Air Canada ordered world news to pay $ 10 million in class action on hidden ticket fee

Air Canada has been ordered by the Quebec Court of Appeal to pay more than $ 10 million for the loss to passengers after a square-carriage trial, alleging that they charged more than the ticket price. The matter focused on the airline, which charge more than the advertised ticket prices by adding undisclosed taxes, charges and surcharge.
Justice Judith Harvi said in her judgment on Tuesday that Air Canada demonstrated “ignorance and laxity” and preferred commercial interests on consumer rights. He emphasized that punitive losses were necessary due to the “careless and careless” behavior of the airline.
“The mistake is serious, intentionally and affects a large number of consumers,” the decision said in French.
“Air Canada has previously placed its own commercial interests, performing a severe lack of concern and care for consumers. A prize for punitive loss is necessary to condemn this behavior.”
The 15 -year -old case was brought by Montreal resident, Michael Silas and a consumer advocacy group. Silas claimed that he paid more than $ 124 from the price displayed on the Air Canada website during the initial booking phase in 2010. The plaintiff argued that Air Canada’s lack of transparency violated Quebec Consumer protection actPrevent customers from making them misleading and informed.
The judge said that Air Canada “no longer dispute” that it violated the provincial law, while saying that “evidence does not demonstrate that a specific consumer was really misled.”
Spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick said that the ruling is mainly based on the difference of interpretation on “Federal and Provincial Laws”, as the case was clarified by law.
The ruling overturned the decision of the last lower court, which accepted the legal violation but dismissed the need for compensation. It also discusses the hidden allegations of “junk fees”, which rapidly imposes the airlines, including the basic fare checked goods for customers.
Union Des Consmators raised the issue with carrier’s framing.
“Despite Air Canada’s claim, violation of the Consumer Protection Act approved by the court is not technical,” co-director General Maxim Doris said, “conversely, it seriously condemned the company’s ‘negligence and careless’ behavior.”
While the Air Canada is reviewing whether to appeal, the Consumer Group Union Des Consmators stressed that the ruling reflects serious misconduct, not technology. Each affected traveler in the class-action group is expected to receive $ 14.45 per ticket purchased between June 2010 and February 2012.
The court emphasized the importance of advance transparency, stating that all cost -based fare, fees and taxes should be clearly displayed at the beginning of the booking process.