Air Passenger Rights Group Sues WestJet: Here’s Why

An air passenger rights group is suing WestJet on behalf of the public for allegedly misleading customers about compensation. The group claims that WestJet’s website contains inaccurate information regarding compensation for flight delays and cancellations.

Misleading Information

According to the group, WestJet’s website states that customers may only claim up to $45 per day for meals related to flight delays and cancellations. However, the Montreal Convention, an international treaty governing passenger rights, states that airlines are required to provide “food and drink in reasonable quantities” based on the length of the wait, time of day, and location of the passenger.

The group also alleges that WestJet caps the amount offered to customers for hotel stays at $150 per night, which is not in line with the Montreal Convention’s requirement that airlines cover the cost of reasonable accommodation.

Legal Action

The air passenger rights group sent a letter to WestJet requesting the removal of the misleading information from its website. However, the airline allegedly ignored the correspondence, prompting the group to take legal action.

The lawsuit is being funded by the group and any money gained will go toward passengers denied fair compensation.

Passenger Rights

Air passengers have certain rights under the Montreal Convention, including the right to compensation for flight delays and cancellations. Airlines are required to provide meals, accommodation, and communication assistance to passengers affected by disruptions within their control.

The air passenger rights group is calling on WestJet to remove the misleading information from its website and pay customers the compensation they are entitled to. It also wants the airline to advertise the court’s judgment on its website at its own cost.

WestJet has declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.