New airfare advertising regulations instituted
By Adnews Staff
The federal Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities has amended its air transportation regulations to mandate the use of all-inclusive pricing in airfare advertising. The new regulations are intended to ensure that consumers can clearly see the total price of an airline ticket without hidden fees. Air service advertisers must now display the total price a consumer must pay in order to fly, including all taxes, fees and charges. Ads must also include the points of origin and destination, whether the service is round-trip or one-way, and any limitations to booking or travel availability. The amendments apply to public advertising in any media, for travel within or originating in Canada. The regulations do not apply to ads for air cargo services, charter services, travel packages, services originating outside Canada or loyalty programs. Advertisers who breach the regulations will face fines of up to $25,000. "To support early compliance, the agency will be working with advertisers through educational outreach and guidance to assist them in quickly complying with the new regulatory requirements," said Geoff Hare, chair and CEO of the Canadian Transportation Agency. "The agency's new information repository will help ensure that interested parties have the information they need."