Canadian Airlines to Face $790 Fee for Each Resolved Passenger Complaint

The Canadian Transportation Agency's proposal aims to address a backlog of 78,000 complaints by charging airlines for each processed case.

The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has proposed a $790 fee for each passenger complaint resolved, regardless of the outcome.
The fee is intended to cover 60% of the $29.8 million annual cost of handling complaints, primarily for salaries and benefits of resolution officers.
The CTA estimates it will resolve 22,600 complaints per year, generating approximately $17.9 million in fees from airlines.
Passenger rights advocates argue the measure is insufficient and may encourage airlines to delay settlements.
The CTA's backlog of air travel complaints has reached a record high of 78,000, driven by unprecedented numbers last year and ongoing traveler frustrations.