What treaty primarily governs the legal relationship between airlines and international passengers?

The Montreal Convention is the treaty that primarily governs the legal relationship between airlines and international passengers. It was established to create a comprehensive legal framework regarding the liability of air carriers in the event of accidents, delays, and baggage issues, thus modernizing and consolidating the provisions set forth in previous agreements.

One key aspect of the Montreal Convention is that it provides a uniform system of compensation for passengers, thereby simplifying the process for claims related to death or injury, as well as delays and damage to luggage. This structure is crucial in promoting passenger rights and ensuring that there are clear legal standards that can be referenced when disputes arise between airlines and passengers.

Furthermore, the Montreal Convention applies specifically to international carriage of persons, baggage, and cargo, which makes it particularly relevant in the context of international travel. It also addresses the issues of liability limits and provides carriers with defenses against liability under certain circumstances, striking a balance between the interests of passengers and airlines.

In contrast, other treaties like the Chicago Convention focus more broadly on international civil aviation standards rather than specific passenger issues, while the Geneva Convention and the Hague Protocol address different areas of law that are not directly related to air travel.