No more ‘One Person, One Fare’ : Kathika Travel Website

In a ruling that overthrows previous airline policies, Canada-based carriers are required to eliminate their “one person, one fare” policies.

From now on, if clinically obese or disabled travelers require transportation attendants or more than one airline seat, Canadian airlines are no longer allowed to charge them extra, says the Canadian Transportation Authority. Within the next calendar year, Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz, and WestJet will be required to enact this new policy.

The reason for the ruling is simple: after The Council of Canadians with Disabilities and two individuals filed a complain in 2002, it was ruled that it is discriminatory for a carrier to charge double fares. But this new policy will affect the airlines: Air Canada is estimated to lose $6.93 million per year and WestJet $1.48 million.

However, it was decided that these losses are far easier for the airline to absorb than the travel-limiting double-fare policy that has previously been placed on disabled or obese individuals. Says Jadrino Hout, spokesman for The Council of Canadians with Disabilities, “It’s not a personal preference (of the traveler). It’s not a matter of discomfort. It’s a matter of need.”

With this ruling, things could change in other industries as well. Buses, trains and ferries have long had a “one person, one fare” policy in place.