Air Canada Class Action Lawsuit: Air Canada Ordered to Pay $10 Million in Passenger Lawsuit—Here’s Why
Air Canada--
In a big win for Canadian travelers, Air Canada has been slapped with a $10 million bill after the Quebec Court of Appeal ruled the airline misled passengers about ticket prices. The court didn’t hold back, calling the airline's actions “deliberate,” “negligent,” and showing a “serious lack of concern” for customers.
What’s the Deal?
The case dates back to 2010, when Montreal resident Michael Silas bought an Air Canada ticket and ended up paying $124 more in fees and surcharges than what was advertised on the airline’s website. He joined forces with a consumer rights group to file a class-action lawsuit, arguing that Air Canada violated Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act, which requires all fees to be included in the advertised price.
A lower court previously agreed that Air Canada broke the law—but said no harm was done, so no payout was needed. The appeal court completely reversed that decision, awarding over $10 million in damages to affected passengers.
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Why This Matters
The court didn’t just fine Air Canada—it called out the airline's behavior in scathing terms. Justice Judith Harvie wrote that Air Canada put its profits first and showed “ignorance and laxity” in assuming it didn’t have to follow provincial consumer laws.
She said the airline’s pricing strategy may have helped it look more competitive, but at the cost of transparency. Essentially, the court said passengers deserve to know exactly what they’ll pay from the get-go—not get surprised by extra charges later.
What Air Canada Says
The airline is now considering whether to appeal again. A spokesperson said the issue comes down to a legal gray area—whether provincial or federal rules applied back then. He also pointed out that these pricing practices stopped back in 2012 after new legal guidance came out.
But the consumer group behind the lawsuit isn’t buying that explanation. They argue this wasn’t some minor mix-up—it was a serious case of misleading customers, and they’re still considering pushing for even more compensation.
The Bigger Picture
This case arrives just as debate heats up around “junk fees” in the airline industry. Air Canada, like many other carriers, now charges extra for things that used to be included—like checked luggage, snacks, or Wi-Fi. Just this January, they started charging up to $50 for basic passengers to bring a suitcase or large backpack on trips in North America.
Judge Harvie made it clear: passengers deserve full transparency from the first click on a website. Hiding fees to look cheaper isn't just shady—it’s against the law.
Who Gets the Money?
If you bought an Air Canada ticket between June 30, 2010, and February 8, 2012, you might be owed a slice of that $10 million. The court calculated about $14.45 per ticket sold during that time.
The consumer group behind the suit is still weighing whether to appeal again, as they had hoped for full refunds on all hidden fees—not just partial damages.
