Delta's Big Offer After Toronto Plane Incident

On February 17, a Delta Air Lines flight took a dramatic turn during landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The plane, a CRJ900 twin-jet, flipped over after a rough landing. All 80 people on board, including four crew members, survived, but 21 passengers were taken to the hospital. The incident was captured on video, showing the plane's rear landing gear collapsing and the right wing breaking off in a fireball. Strong winds were reported throughout the day in Toronto. Delta Air Lines has stepped up to offer $30, 000 to each passenger on board. If all passengers accept the offer, the total payout will be around $2. 3 million. The airline has assured passengers that this offer comes with no strings attached and won't affect their legal rights. This move by Delta is seen as a public relations gesture to help passengers who might need immediate financial assistance. The plane was arriving from Minneapolis and operated by Delta's subsidiary, Endeavor Air. The incident has raised questions about how and when passengers will receive the compensation. Legal experts suggest that passengers who accept Delta’s payment should receive the money shortly after agreeing to it. The Montreal Convention, an international treaty, covers cases like this one. It allows passengers injured on international flights to be compensated up to $200, 000, even if the airline wasn't negligent. If the airline is found to be at fault, the compensation can exceed this amount. Passengers have two years to file a lawsuit under this treaty. Despite Delta's generous offer, some passengers might still consider legal action. They could seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and mental health issues that might prevent them from returning to work. Most cases are expected to be resolved outside of court within 12 to 18 months. The incident highlights the importance of safety measures and the potential risks involved in air travel. It also shows how airlines handle such situations and the legal protections available to passengers. The offer by Delta is a reminder that while air travel is generally safe, unexpected events can occur, and passengers have rights and options for compensation.