From today, passengers in Canada are entitled to further rights. These have been enforced under the Canadian Transportation Agency’s (CTA) Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR).

What has been introduced?

The APPR shared a notice that informs fliers that they will receive up to CA$1,000 ($760) of compensation for flight delays or cancelations. However, the reasons behind the alterations have to be within the operating airline's control. They also can't be due to safety reasons.

Furthermore, when there is a delay or cancellation, passengers are entitled to greater amenities. These include food and drink and access to communication. Hotel accommodation must also be provided for customers who have overnight delays.

Along with these postponement initiatives, airlines now have to make efforts to seat children that are under the age of 14 near their guardian, at no extra charge. Those that are aged under five should be in an adjacent seat.

Children between five and 11 years old should be in the same row, and not separated by more than one seat. Travelers that are aged 12 or 13 shouldn't be separated by their accompanying adult by more than a row.

Widescale overhaul

This introduction follows previous obligations that were enforced by Canada's authorities in July. This move covered ground on communication, overbooking, lost or damaged luggage, and musical instrument transportation.

WestJet Boeing 737
WestJet is Canada's second-largest airline and, like other Canadian carriers, has been issuing vouchers in place of refunds. Photo: WestJet

Scott Streiner, Chair and CEO of the Canadian Transportation Agency explained the update. He said that passengers flying in and out of will now be better protected.

“Travelling by air has become an integral part of modern life. Most of the time, our trips unfold without a hitch, but sometimes things do not go as planned," Streiner said as per the notice.

"These new air passenger rights are coming into force just in time for the peak air travel season, passengers now have a clear, comprehensive set of rights that will help ensure fair treatment when they travel by air – whether they’re flying from, to or within this vast country.”

United Express E175
Airlines that operate under the name United Express use aircraft like the Embraer E170 and E175. Photo: Embraer

Important feature

This is a positive approach by Canadian aviation authorities. The progress made on delay and cancelation compensation is similar to the European Union's passenger rights laws. Under EU regulation 261/2004, if a flight is canceled or delayed by more than three hours, travelers can claim up to €600 ($670).

Flying can be expensive and stressful for passengers. By having clearer rights, Those flying in and out of Canada will be glad to know that they can call upon them if needed.

Simple Flying reached out to the CTA for comment on its protections. We will update the article with any further announcements.

What are your thoughts on the new rights that passengers in Canada have under the new initiative? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.