OTTAWA, March 5, 2013 /CNW/ - WestJet, Air Canada, Porter, Air Transat,
Canadian North, First Air, Air Creebec, Sunwing, Air Inuit and Orca
Airways are now displaying all-inclusive air prices on their on-line
booking systems—in line with new regulations that came into force on
December 18, 2012.
The regulations enable consumers to easily determine the total
advertised air price and promote fair competition between all
advertisers in the air travel industry. They apply to any person who
advertises air prices to the public, for travel within, or originating
in Canada, through any media.
When searching for an air fare, consumers can now expect to see the
total all-inclusive price. The success in achieving a high level of
industry compliance can be attributed in large part to the Agency's
collaboration with air price advertisers and its efforts to help them
understand their obligations and to provide guidance on all aspects of
the new regulatory regime. The Agency is continuing to work with the
industry to ensure that all advertisers understand all of the
regulatory requirements, which includes a breakdown of
advertiser-imposed charges and fees, as well as other third-party
charges and optional charges.
Under the all-inclusive pricing rules, the total price of the advertised
air service must include all taxes, fees and charges. A basic
description of the air service offered must also be included in the ad,
stating the points of origin and destination, and whether the service
is one-way or round trip. Any limitations with respect to booking or
travel availability periods should also be stated, and the advertiser
must provide access to a breakdown of the taxes, fees and charges,and information on any optional services offered for a fee or charge.
The Agency expects air price advertisers to fully comply with the new
regulations, as soon as possible. It may impose fines of up to $5,000
against an individual and $25,000 against a corporation where a
contravention of these regulations has occurred. As with all Agency
enforcement actions, the determination of what corrective measures
and/or penalties are required in the case of contravention is based on
a number of different factors, including the frequency and nature of
the offence.
For more information, consult the Agency's all-inclusive air price advertising repository. The repository features educational materials including an
interpretation note, questions and answers, as well as examples of
advertisements. A webinar fully explaining the new requirements will
also be available.
About the Canadian Transportation Agency
The Canadian Transportation Agency is an independent, quasi-judicial
tribunal and economic regulator of the Government of Canada. It makes
decisions and determinations on a wide range of matters involving air,
rail and marine modes of transportation under the authority of
Parliament, as set out in the Canada Transportation Act and other legislation.
The Agency's mandate includes:
- Economic regulation, to provide approvals, issue licences, permits and certificates of
fitness, and make decisions on a wide range of matters involving
federal air, rail and marine transportation.
- Dispute resolution, to resolve complaints about federal transportation services, rates,
fees and charges.
- Accessibility, to ensure Canada's national transportation system is accessible to all
persons, particularly those with disabilities.
SOURCE: Canadian Transportation Agency
For more information on the new all-inclusive air price requirements, consult the regulations.
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