DOT imposing hefty fine on Air Canada for ticket refund delays
The US Department of Transportation plans to impose a fine on Air Canada of $25.5 million for ‘extreme delays’ in refunding customers for cancelled trips.
The DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection filed a complaint against the airline and said it impacts thousands of customers.
The DOT warned airlines a year ago over timely dispersal of refunds but gave them some leeway due to the financial hit airlines were suffering.
However, it says Air Canada has flouted US law for more than a year with some now waiting 13 months for a refund.
Air Canada has 15 days to respond and has already said it will fight the complaint which is says ‘has no merit.’
The airline says it has refunded more than $1.2 billion to customers, including some from the US.
Air Canada has long faced complaints in Canada for long delays in refunding customers and only secured a billion-dollar government bailout on the condition it refunded all customers.
TravelMole Editorial Team
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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season