On July 15, the first phase of the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) went into effect.

In 2018, Bill C-49, the Transportation Modernization Act, mandated the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) to establish, in consultation with the Minister of Transport, new passenger protection regulations, defining air carriers' obligations to passengers.

Consultations began in May 2018 with input from the public, consumer advocates, the air industry and other stakeholders to inform the APPR.

The regulations for Phase 1 stipulate that airlines are required to:

• Communicate information to passengers in a simple, clear way about their rights and recourses, and provide regular updates in the event of flight delays or cancellations;
• Provide compensation of up to $2,400 for denial of boarding for reasons within the airlines’ control;
• Ensure passengers receive prescribed standards of treatment during all tarmac delays and allow them to leave the airplane when it's safe to do so, if a tarmac delay lasts for over three hours and there's no prospect of an imminent take-off;
• Provide compensation for lost or damaged baggage of up to $2,100 and a refund of any baggage fees; and
• Set clear conditions regarding the transportation of musical instruments as checked or carry-on baggage.

Phase 2, which includes flight delays, cancellations and seating children in the proximity of a parent or guardian, will come into effect on December 15, 2019.

You can see the updated APPR regulations here.

While it’s too early to determine the impacts of the APPR, we will be closely monitoring the regulations and its effects on travellers, airlines and the tourism sector.

Portions of this article were written with content from the Government of Canada.