Air Canada reached a $4.5 million settlement over flight cancellations and delays. | Digital Media Pro / Shutterstock.com
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) reached a $4.5 million settlement with Air Canada to refund customers over canceled or extremely delayed flights.
"Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation's OACP is holding airlines accountable by ensuring that they treat passengers fairly when flights are significantly changed or canceled," said the U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary, Polly Trottenberg.
The OACP says they are holding airlines accountable to ensure passengers are treated fairly.
Back in June 2021, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it would pursue a $25.5 million civil penalty against Air Canada for refusing to provide customers with refunds during the pandemic when flights between the United States and Canada were canceled or had significant schedule changes. The current $4.5 million settlement, however, is far from the initially agreed amount of $25.5 million.
This is the highest dollar amount OACP has ever secured against an airline. OACP is also currently investigating the refund policies of other airlines.
"Airlines and other sellers of airline tickets have a legal obligation to refund consumers if the airline cancels or significantly changes a consumer's flight," the release stated. It also said, "OACP believes that this settlement is in the public interest, and that it serves to deter Air Canada and other carriers from committing similar violations in the future."
