Robert: Airlines must refund for cancellations, delays according to new regulations

Airline passengers are now entitled to refunds for cancellations and long delays thanks to new regulations announced by the Canadian Travel Agency. (CTA)

Currently, passengers whose flights are cancelled or delayed by three hours for reasons the airline cannot control, including weather, are not entitled to a refund. The new regulations expand the conditions in which customers are entitled to financial compensation, explaining that even if the airline cannot control the reason why a flight is cancelled or delayed, customers will now be given the option to choose between a refund or another flight that leaves within 48 hours on the airline in question, or a partner airline, at no additional cost. Large carriers are also required to put customers on a competitor’s plane.

“These regulations will close the gap in the Canadian air passenger protection regime highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that even when cancellations and lengthy delays occur that are outside the airline’s control, passengers will be protected if the airline cannot complete their itinerary within a reasonable period of time,” said CTA CEO, France Pégeot.

The new rules will go into effect on September 8th.