Thursday, March 29, 2012

MEPs set to back calls for improved air passenger rights


This vote is an important step
Keith Taylor

Parliament is this week expected to back calls for 'beefed up' rights for air passengers.

According to insiders, the mini plenary in Brussels on Thursday will almost certainly endorse a report calling for more EU action to strengthen the rights of airline travellers.

The report, which has already been adopted by a big majority by the transport committee, has been drafted by Green party member Keith Taylor, who is parliament's rapporteur on the rights issue.

Speaking ahead of the vote, the British deputy said, "While EU legislation has already gone some way towards improving the rights of air passengers, more needs to be done to get them a fair deal and to ensure broader rights for all travellers.

"This vote is an important step to this end, with MEPs expected to call on the commission to come forward with further measures in key areas.

"My report calls for improved rules regarding assistance and reimbursement for delays and cancellations, including for luggage delays.

"In spite of existing EU legislation, online flight sales continue to fall short in terms of delivering transparent pricing. My report calls for the commission to do more to enforce current EU rules.

"The report also includes proposals for addressing some of the problems faced by persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, with a view to ensuring barrier-free access to air transport.

"Crucially, from a Green perspective, the report also calls for better information on the environmental performance and impact of air journeys."

Taylor added, "Given the enormous environmental impact of flying, this would help passengers make a more informed choice."

Taylor will highlight some of proposals in greater detail at a briefing on Thursday.

He said these include issues such as assistance and reimbursement for delays and cancellations, proposals for addressing some of the problems faced by persons with disabilities and better information on environmental performance.

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