New air passenger protection rules come into effect Thursday

New Air Passenger Protection Regulations go into effect Thursday.

The Canadian Transport Agency made the update after many passengers were unable to receive cash refunds for flights cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning Thursday, airlines will be required to issue a full refund for cancellations and delays if passengers are not placed on a new flight within 48 hours, including for reasons outside of the airline’s control.

Previously, refunds were only mandatory for flight disruptions that were within the airline’s control, which excluded situations such as weather or war.

On top of a cash refund, the ticket price may also be reimbursed through credit or vouchers and must be paid in full by the airline within 30 days.

The original Air Passenger Protection Regulations were created in 2019.