airlines and Air Transat do not overbook flights.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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