Sample Tariff – Notice to readers

Sample Tariff — containing rules applicable to scheduled services for the transportation of passengers and their baggage between points in Canada and points inside and outside Canada

Purpose of the Sample Tariff

The Sample Tariff is a tool to assist air carriers in meeting their regulatory obligations, to simplify the language used in tariffs, to convey terms and conditions of carriage and to help readers find information.

Other sample tariffs for airlines.

Working tools for airlines

• Microsoft Word document – with colour highlights - effective December 6, 2022 : (DOCX: 1.1 mb)
  • Sample tariff text that reflects legal obligations arising from the APPR, ATPDR, ATR or Canada Transportation Act.
  • Sample tariff text that has been updated to reflect the Regulations Amending the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (refund amendments effective September 8, 2022).
  • Existing sample tariff text that has been updated or modified, often to reflect the provisions of other statutes, regulations and instruments, or Agency jurisprudence, codes of practice, and guidance material, but is not required by the APPR, ATPDR, ATR or Canada Transportation Act.
  • Sample tariff text where carriers are to insert information in their own tariff, or a note to carrier where the Agency is providing further direction or guidance.
• Pdf – with colour highlights - effective December 6, 2022 (PDF: 2.4 mb)
• Microsoft Word document - with no colour highlights - effective December 6, 2022 (DOCX: 1.04 mb)
• HTML Web code - effective December 6, 2022 (TXT: 372 KB)

Note: The Sample Tariff and the working tools for airlines are for general guidance purposes only. Air carriers are responsible for compliance with legislation and regulations, including those related to air passenger protection and accessibility. Please read the disclaimer below for more information.

Tariffs

The Canada Transportation Act (CTA) and the Air Transportation Regulations (ATR) require air carriers offering domestic or international air services to have a tariff in place and to adhere to it.

A tariff sets out an individual air carrier’s fares, rates, charges and terms and conditions of carriage and constitutes the contract of carriage between the passenger and the carrier. Tariff provisions are enforceable by the Agency.

Carriers should ensure that their tariffs meet their operational needs and are in accordance with the legislation and regulations in place including the provisions of the CTA, the ATR, the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), the Regulations Amending the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR) as well as any applicable Agency decisions.

This Sample Tariff includes the obligations of carriers in respect of the APPR and ATPDR.

Read more information about related requirements on Airline tariffs – requirements.

Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR)

The APPR provide clear and consistent air passenger rights by imposing certain minimum requirements on carrier flights, including standards of treatment and, in some situations, compensation for passengers. The APPR and the Regulations Amending the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, applies to flights to, from and within Canada, including connecting flights.

Pursuant to the CTA, the carrier's obligations under the provisions of the APPR and the Regulations Amending the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, are deemed to form part of the terms and conditions set out in the carrier's tariff, unless carriers provide more advantageous terms and conditions.

Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR)

The ATPDR help to protect the fundamental right of persons with disabilities to accessible transportation services by providing a set of clear, consistent accessibility requirements for all types of federally-regulated transportation. These comprehensive new regulations build on two older regulations, six codes as well as best practices in Canada and around the world.

The ATPDR provide a set of clear, consistent, specific and legally binding accessibility requirements for many transportation service providers. The ATPDR apply to large carriers and terminals in modes of transport under federal jurisdiction.

Carriers should also note that nothing in the ATPDR, nor in this Sample Tariff, limits a carrier's duty to accommodate persons with disabilities under the Canadian Human Rights Act or any other Act of Parliament.

Disclaimer

Air carriers are responsible for compliance with legislation and regulations. The Sample Tariff, including the explanations and information it provides, is for general guidance purposes only. Air carriers' obligations are set out in legislations and regulations, including the CTA, ATR, APPR, the Regulations Amending the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, and the ATPDR. Certain obligations may also arise as a result of human rights jurisprudence. The Agency is not responsible for any error, omission or discrepancy in its Sample Tariff. In case of differences between the Sample Tariff and the legislation, regulations and jurisprudence, the legislation, regulations and jurisprudence will prevail. If a carrier chooses to adopt the Sample Tariff as its own, in whole or in part, its tariff provisions can still be subject to Agency review. The Agency, upon investigating a complaint or on its own motion, could find a carrier’s tariff provision to be unreasonable and require a carrier to amend its tariff accordingly.

Carriers are also responsible for ensuring that their tariff meets their obligations related to air passenger protection set out in the CTA, ATR and APPR and the accessibility requirements identified in the ATDPR.