FlightHub reaches $5 million settlement after investigation by Competition Bureau

Photo: The Canadian Press

A plane is silhouetted as it takes off from Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on May 13, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Travel booking company FlightHub Group Inc. reached a $5 million settlement with the Competition Bureau of Canada after an investigation into the company's marketing practices.

The Competition Bureau says FlightHub made millions in revenue from charging hidden fees and misled consumers about the costs and terms associated various services.

The Competition Bureau began a formal investigation into the Montreal-based company in 2018.

Among other practices, FlightHub allegedly increased prices after consumers selected a flight and actively concealed fees it charged for seat selection, the Competition Bureau says.

In addition to the $5 million penalty for FlightHub, two company directors, Matthew Keezer and Nicholas Hart, have agreed to pay penalties of $400,000 each, the agency says.

FlightHub was granted creditor protection by the Quebec Superior Court in May 2020, a factor the Competition Bureau says it took into account in reaching the settlement.