Canadá

Canada possesses one of the most extensive aviation systems in the world due to its vast geographical reach. The sector is regulated by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), an independent administrative tribunal that ensures compliance with transportation standards. The primary legislation governing passenger rights is the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which was strengthened in 2023-2024 to provide greater transparency and financial compensation. Canadian aviation is primarily operated by carriers such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines, under the strategic oversight of Transport Canada.

The APPR establishes compensation based on the size of the airline (Large or Small) and the duration of the delay.

• Delays and Cancellations: If the delay is avoidable and within the airline's control, compensation ranges from $400 (3-6h), $700 (6-9h) to $1,000 (more than 9h).
• Assistance: For delays exceeding 2 hours, the airline must provide food and communication services. If the delay requires an overnight stay, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transportation, regardless of the cause (even in situations outside their control, such as weather).
• Denied Boarding (Bumping): If involuntary, the passenger is entitled to immediate compensation, the amount of which depends on the arrival time at the final destination, ranging from $900 to $2,400 CAD.
• Refunds: In the event of a cancellation where rebooking does not occur within 48 hours, the passenger is entitled to a full refund of the unused portion of the ticket.

There is no federal law mandating free checked baggage; this is a commercial aspect defined by the specific fare purchased.

• Carry-on Baggage: Airlines must clearly publish their policies. Generally, one personal item and one standard carry-on bag are permitted.
• Damaged/Lost Baggage: Canada follows the Montreal Convention. The liability limit for lost or damaged baggage on international and domestic flights is approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per passenger. Claims must be submitted in writing immediately after the issue is discovered.

The entry of animals (dogs and cats) is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

• Vaccination: It is mandatory to present a rabies vaccination certificate, issued in English or French, containing the animal's description, vaccination date, and the vaccine manufacturer/serial number.
• Microchip: Although not mandatory for domestic dogs, it is highly recommended for identification purposes.
• Inspection: Animals are subject to border inspection for a fee. Service dogs (trained) have specific exemptions and must be notified in advance.

• Unaccompanied Minors: Each airline has its own policy (generally allowing children from age 8, with additional fees). Completing the *Unaccompanied Minor* form is mandatory.
• Travel Authorization: While not legally required for domestic flights, the Canadian government strongly recommends that minors under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent carry a notarized "Consent Letter," detailing the parents' information and travel authorization to avoid issues at immigration.

Canada is a signatory to the *Accessible Canada Act*.

• Assistance: Persons with reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance at terminals and on aircraft (boarding, deplaning, and wheelchair assistance).
• Attendants: If a person cannot travel alone for health reasons, the airline must allow the passenger to travel with an assistant. In certain cases of severe medical necessity, the assistant may travel at a discount or be exempt from the fare (refer to specific airline policies).

• eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Visa-exempt visitors (including citizens of many European countries) must obtain an eTA before boarding.
• Visitor Visas: Visitors from countries that are not visa-exempt must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
• Passport: Must be valid for the entire duration of the intended stay.
• ArriveCAN: Although its mandatory use has been relaxed, the government encourages the use of the ArriveCAN app for customs and immigration declarations (Advance CBSA Declaration), which speeds up the process at major airports.

• Canadian Transportation Agency (Passenger Rights): https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/air-passenger-protection-regulations
• Transport Canada (Aviation Rules): https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation
• Government of Canada (Visas and eTA): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Pets): https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/pets
• Consent Letter for Minors: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter