The Quebec Court of Appeal has ordered Air Canada to pay over $10 million to passengers in a class-action lawsuit. The case claimed that Air Canada charged customers more than the price advertised for tickets.
On Tuesday, Judge Judith Harvie stated that Air Canada displayed “ignorance and carelessness” when it decided it didn’t have to comply with a part of Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act.
This ruling overturns a previous decision from a lower court. Earlier, that court ruled that Air Canada violated the law but found that it didn’t cause any significant harm, so no additional penalties were warranted.
The case dates back 15 years. A Montreal man and a consumer group alleged he was charged $124 more than the initial price displayed while purchasing a ticket on Air Canada’s website. The extra costs stemmed from taxes, fees, and other charges.
The plaintiffs argued that this made it difficult for customers to make informed choices. They asserted that Air Canada should reimburse the extra money charged beyond the advertised price.
The court’s decision arises amidst debates about whether additional airline fees are unfair “junk fees” or if they provide travelers with more options. Air Canada has yet to comment on the ruling.
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