TALK TO US: CTA looks at baggage rules

The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has launched a consultation to seek the views of the public and industry on the best approach to the application of baggage rules for transportation to, from and within Canada involving multiple air carriers. Baggage rules address matters such as the number of bags a passenger may check, the weight and size of baggage, how many pieces of baggage a passenger may bring with them on the airplane and excess baggage charges. Carriers can have different policies in this respect, raising the issue of which carrier’s policy applies in travel arrangements involving multiple air carriers. Currently, different approaches to baggage rules are used around the world. This results in uneven practices internationally and ultimately creates the possibility of confusion and extra charges for consumers and the industry. The goal is to have a clear approach to ensure transparency for consumers and industry alike. “We want to get the views of consumers and the industry on the best agency approach to baggage rules for Canada,”said Geoff Hare, CTA chair and CEO. “This approach should be clear so that it reduces confusion for consumers, levels the playing field for the industry and avoids extra costs associated with multiple systems for both industry and consumers.”The consultation period closes on April 15. Anyone interested in providing written comments or submissions to the CTA for consideration should visit their web site for information on how to submit input by e-mail or by mail. (http://www.otc-cta.gc.ca)