Air passenger rights in Mexico

Travelers stranded in Mexico are expressing frustration over poor communication and support from airlines. Many are incurring additional costs for food and accommodations while waiting for return flights. Airlines have a legal obligation to transport passengers back to Canada on the next available flight, and if they cannot do so, they must purchase seats on competitor airlines. Passengers who have purchased their own return tickets at inflated prices are entitled to reimbursement from airlines. Airlines may attempt to refuse these claims, but passengers should formally demand reimbursement within 30 days. Additionally, airlines are liable for accommodation costs under the Montreal Convention if they fail to mitigate delays. No loopholes exist that would exempt airlines from their obligations in these situations. The federal government is criticized for not enforcing the law, allowing airlines to evade accountability. In contrast, stricter enforcement in other countries has led to significant penalties for airlines that violate passenger rights. Potential class action lawsuits against airlines are being discussed, particularly in light of past misconduct by companies like WestJet. Legal actions are seen as necessary due to the government's failure to uphold passenger rights effectively. The situation highlights systemic issues within both the airline industry and government oversight.