Air Canada sues passenger over luggage payout

Air Canada is challenging a ruling by the Canadian Transportation Agency that ordered the airline to compensate a passenger $2,079 for delayed luggage on a 2022 flight from Toronto to Vancouver.

Initial reports indicate that Alaa Tannous, the passenger, was served court documents at his Toronto home on Christmas Eve, 2024, informing him that the airline was appealing the decision. He reportedly expressed frustration, questioning why Air Canada would pursue legal action over the claim instead of issuing the payment.

According to court filings, an Air Canada employee advised Tannous and his wife that their suitcase could not be located and that they should purchase necessary replacements.

Believing the luggage was lost, the couple bought toiletries, clothing and other essentials. After submitting receipts totalling $3,435, Air Canada reportedly offered only $250.

When Tannous rejected the offer and filed a complaint, the CTA ruled in his favour.

However, Air Canada has reportedly argued that the CTA misinterpreted regulations, maintaining that the luggage was not lost but temporarily missing, as it was delivered to the couple’s hotel the following day.

The airline also disputes certain expenses, including a pair of running shoes bought later that day and a $1,310 monogrammed suitcase were reportedly purchased two days after the original luggage was returned.

This is the fourth CTA ruling challenged by an airline in court in 2024. Air Canada is also contesting a similar $2,000 compensation order awarded to B.C. passengers Andrew and Anna Dyczkowski.

Air Canada has not directly commented on the case, though it has stated in court filings that it will not seek legal costs from Tannous if the appeal is successful.

According to its website, the CTA, which is not part of the case, states that government agency decisions can be challenged in court as part of Canada’s legal system.

Despite the legal battle, Tannous has indicated he will not hire a lawyer, believing it would not be worth the expense. Instead, he has reportedly spoken out in hopes of bringing attention to the issue and advocating for change.