The Government of Canada has advised Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel and set new rules and requirements when travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic. This information provides tips for essential travel under these circumstances. Passengers are responsible for their travel, including having the necessary documentation, and to comply with government requirements prior to and during their travels and where they land.

Rules and restrictions – COVID-19: Travel, quarantine and borders

The Government of Canada requires passengers to follow certain rules and has set certain restrictions when travelling during the pandemic. Consult the Government of Canada’s rules and restrictions to find out more on the following:

  • Travel restrictions in Canada;
  • Planning your entry to Canada;
  • Requirements for travellers;
  • Leaving and while outside Canada; and
  • Other COVID-19 impacts on travel.

For more information on the pandemic, consult the Government of Canada’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update.

Airlines’ Responsibilities

During this pandemic period, airlines must continue to follow the rules set by the CTA in the Air Passenger Protection Regulations that cover flights to, from and within Canada, including connecting flights.

Under the Canada Transportation Act and the Air Transportation Regulations, airlines must also follow the rules set out in the terms and conditions listed in their tariff, which is the contract between the airline and passengers when they buy a ticket.

Travel tips for passengers

Passengers are responsible for their travel, including having the necessary documentation.

Passengers are also responsible for complying with government directives or other requirements prior to and during their travel and where they land – whether their travel is within, to Canada, or from Canada to another destination.

Take the time to review an airline’s tariff – the terms and conditions of travel – in advance of booking your trip. Airline tariffs generally provide that they must follow government directives. Government directives to airlines can change – for example, due to rapidly evolving health risks – and this could impact your travel and what’s required of you at destination.

As well, airline tariffs may include a general clause to the effect that passengers must comply with government directives, and failure to do so may be grounds for the airline to refuse transport to passengers.

CTA’s Role

The CTA has a consumer protection mandate for passengers.

If a passenger feels that the airline has not respected the terms and conditions of its tariff – or if that tariff is unreasonable – they can file a complaint with the CTA. Each case will be decided on its merits.

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