WestJet, Air Transat Passengers Challenge Airlines Over Filming Restrictions

Recent incidents involving WestJet and Air Transat have sparked controversy as passengers challenge the airlines over restrictions on recording interactions with staff. Two families alleged confrontations where airline employees instructed them to delete recordings, raising questions about passenger rights and legal protections.

WestJet Incident Details

In August 2023, Jason Huang and his family were at Edmonton International Airport ready to return to Toronto after a trip that included visits to Banff and Jasper. After attempting to check in, they were issued new boarding passes for a later flight due to a last-minute aircraft downsizing.

Huang decided to record the interaction after receiving unclear explanations from the staff. A WestJet agent responded aggressively, asserting that recording was prohibited and threatening to call the police if Huang did not stop. After escalating tensions, the agent confiscated Huang’s phone and destroyed the family’s boarding passes. This incident left Huang in disbelief, as he never expected such treatment in Canada.

Legal Insights

According to Tamir Israel, a lawyer with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), recording conversations is legal in Canada under “one-party consent” rules, where at least one participant consents to the recording. These recordings can be critical in validating claims and defending passenger rights.

Air Transat’s Similar Situation

Another case unfolded in March 2024 involving Midhun Haridas and his wife, Parvathy Radhakrishnan Nair. While trying to return from Punta Cana International Airport to Toronto, they faced confusion during check-in. An Air Transat boarding manager informed them they were in the wrong location, leading to an argument where the agent demanded Haridas delete video recordings taken during the dispute.

Despite pleas to be allowed on their flight, the couple was ultimately denied boarding unless they signed a document stating they had been disruptive, which they refused to do. The couple later discovered they could file a claim against the airline and successfully secured $7,000 in compensation after presenting their recorded evidence in court.

Airlines’ Responses

WestJet issued an apology for the incident but refused to provide detailed follow-up information. Air Transat also expressed regret regarding the Haridas case and stated that the individual involved was no longer employed in that role.

Conclusion

These incidents highlight a concerning trend in air travel regarding passengers’ rights to record interactions with airline staff. Legal experts emphasize that the ability to document such encounters is vital, especially as passenger disputes are likely to rise during busy travel seasons. This underscores the need for enhanced training for airline employees to ensure they respect the rights of travelers and maintain transparency in their operations.

• WestJet passengers were threatened with denial of boarding for recording interactions.
• Air Transat passengers faced similar demands during a check-in dispute.
• Legal experts affirm the right to record interactions under Canadian law.
• Airlines have acknowledged the incidents but have not clarified internal actions.