Brussels, 17/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - MEPs are calling on the European Commission to put into order the scarcely transparent practices of air companies on the single piece of baggage rule. The Commission remains cautious and is not committing itself unduly, despite constant appeals from MEPs. Three reports adopted in 2012 have already dealt with the subject.
During a plenary debate, the chair of the European Parliament's transport and tourism committee, Brian Simpson (S&D, UK), questioned the Commission about the excessive restrictions and multiple taxes imposed by air companies on hand baggage. “I understand that the baggage must respond to the dimensions, but my concern is that some companies are billing you for everything, and others not. I call on the Commission to take action on this issue in order to work in the greatest transparency. Passengers have the impression that they are sheep that are being fleeced!” Airport purchases made before boarding, which are sometimes charged as a second piece of baggage, particularly concern MEPs, who consider that these practices are also harmful to the commercial viability of airport shops. In the view of Georges Bach (EPP, Luxembourg) it is also “unacceptable that the criteria for hand baggage can vary from one company to another, and all the more so for passengers travelling with different companies”.
Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht, who was present at the debate, said that the variable geometry restrictions reflected the diversity of a very competitive market. In his opinion, the Commission believes the problem could be regulated satisfactorily by providing information. He is not therefore in favour of a excessive legislation. However, he left the door open by saying that the issue could be dealt with in the revision of arrangements on air passenger rights - a revision that is currently under way (presentation over the course of the next three months).
Philip Bradbourn (ECR, UK) had already raised the issue in a resolution adopted last May (two other reports were also adopted on this subject last year). He regrets the lack of response from the Commission. He counts on the Commission to integrate into the revision of the directive “minimum standards for cabin baggage restrictions, based on information that is easy to understand and easily accessible at the time of purchase and when the ticket price is notified”. (MD/transl.fl)