If you don’t know yet, new air passenger protection regulations were adopted on July 15.  Additional new standards will start to be applied as of December 15 (2019).

Many of the annoyances and inconveniences we may have experienced in the past should be a thing of the past.

Remember that the regulations apply to all flights to, from, and within Canada. This includes connecting flights.

Here is what has changed regarding air passenger regulations:

Overbooking will be expensive for airlines

The dreaded “overbooking” of flights.  We’ve all experienced this at one point in our travels. Since there were always a certain percentage of travelers who cancelled their travel at the last minute,  carriers used to sell more tickets than there were places available.

From now on, any passenger who is denied boarding because of commercial overbooking will be entitled to compensation based on length of delay at arrival at their final destination.

Length of delay           Amount (CAD)

0-6 hours                    $900

6-9 hours                    $1800

9+ hours                      $2400

Tarmac delays – 3 hours maximum

If you’re on a plane waiting to take off, you cannot be delayed on the tarmac more than 3 hours before the plane has to return to the gate. Note, however, that it is possible to add up to 45 minutes to this delay if the take-off of the aircraft is imminent.

Under no circumstance will airlines be permitted to exceed this time, unless they are prevented by reasons related to safety, security, customs or air traffic control.

There are also new standards of treatment for all tarmac delays that include, at minimum, access to working lavatories, proper ventilation and heating or cooling, food and drink, and the ability to communicate with people outside the plane free of charge, if feasible.

Compensation for lost or damaged baggage

To provide better protection to passengers travelling within Canada, airlines will now be held liable for up to $2,100 for baggage that is lost or damaged during domestic flights.

Transportation of musical instruments

Airlines will have to include, in their tariffs, terms and conditions of carriage regarding the transportation of musical instruments as checked or carry-on baggage.

As of December:

Compensation for flight disruptions

Large airlines

Length of delay           Amount (CAD)

3-6 hours                    $400

6-9 hours                    $700

9+ hours                      $1000

Small airlines

Length of delay           Amount (CAD)

3-6 hours                    $125

6-9 hours                    $250

9+ hours                      $500

Important: Regardless of the reason for the delay or cancellation, the company must ensure that the passenger arrives at their destination. If the situation requires it, major carriers may be required to use the services of a competing company.

You are invited to consult the Canadian Transportation Agency Website for more details, as this article provides only a brief outline.

Jackie Beaudoin, Leclerc Insurance and Financial Services
Sources:  Protégez-vous,  Office des transports du Canada