A local advocate for the air passenger bill of rights says he is pleased with a recent $5.9-billion deal between the federal government and Air Canada.

That deal includes refunds for passengers who had their trips cancelled due to the start of the pandemic.

Overall, Woody French describes the deal as a “win-win,” despite conditions such as money being returned without interest.

He does admit there are many loopholes in the deal that could make it difficult for people to get their refunds.

However, he points to the Federal Government being able to appoint someone to the Air Canada Board.

French believes that could prevent some of those issues, and could go a long way in revamping the current system to the benefit of travellers.

He says that could prevent refund issues like the ones experienced from ever happening again. Further, he says it is a way to bring concerns directly to upper management.