It’s time airlines refunded tickets

Re: Growing number of Canadians furious that airlines won’t reimburse for travel cancelled due to COVID-19, May 22

In 2013, WestJet and Air Canada changed the cabin configuration of their fleet of 737s, creating a new class of seating called “premium economy.” In order to add more leg room for these seats, the remaining seats of the plane had to be squeezed together.

WestJet estimated this new class along with a new fare structure would increase revenue by $50 million to

$80 million a year.

Since then, the airlines have gone to great lengths to further bolster their revenues, including seat selection fees, increased baggage fees, fees for food, drinks, blankets and pillows, and surcharges for travel during peak travel days.

After milking us for years, Air Canada is now refusing to issue full refunds to Canadians for cancelled flights.

A recent report indicates that Air Canada is sitting on $2.6 billion in “prepaid passenger income” as of March 31.

Air Canada insists vouchers are adequate compensation. Given that thousands of Canadians have lost their jobs, or had their earnings wiped out, or are in high-risk groups for coronavirus and may not be able to or want to fly any time soon, it is unconscionable not to issue refunds to those customers who demand it.

It is high time that our prime minister acknowledges the airlines’ current financial straits should not be borne on the shoulders of the average Canadian passenger.

Diane Dumont, Orléans