Brussels, 15/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 15 December, the European Commission kicked off a public consultation exercise with a view to reviewing, and if necessary improving, legislation in force on air passengers' rights (see EUROPE 10016), in particular on the subject of managing complaints (whether or not to harmonise procedures for filing complaints), the carriage of luggage and protection in the event of airline bankruptcy. The Commission survey reviews all the texts relating to air passengers' rights, namely the regulation on the air carrier's responsibility in the case of accident, the regulation establishing common rules for passenger compensation and assistance when boarding is refused, flight cancellation or delay, regulation on the rights of passengers with reduced mobility as well as texts concerning Community air services, the ground-handling market and security measures. The Commission above all suggests reviewing legislation on the transport of luggage and suggests, among other things, minimal compulsory training for ground-handling personnel, greater compensation in the case of delays or damage to luggage, and review of the size and weight of luggage. The Commission also covered the degree of protection provided in the case of bankruptcy on the part of an airline. The new proposals only concern sales of individual tickets. The Commission above all suggests ticket reimbursement (including return ticket) if an airline suffers failure. Consultation is open until 1 March 2010 and publication of the results will continue in spring 2010.
Antonio Tajani presents 12 recommendations for European passengers
Antonio Tajani, European Transport Commissioner, presented a list of 12 recommendations while in Strasbourg the same day. The recommendations set out passengers' rights and obligations currently in force. Mr Tajani announced a European-wide information campaign would be launched to “explain to citizens what their rights are as passengers”. The campaign will end in 2011. As Christmas fast approaches, the commissioner pointed out in particular that passengers travelling by air have the right to call for their ticket to be reimbursed or to ask to be put on another flight if the flight on which they are booked is over 5 hours late, as well as the right to be paid for damages up to €1220 should luggage be damaged. Passengers travelling by train are entitled to reimbursement or transfer, compensation and assistance if the train is cancelled or delayed by over one hour. Compensation for damage to luggage may be up to €1300 and, in the case of serious injury or death, the family involved will benefit from an advance on immediate costs (see EUROPE 10033). The complete list of recommendations as well as all passenger information may be consulted on the Commission's site: http: //ec.europa.eu/transport/passengers/index_en.htm (A.By./transl.jl)