May I See Some I.D.?

March 11th, 2011  |  Comments

The Minister of Transport recently announced two new aviation security measures intended to address an immediate threat to aviation security.  The Passenger Identification and Behaviour Observation Interim Order came into effect on January 26, 2011. 

Passengers are not to be admitted to a sterile area beyond a screening checkpoint unless they have undergone identity screening.  In the same interim order, the Minister has implemented a pilot project at YVR where the behaviour of  passengers is monitored. 

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Airport Security Update: TSA Takes Over Watch Lists and More Body Scan Controversy

November 18th, 2010  |  Comments

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The next phase of the United States Transportation Security Administration’s Secure Flight Program has begun for all tickets purchased after September 15, 2010 and for all flights departing after November 1, 2010 for domestic US flights or flights to/from the US.  Along with the usual information required by airlines, passengers are now required to provide their birth dates and genders when making flight reservations. 

Meanwhile, the controversy over full body scanners his been re-ignited by pilots’ unions, a lawsuit and a YouTube video.

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Canada Removes Restrictions for Carry On Baggage and Introduces Behaviour Observation Program

April 12th, 2010  |  Comments

Here is some happy news for anyone planning to travel to the United States. Last week, Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird announced that, effective April 8, 2010, airline passengers traveling to the United States from Canada will be permitted to bring two carry-on bags and one personal item along for their travels.

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CTA Ruling: Cat Allergy is a Disability

March 5th, 2010  |  Comments

Last year, Air Canada announced that it would allow cats and small dogs to ride in the passenger cabin of its aircraft (WestJet already allowed cats, dogs, birds and rabbits in its aircraft).  As mentioned in our blog post of November 30, 2009, asthma and allergy sufferers reacted negatively to the announcement and the Canadian Lung Association commenced a “Say No to Pets on Planes” campaign. The Canadian Transportation Agency (“CTA”) recently issued a decision in response to complaints made by three individuals with severe cat allergies.  The CTA found that all three complainants were persons with disabilities and that the pet policies of Air Canada, Jazz and WestJet impacted the three passengers’ ability to travel by air.

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New U.S. Passenger Rights Regulations Target Tarmac Delays

January 26th, 2010  |  Comments

While it appears as though passenger rights legislation will not be implemented any time soon in Canada, regulatory changes aimed at enhancing airline passenger protection in the United States are scheduled to take effect April 29, 2010.  The U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) published the regulatory changes on December 30, 2009.  

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One Carry-On Bag Now Allowed when Travelling to the United States

January 19th, 2010  |  Comments

The recently implemented carry-on luggage restrictions for passengers travelling from Canada to the United States were changed today by Transport Canada.  As of January 20, 2010, passengers travelling to the United States are permitted to bring one carry-on bag.  All items brought on the aircraft such as reading material, personal electronics and medications must be stored in the passenger’s single carry-on bag.  For the Transport Canada announcement, click here.  For information regarding permitted and non-permitted items, click here for the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority website.

CTA Ruling on Allergies: Feel Like a Nut?

January 12th, 2010  |  Comments

On January 6, 2010, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) released its Ruling on a complaint by two passengers who claimed that they had experienced difficulties relating to peanut allergies while travelling with Air Canada.  The complainants wanted an outright ban on the service of nuts onboard aircraft, as well as in-flight announcements asking other passengers not to consume nuts or nut products.

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Liability Concerns for Commercial Space Travel: What If I Get Hurt in Outer Space?

January 5th, 2010  |  Comments

In December 2009, British billionaire Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Galactic unveiled a commercial passenger spacecraft to rocket wealthy tourists into space. The project marks a new beginning in the commercial era of space travel.  As space tourism takes a huge leap towards reality, one serious issue that arises is whether the existing liability regime is ready to support the increase in outer space activity and the corresponding increased risk of liability. 

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Update on Bill C-310: Canadian Passenger Bill of Rights

December 7th, 2009  |  Comments

On February 14, 2008, thousands of passengers were stranded for up to ten hours onboard several JetBlue Airways aircraft on the tarmac at Kennedy International Airport.  The passengers complained that they were deprived of food and water and that restrooms were not available as toilets had overflowed.  A month later, several hundred passengers travelling with several other airlines were stranded aboard planes at JFK after a day-long ice storm.  In response, New York State passed a law providing airline passengers with certain minimum rights, which if violated would attract fines payable by the airlines.  The New York State law was later “struck down” in a court decision finding that aviation was under federal and not state jurisdiction.


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From Human Rights to Animal Rights: Travelling with Pets

November 30th, 2009  |  Comments

dreamstime_5098157_72dpiEarlier this year, Air Canada announced that it would allow cats and small dogs to ride in the passenger cabin of its aircraft.  Although WestJet has for some time allowed cats, dogs, birds and rabbits on its flights, there was a negative reaction to Air Canada’s announcement.  Specifically, there has been strong opposition by allergy and asthma sufferers about the health hazards associated with having pets in the aircraft cabin. This past fall, the Canadian Lung Association commenced a “Say No to Pets on Planes!” campaign in an effort to urge the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health to take action against the airlines.

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