In a significant ruling, the Quebec Court of Appeal has mandated Air Canada to pay over $10 million in damages following a class-action lawsuit accusing the airline of charging passengers more than the advertised ticket price. The case centers on alleged discrepancies between the initial ticket fare listed on Air Canada’s website and the additional charges imposed during the purchasing process.
Justice Judith Harvie, who delivered the decision on Tuesday, criticized Air Canada for showing “ignorance and laxity” when it claimed exemption from a key provision of the provincial Consumer Protection Act. The ruling overturns a previous decision by a lower court, which acknowledged the airline’s breach of the law but found no harm had been caused, thus negating the need for punitive damages.
The lawsuit, which has been ongoing for 15 years, was filed by a consumer advocacy group and a Montreal resident. The plaintiff claimed he was charged an extra $124 in taxes, fees, and surcharges beyond the fare price listed in the first step of Air Canada’s online booking process. The plaintiffs argued that the airline’s practices misled customers and deprived them of the opportunity to make informed decisions, demanding reimbursement for the excess charges.
This ruling arrives amid increasing concerns about rising airline fees and fare structures, with some arguing that such charges are unnecessary “junk fees” while others suggest they offer more choices for consumers. Air Canada has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Source: Swifteradio.com
