Considering that it significantly improves the protection of travellers with disabilities, the European Disability Forum (EDF) welcomed on Wednesday 17 June the provisional agreement concluded on 15 June (see EUROPE 13888/10) between the European Union’s co-legislators on revising the EU rules on air passenger rights.
Indeed, whereas the current rules cap airline liability at approximately €3,000, the text notably provides for these companies to fully cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged mobility equipment.
The revision also introduces a right to free temporary replacement equipment, compensation and rerouting when assistance is lacking and results in a missed flight, as well as the option to sit together with an accompanying person at no additional cost.
While noting that nearly seven in 10 people with disabilities report experiencing discrimination when they fly, the EDF nevertheless regrets the lack of an explicit ban on denied boarding based on disability and the absence of mutual recognition of assistance dogs across the European Union. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)