Airline changes overdue

Airline travel, when you stop and think about it, is remarkable. To travel halfway around the world in 10 hours or less, safely, along with hundreds of strangers and arrive on time is amazing. But, with airline travel, most passengers have the attitude that if you arrive on time and without any issues, you’ve come out ahead.

Those who have arrived without their luggage, endured excruciating delays at an airport, or, worst of all, sat on a runway for hours after landing, understand the agony some passengers’ experience.

It’s the airlines’ job to have you arrive safely and not ruin your vacation. Never mind the constant nickel-and-diming airlines have placed on customers for services that were once part of the ticket price — a second bag, lunch on a domestic flight.

For those who have had to make a claim, it’s an exercise in frustration.

Fortunately, the federal government is introducing the “air passenger bill of rights” with up to $2,400 in compensation for inconvenienced passengers or those who fall victim to a mistake by the airline. For example, parents will be able to sit beside their child, if he or she is age 14 or under, without having to pay an additional fee for a preferred seat selection.

There was no more disturbing example of the airlines having all the power and the customers none than when Dr. David Dao was dragged off a United Airlines flight then told he had to surrender his seat. Although an American incident, it could have easily happened on a Canadian carrier.

The Canadian Transportation Agency is releasing its draft regulations later this week and Canadians will have 60 days to offer feedback. We encourage anyone who’s a frequent flyer to review the document and comment.

Of course, with the new guidelines to hold airlines accountable will come additional fees which we can almost guarantee will be passed on to the consumer.

All of the new regulations that we know of seem fair and reasonable for all parties involved.

It’s unfortunate it required the intervention of Canada’s transportation ministry to enforce policies that should have been already in place.