B.C. couple sues Air Canada over denied boarding

A couple from British Columbia is suing Air Canada after they were not allowed to board a flight because of expired travel documents. They are seeking over $4,000 to cover flight costs and hotel expenses. JD and RD assert their claim against Air Canada in a civil tribunal. They traveled from Comox, B.C., to London in May 2023 and booked return flights for June. However, RD had a valid U.K. passport and an expired Canadian permanent resident card. They argued they had proof of valid residency but did not provide details to the tribunal. When traveling from London to Frankfurt, they boarded without issue, but were denied boarding for the Frankfurt to Vancouver leg. Lufthansa staff rejected RD's expired PR card, resulting in extra hotel costs. The couple eventually rebooked and were allowed on an Air Canada flight the next day. Air Canada stated that it is the passengers' responsibility to have the correct documents. They said the rules for boarding can differ between airlines. The tribunal sided with Air Canada, noting the couple was responsible for ensuring their documentation met the requirements of all airlines involved in their journey. In the end, the tribunal rejected the couple's claim and did not award them any damages.