Gabor Lukacs filed a complaint with the agency over the airline's policy of not being responsible for delayed or damaged baggage.

In a decision brought down in mid-May, the agency said Air Canada's rules violate both international conventions and Canadian law, and must be changed within 90 days.

Lukacs, 26, an assistant professor of mathematics at the University of Manitoba, says the ruling is important because it tells the airlines they are not above the law.

He also says cost reduction in the airline industry has led to a major consumer crisis, and passengers should organize and make their voices heard.

Air Canada spokeswoman Isabelle Arthur says the airline is currently reviewing the ruling and is not in a position to offer comment.