Following a class-action lawsuit alleging they charged more than the advertised ticket price, the Quebec Court of Appeal has ordered Air Canada to pay more than$ 10 million in damages to the passengers. The case involved adding unknown taxes, fees, and fees to the airline that had been quoted in excess of the posted ticket prices.
In her decision on Tuesday, Justice Judith Harvie claimed that Air Canada displayed “ignorance and laxity” and gave corporate interests precedence over consumer right. She emphasized that because of the firm’s “negligent and thoughtless” habits, punitive damages were required.
The decision stated in French that” the problem is serious, deliberate, and affects a large number of buyers.”
” Air Canada has put its individual corporate interests first, demonstrating a significant lack of concern and worry for consumers,” the statement reads. An apology for this behavior is required.
A Montreal citizen, Michael Silas, and a consumer advocacy group brought the 15-year-old event. When making his first reservation, Silver claimed to have paid$ 124 more than the rate displayed on Air Canada’s site in 2010. The defendants claimed that Air Canada’s lack of transparency allegedly misled consumers and prevented them from making informed decisions in violation of Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act.
The prosecutor argued that Air Canada” no longer contests” that it had broken municipal legislation, while adding that” the evidence does not show that a particular buyer was actually misled.”
Spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said the decision is primarily based on a divergences in understanding regarding the definition and “interaction of federal and provincial rules” before February 2012, which has since been clarified by situation rules.
A past lower court decision that acknowledged the lawful breach but rejected the need for compensation was overturned by the decision. It also rekindles discussion about” garbage fees,” hidden fees that airlines are increasingly imposing, including checked baggage fees for customers with standard fare.
The frame of the carrier was criticized by UNION DES CONSOMMATEURS.
” Despite Air Canada’s claims, the court’s actions against the Consumer Protection Act are not complexities,” the judge has said. It merely criticized the company’s “negligent and negligent” behavior, according to co-director public Maxime Dorais in an emailed statement.
Consumer group Federation DES CONSOMMATEURS insists the decision reflects major misconduct, not a formality, while Air Canada is considering whether to charm. Each class-action member who is affected is expected to receive$ 14.45 per ticket purchased between June 2010 and February 2012.
The court emphasized the value of honest accountability, stating that all expenses, fees, and costs may be obviously displayed at the beginning of the ordering process.
