Canada

Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Transport Minister Denis Lebel responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Wednesday April 25, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The federal government says advertised airfares for flights originating in Canada must include all relevant fees so the travelling public can easily understand the total cost.

Transport Minister Denis Lebel said Tuesday that advertised prices for the public must include all taxes, fees and other charges so that consumers can clearly see the total cost of an airline ticket, with no hidden fees.

The amendments apply to ads in any media for travel services within or originating in Canada.

Repeat offenders can be fined up to $25,000.

The "all-in" ticket price doesn't need to include fees for optional services or amenities such as in-flight entertainment, meals, beverages and baggage— but the price of the options must be displayed with taxes included.

Excluded from the new regulations are flights originating outside Canada, package travel services, loyalty rewards programs and charter services booked through corporate travel offices.

"We are protecting Canadian air travellers by helping them see, clearly and up front, the full cost of air tickets, so they can make informed travel choices," Lebel said.

"In addition to benefiting consumers by ensuring transparent advertising, these regulations will promote fair competition between all advertisers."