Passenger rights group takes WestJet to court claiming ‘deceptive’ reimbursement policy

Apassenger rights advocacy group is going to court to try and block what it claims are deceptive reimbursement practices by one of Canada's biggest airlines. Air Passenger Rights is seeking an injunction against WestJet to block the alleged policy, ahead of a future trial. At issue is how much passengers can claim for reimbursement after being stranded. When delays or cancellations leave passengers waiting and in need of meals or accommodations, they can file a claim with WestJet, in the event vouchers weren't available or provided. Until recently, the company's website said domestic passengers could claim up to $150 a night and international passengers could claim up to $200 a night for hotels. It also said passengers could claim $45 a day for meals. But Air Passenger Rights says no such limits exist under either the Montreal Convention or Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations. "WestJet’s excuse to avoid reimbursing passengers really boils down to WestJet’s unwillingness to pay based on a self-imposed 'guideline,'" the group said in a notice of application filed in B.C. Supreme Court in October. "It is not much different than WestJet simply stating, “I will not reimburse you, as I do not want to,” with the Guidelines added as a false sense of legitimacy to deceive passengers."<br/>