Canada's House Of Commons Approves Airline Passenger Bill Of Rights

May 14, 2009 1:50 p.m. EST

Ottawa, Ontario (AHN) - Canada's House of Commons passed on second reading Thursday the airline passengers' bill of rights on a vote of 139-131. The eight-vote lead was made possible through the joining of forces by the Liberals and Bloc MPs.

Under the bill, Canadian air carriers would pay travelers stranded by more than one hour on the tarmac $500 per head, if the airline would not provide sufficient service and an opportunity to leave the aircraft safely. Bumped off passengers would be compensated up to $1,200. The legislation also mandates air carriers to include in their airfare advertising all surcharges and levies.

Lost baggage owners will be entitled to a $100 compensation. Failure to announce a delay within 10 minutes will cost the air carrier $1,000 fine.

The National Airlines Council of Canada, formed by the four largest passenger air carriers, wrote a second letter to MPs on Wednesday. The letter, quoted by the Calgary Herald, warned, "The threat of severe penalties will interfere with a captain's prerogative to determine the safe operations of a flight. These penalties lower passenger safety in Canada by encouraging more risk-taking."