An air passenger advocate believes the federal government’s new legislation favours the airlines.

Dr. Gabor Lukacs says the new regulations now in effect lack clarity and have loopholes that allow airlines to avoid paying compensation.

The Founder and Coordinator of Air Passenger Rights said the most important loophole allows airlines to avoid paying if delays or cancellations are caused by mechanical problems.

Lukacs feels it’s the carrier’s responsibility to make sure its aircraft are mechanically fit.
He is also concerned about extending the uncompensated time for passengers stranded on the tarmac from 90-minutes to three-hours and 45 minutes.

He feels the federal government needs to go back to square one with the legislation and adopt European regulations.

The new bill allows for compensation of up to $1,000 dollars for delays or cancellations, up to $2,100 for lost luggage and up to $2,400 for being bumped from flights.