Passenger rights: What you need to know to hold airlines accountable

When something goes wrong with your flight whether it's on the ground or in the air it's tricky knowing what your rights are as a passenger.

Nova Scotia-based consumer advocateGabor Lukacshas been trying to make that easier in hisfightfor air passengers' rights. He has brought manyairline complaintsbefore the Canadian Transportation Agency, where he has scored somebig wins for flyers.It's a volunteer gig for Lukacs, who works as a mathematician.

Lukacs says Canadian airlinesmakemoney byevading their obligations to passengers.

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"Many of the good values we have as Canadians we are respectful, we are patient, we are kind to each other the airlines are exploiting those against us," he said. "Currently the airlines can do almost what they want unless someone is willing to stand up to them and fight them in court."

Lukacssat down with CBC Nova Scotia's Tom Murphy for a Facebook Live conversation, where he gave tips and answered viewer questions. Here are some things he saidyou shouldknow before travelling for the holidays.

If something happens, record it

Lukacs said the best response if something bad happens is to filmit with your phone.That could be an irate passenger or a problem with your luggage. You may remember the United Breaks Guitars or Air Canada baggage fail videos, each of which racked up millions of views on YouTubeafter they were posted.

"Often one video posted on YouTube is more powerful than a thousand lawsuits," he said, as viral videos like those deliver a very public hit on an airline's reputation.

Video evidence also helps prove something happened, which may be hard to dootherwise. And though airline employees may tell you something different, Lukacs said passengers have a "right to document" if something isgoing wrong.

Unruly seatmate? You can ask to move

If you feel unsafe with the person sitting beside you, Lukacs said the airline should probably be able to accommodate amove to another seat.

It's not a legal right, he said. "But if they don't do it and something happens to you, they will sort of be on the hook."

What to do when youve got issues with your seatmate

8 years ago

Duration 1:19

Consumer advocate says airlines should move you when you feel unsafe

Lukacs said it is best to be respectful and to try to request the change through a flight attendant. But the request has to be warranted you can't just do it if you don't like the looks of the person beside you.

Damaged luggage

The airlines may try to tell you damage to luggage is simply wear-and-tear, but Lukacs said that ifthey've damaged your luggage, they owe you compensation.

"They like to make all of those excuses. It's common but it's not legal."

Lukacs said it is importantto document the damage as soon as you get your luggage and to report it right away. And though airlines may demandreceipts for lost or damaged items, you don't have to provide them. He said an affidavit with what you remember was in the bag to the best of your knowledge should be sufficient, though you may not get the full amount.

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After making the claim and sending in all of the documentation,Lukacssaid, the airline should provide compensation within 30 days. Realistically,that could dependon the airline.

Long delay? Fight for a meal voucher

There is no law in Canada about how longthe airlines candelay a flight before they need to offer a meal voucher. It dependson the airline and is outlined in its tariff, considered to be the contract with passengers.

But Lukacs said thatif you are hungry and you havebeen delayed for an unreasonable amount of time, you shouldbuy a meal. Keep the receipt and trysending the bill to the airline.

Airlines try to skirt obligations: consumer advocate

8 years ago

Duration 1:09

Gabor Lukacs says no Canadian airline is championing passenger rights

"Don't wait for the meal voucher submit your claim after the fact."

Lukacs saidthe airlinesmay not pay for all claims.

"I have no problem with airlines running a business, as long as the airlines are respecting and honouring their contract with the passengers."

Watch the full air passenger rights Q&A with Lukacs below.

Can't see the video? Click here