Carriers Must Display 'Total Price A Consumer Must Pay' To Fly

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Canada's Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, announced Tuesday that all-inclusive airfare advertising is now mandated under amendments to the Air Transportation Regulations. Lebel said the move will ensure consumers can clearly see the total price of an airline ticket, with no hidden fees.

"We are protecting Canadian air travellers by helping them see, clearly and up front, the full cost of air tickets, so they can make informed travel choices," said Minister Lebel. "In addition to benefiting consumers by ensuring transparent advertising, these regulations will promote fair competition between all advertisers."

The new rules require air service advertisers to display the total price a consumer must pay in order to fly, including all taxes, fees and charges. The amendments apply to the price of air services advertised in any media to the public, for travel within or originating in Canada.

In December 2011, the Canadian government commitment to implement regulations regarding all-inclusive airfare advertising within one year. To this end, the Canadian Transportation Agency undertook consultations with the industry, consumer interest groups and individual Canadians before drafting regulatory amendments. The Canadian Transportation Agency will continue to work with air price advertisers and provide guidance to ensure compliance with the regulations. The Agency has provided further information on all-inclusive air fare advertising to help Canadian consumers and advertisers understand the new advertising rules. "The Harper government takes consumer protection very seriously," said Minister Lebel. "Offenders can be fined up to $25,000."

"To support early compliance, the Agency will be working with advertisers through educational outreach and guidance to assist them in quickly complying with the new regulatory requirements. The Agency's new information repository will help ensure that interested parties have the information they need," said Geoff Hare, Chair and CEO of the Agency. "The Agency can use penalties when necessary to achieve compliance."

The information provided features educational materials including an interpretation note, questions and answers, as well as examples of advertisements. These materials will be updated as enquiries from advertisers and the public are addressed to provide additional information as required.

FMI: www.cta.gc.ca