INTERLINE BAGGAGE RULES FOR CANADA
July 15, 2014
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has decided to align its baggage policy for interline carriers with current rules in place in the U.S., particularly DOT regulation 14 C.F.R. 399.87. In so doing, the CTA has decided that for international itineraries involving multiple air carriers to and from Canada that are purchased on a single ticket issued on or after October 1, 2014, carriers should:
- Apply a single set of baggage rules to the entire itinerary; and
- Disclose the applicable rules on the itinerary receipt or e-ticket.
The carrier whose designator code is identified on the first flight segment of the interline ticket (i.e., the selecting carrier) can apply either its own baggage rules to the entire itinerary or use IATA’s “most significant carrier” approach to determine which rules apply. Regardless of what the selecting carrier decides, the same baggage rules must be applied throughout the entire itinerary.
The applicable carrier’s baggage rules (allowances for the first and second checked bags and carry-on baggage) should be disclosed on the passenger’s ticket and a comprehensive summary of all the carrier’s baggage rules should be available on the carrier’s website.
Carriers whose automated systems are compliant with 14 C.F.R. 399.87 regarding interline baggage to/from the U.S. and that use the same policy for interline baggage to/from Canada should find themselves in full compliance. Carriers must also clearly state in tariffs their policies respecting interline baggage and file revised tariffs with the CTA as applicable. If you have questions or require assistance in ensuring compliance with Canada’s interline baggage rules, please let us know.