Exposing hidden wedding markups: CBC's Marketplace consumer cheat sheet

Miss something this week? Here's the consumer news you need to know.

Also, when is an airplane seat not a seat and can you claim your cat as a dependant?

CBC News Posted: Apr 09, 2017 9:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: April 9, 2017

Janelle and Chad Rimell tried to keep costs down for their wedding last fall in Vernon, B.C., but the final tally was $15,000, almost double their budgeted amount. (Janelle Rimell)

Miss something this week? Here's the consumer news you need to know from CBC's Marketplace.

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Ticket? Check. Seat? Not so much

Shannon Washburn-Hayden is angry she was downgraded to standby on an Air Canada flight despite paying regular fare and checking in with Air Canada two hours before her flight. (Shannon Washburn-Hayden)

"If I'm not paying for a seat, what am I paying for?"

This woman bought her plane ticket, at regular fare, months ahead of time. So naturally, she expected a seat on that flight. Nope.

When she showed up at the airport, she was put on standby. The airline said that checking in ahead of timecan help "avoid any seating issues." Noted.

Tax tip: No, you can't claim your cat as a dependant

Lisa Gittens, a Toronto-based tax professional with H&R Block, says a woman came to her office last year, trying to claim her cat as a dependant and bringing in all her receipts for food and vet bills. (Mindaugas Kulbis/Associated Press)

It's tax season, a time when some people get a little ... creative.

Sohere are some outrageous expenses that some tax pros have encountered, including a client's kitty costs.

"It was like, 'Yes, I understand you give love and support to this cat, but Revenue Canada's criteria for a dependant is quite different."

New Air Miles rules

As a security measure, Air Miles is now imposing a daily limit on the amount of points people can use to get in-store rewards. (Air Miles)

After thievesmanaged to steal some collectors' miles,Air Miles has new rules around using those cash miles.

The new rules are about beefing up security, but some collectors may be miffed: There's now a daily spending cap of $50 per account, and you can't get gift cards.Here's what you need to know.

This week in recalls

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says Robin Hood brand All Purpose Flour has been recalled. (CFIA)

That Robin Hood flour recall is now nationwide,these Ford pickups may roll away when parked,these sundaes may contain Listeria,these kids' charms contain lead,these bikes may fall apart, andthis nailer could be, well, dangerous.

What else is going on?

Canada's top doc says if you're travelling,you really need to make sure your measles shot is up to date.

A British banking consultant saysCanadian banks should scrap employee sales targets because they're "forcing staff to sell things."

And Loblaw announcedit will cover employees for medical marijuana, though there are some pretty big limitations on coverage.

Are you charged more when you wed?

In the Marketplace spot check, four limousine companies quoted higher prices for a trip when it was for a wedding. (Getty Images)

The wedding business is a $5 billion industry in Canada. But are you being upsold, surcharged, and possibly ripped off just because you're a bride or a groom?

We find out if venues, florists, and limousine companies quote more for a wedding than for an anniversary party.

This week is our season finale.But we're getting started on next season, sosend us your ideas about what we should investigate next at marketplace@cbc.ca.

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