MONTREAL— The Quebec Court of Appeal has ruled that Air Canada must pay more than $10 million in damages to passengers after the airline was found to have charged amounts exceeding advertised ticket prices.
In a decision issued Tuesday, Justice Judith Harvie criticised the airline’s conduct, stating that Air Canada displayed “ignorance and laxity” when it determined it was not subject to a key provision of Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act.
The ruling overturns a lower court decision that acknowledged a legal breach by Air Canada but dismissed the need for punitive damages due to a perceived lack of harm.
The legal action, initiated 15 years ago, was brought by a Montreal resident and a consumer advocacy group. The lead plaintiff reported being charged an additional $124 in taxes, fees, and surcharges beyond the price initially shown during the first step of the booking process on Air Canada’s website.
The plaintiffs contended that the airline’s practices hindered consumers from making informed decisions and called for the reimbursement of all charges exceeding the advertised fares.
The appeal court’s decision arrives amid growing debate about the nature of airline surcharges, with critics describing them as “junk fees,” while others argue they reflect added flexibility for travellers.
Air Canada has not yet issued a response to the court’s ruling.
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