Canada proposes hefty redress for airline delays

Airline passengers in Canada could soon be eligible for significant compensation for delayed flights or lost baggage, under proposed regulations unveiled by the government Monday. The draft rules follow a rising number of complaints, including from one flight stuck on the tarmac in Ottawa for nearly six hours, with no air conditioning and the stench of a sick child's vomit in the air. The long wait in sweltering heat on that July 2017 flight led one passenger to dial emergency services for help after being told they could not disembark. "We all know someone who has had a negative flight experience or we have seen stories in the news," Transport Minister Marc Garneau said. "Except in circumstances which are beyond their control, we're going to make sure that airlines treat their passengers with the respect they deserve and live up to their commitments." The rules -- subject to a public consultation -- would apply to flights to, from and within Canada, and provide for up to Can$1,000 in compensation for delays or cancelations, and Can$2,400 for customers bumped from a flight due to overbooking.<br/>