In a recent landmark ruling, Pilotcenter.net News reported that the Quebec Court of Appeal has ordered Air Canada to pay a staggering $10 million CAD in punitive damages for deceiving passengers with incomplete ticket prices on its website. This decision marks a significant turn of events after an initial dismissal of a class action lawsuit against the airline dating back 15 years for misleading booking prices.

At the center of the controversy was Air Canada's practice of only displaying base fares during the initial booking process, with additional fees and charges revealed later on. This tactic was found to violate Quebec's Consumer Protection Act, which mandates transparent disclosure of the total price upfront to consumers.

Judge Judith Harvie of the Quebec Court of Appeal didn't mince words in her scathing assessment of Air Canada's actions, slamming the airline for its "ignorance and laxity" in assuming it was exempt from provincial regulations due to federal oversight. Harvie emphasized that the company's deliberate actions had adversely impacted a significant number of consumers, prioritizing commercial gain over honesty.

The case initially gained traction in 2010 when a vigilant passenger from Montreal discovered over $124 in hidden fees when booking a flight to Florida. With support from the consumer rights group Union des consommateurs, the passenger took legal action against Air Canada. Despite the airline's argument that no real harm was incurred since the transaction was completed, the Court firmly asserted that a breach of consumer rights implied inherent damages.

In a notable shift, Air Canada acknowledged its violation of the law in the latest court proceedings. The $10 million CAD punitive damages will be distributed among affected passengers who purchased tickets between June 30, 2010, and February 8, 2012, underscoring the importance of transparency and consumer protection in the aviation industry.