April 16, 2014 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Transportation Agency
In a decision issued today (Decision No. 144-A-2014), the Agency determined that, for international itineraries involving multiple air carriers to and from Canada, purchased on a single ticket issued on or after October 1, 2014, carriers should:
- apply a single set of baggage rules to the entire itinerary; and
- disclose the applicable rules on the itinerary receipt or e-ticket.
The Agency's new approach, as set out in its Interline Baggage Rules for Canada, is consistent with United States requirements, fostering a harmonized North American approach. This, in turn, avoids conflicting requirements and reduces unnecessary burden on the airline industry.
Agency staff will work with industry to ensure understanding of, and compliance with, the new approach by October 1, 2014.
For several decades, air carriers’ baggage allowances were either assessed on a piece or weight basis. However, in recent years, carriers’ approaches to applying baggage rules changed and they began to apply their own rules to their own flight segments for trips involving multiple air carriers. This resulted in uneven practices internationally and created confusion for passengers.
Following extensive consultations with air travellers, carriers and ticket sellers, the Agency determined that a consistent approach to these issues was necessary. The Agency's new approach provides clarity and predictability across the board for interline and code-share itineraries to and from Canada.
"The Agency’s approach to interline baggage rules is guided by two fundamental principles: a seamless and transparent baggage regime for passengers and a harmonized and practical regime for industry."
- taken from Decision No. 144-A-2014
News Media Enquiries, Canadian Transportation Agency, media@otc-cta.gc.ca, 819-934-3448
