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Air travellers rights are in place as of today, and most members of the flying public are pretty happy about it. But there is one negative that is expected to result from the new rules. Kelowna Airport Manager Sam Samaddar said airlines will likely avoid risking the cost of paying customers for long delays by cancelling more flights.
The best thing about the Passengers Rights Protection according to Kelowna Airport Director Sam Samaddar is that it's clarified for people. "It gives the passenger, in plain language, when they go to purchase a ticket what are the terms and conditions of that ticket," said Samaddar.
But he said when the weather starts creating chaos with scheduling, there could be a negative unintended consequence as airlines work to avoid fines. "You might see cancellations much sooner," warmed Samaddar. "Because the airlines don't want to risk stranding passengers."
The new rules mean passengers who are bumped from a flight can receive as much as $2,400 for their trouble, and lost luggage can net you close to $2,100.
They also mean, airlines can no longer leave travellers sitting on a plane on the tarmac for longer than three hours and 45 minutes.
"I feel better," said one passenger at the Kelowna Airport today, "but I don't want it to come at a cost to the airlines. Like I feel like we have to work reasonably together."
"That sounds good to me," said another. "It's not as good as England," suggested yet another traveller. "But it will get there in time."
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