
What you should know about the Air Passenger Bill of Rights
February 19, 2020
Why travellers prefer Blue Cross
February 19, 2020
The Air Passenger Protection Regulations (better known as the Air Passenger Bill of Rights) was brought in by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) in two phases in 2019. Airlines are now required to adhere to a set of regulations that provide better protection for air passengers when they face things like delays and flight cancellations.
Let’s take a look at the provisions of that Bill of Rights and see why travel insurance remains essential for anyone who ventures outside their home province.
The Air Passenger Bill of Rights was put in place to establish airlines’ obligations toward their passengers. It includes minimum standards for how passengers are treated (keeping them informed of flight delays, children’s seating assignments, tarmac delays, and so forth) and entitles passengers to compensation if certain things happen.
The requirements apply to all flights to, from, and within Canada, including connecting flights. Passengers are only entitled to compensation under the charter if the problem they experience is the result of something under the airline’s control and is not required for safety purposes.
Claims for compensation must be filed with the airline responsible for what happened.
Good news: Any compensation you’re entitled to under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights is in addition to your travel insurance coverage. That means that no matter how much you get from your airline, your travel insurance coverage still pays its full value.
Taking out travel insurance is the ideal solution for travelling with peace of mind. Have Québec Blue Cross® by your side every step of the way, with various coverage options to match all your needs and plans. See Blue Cross travel insurance solutions to learn more.
Mélanie Dimmock
Project manager, Customer Relations Centre
Sources
For more information, see the Canadian Transportation Agency FAQs or the full regulations.