The first wave of new air passenger rights officially come into effect today, but the full slate won’t come until December.
As of today, air passengers now become eligible for compensation as high as $2,400 if they are bumped from their flight and if their baggage is lost or damaged.
Along with the compensation, all communications—including tickets—from an airline will have to contain clear information on passenger rights and how to claim them.
The rest of the rights package, including cash compensation for long delays and cancellations will only come into effect on December 15, 2019.
Vice President of Communications with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), Gary Howard says in most cases, the regulations will require travelers to file a claim with an airline to receive compensation, and they encourage passengers to do so to ensure they receive what the new regime says they are owned.
Some Issues Remain: French
Meanwhile, a man who has been advocating for airline passenger rights for 13 years says he’s happy with the new rights implemented today, albeit with some concerns.
Former Mayor of CBS, Woody French has been pushing for a passenger bill of rights since 2008.
In a call to VOCM Open Line with Darrell Power, French says the new regulations decree you can be on the tarmac for up to three hours and 45 minutes before you’re allowed off the plane and back into the airport. He says that’s far too long to be on an aircraft, and would rather see a two-hour limit.
He knows of people who have been stuck on the tarmac for an hour, and that was punishment enough—but almost four hours is a serious concern that will need to be improved upon.
French says at the end of the day, all they’re looking for is good customer service. To be taken from Point A to Point B in a timely manner, and to be respected.