New Democrats' passenger bill of rights will fly

OTTAWA – New Democrat MP Jim Maloway (Elmwood-Transcona) is delighted his Private Members Bill, introducing an air passengers’ bill of rights, was accepted by the House of Commons and voted to be studied further by the transportation committee.

“I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback from people who want to see their rights protected when they fly,” said Maloway. “This bill will provide compensation when airlines are responsible for overbooking flights or cancelling without notice for reasons that are within their control.”

“This is a victory for air passengers,” said New Democrat leader Jack Layton. “I applaud Jim Maloway for pushing for this legislation to pass through parliament.”

The bill, first introduced in February ensures passengers are kept informed of flight changes, and clearly outlines the process to file for compensation. It allows passengers the option of a full fare refund if their flights are delayed over five hours, meals would be provided for delays over two hours and hotels if the delay involves an overnight stay. It also gives passengers the right to disembark the airplane if it is on the tarmac for over one hour, if it is safe to do so. The bill requires airlines to advertise the full cost of an airfare, including taxes and all charges.

“The legislation in this bill is not meant to penalize Canada’s airlines,” said Maloway. “As long as they respect passengers and play by the rules, they won’t have to pay compensation.”