Brussels, 30/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - In the middle of this summer period, Transport Commissioner Antonio Tajani sets out the main rights and obligations of European passengers according to the European body of law. This “EU top ten for passengers”, presented by Mr Tajani on Thursday 30 July, will be updated twice a year, in summer and winter, to inform European citizens of what they can do and how they should react if they are to face up to difficulties encountered during their travels. The list applies in particular to air passengers and drivers. Those who travel by sea or overland will have to wait for the legislative process to come to an end later this year. At this stage, the “top 10” of duties and rights is as follows: - For all road accidents, dial 112. This number can be called free of charge to reach emergency services throughout the EU, from fixed or mobile phones, allowing accident victims to be located rapidly; - Do not drink drive. The commissioner pointed out that drink and driving do not go together. He said road safety is the priority of his mandate. According to the January 2001 recommendation, maximum blood alcohol content should not exceed 0.5 mg/ml for all drivers and 0.2 mg/ml for new and professional drivers. The same standards do not apply everywhere in Europe, member states preferring to regulate at national level (see EUROPE 9644). For example, in Romania, Hungary and Slovakia, no alcohol content is tolerated whereas in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Malta, the authorities allow 0.8 mg/ml in a driver's blood. - Consult the black list of airlines banished by the EU before buying your air ticket. This applies especially if you are travelling outside Europe. Mr Tajani said that aircraft on the black list do not meet minimum safety requirements. He then reiterated that this concept, applied in Europe for the past four years, should become worldwide. - Take only a small amount of liquid substances in your luggage on board aircraft. For security reasons, European legislation in force only authorises a maximum of 100 ml per container with a total per person of one litre in liquid (this includes creams, gels, toothpaste, sprays and perfumes) bought before the check points. Liquids must be contained in an individual recipient and placed in a sealable transparent plastic bag. Exceptions are authorised for medicines and baby products required during the trip. No restriction is imposed on liquids bought within control areas. - Request reimbursement or alternative route if flights are cancelled without warning or boarding is refused. Airlines are under an obligation to either reimburse the part of the journey that has not been made or to carry the passenger to his/her final destination. When a flight is cancelled without warning, the passenger is entitled to compensation depending on the length of the journey, between €125 and €600 (except in exceptional circumstances), and to compulsory assistance including meal, hotel accommodation and transport to and from the aircraft. If dissatisfied with the company, the passenger is entitled to submit a complaint with the relevant national organisation. A further information campaign will soon be launched to inform passengers of their rights in the event of refused boarding or flight cancellation as well as in the event of lost luggage. The Commission will report in 2010 on application of these rights. - Request reimbursement if luggage is lost or damaged. The current legislation provides for damage of up to €1100. This is valid for all checked baggage unless the luggage was already damaged, but not because of the airline. For baggage not checked in, the compensation is solely if it can be proven that the carrier is to blame. Compensation is also provided if luggage is destroyed after being lost, unless the carrier has already taken measures to avoid damage or has been prevented from doing so. In the event of damaged luggage, the passenger should complain to the airline within seven days and in the case of delay within 21 days from the moment when the baggage was placed at the passenger's disposal. - Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by suspicions that you are carrying the H1N1 virus. The airline does not have the right to refuse boarding unless the decision is taken by a sanitary authority or a doctor's certificate has been issued. You may call for assistance and ask for reimbursement, financial compensation or an alternative flight. - Disabled persons and passengers with reduced mobility have the right to assistance free of charge before and during the journey on condition that the airline or tour operator is notified of their needs at least 48 hours before the journey. From 3 December, the same principle will be guaranteed to passengers boarding trains. During online reservation of tickets the definitive price of a ticket must be clearly indicated on the first page consulted. Even when buying an all-inclusive ticket, the tour operator must clearly state the comprehensive price and give all appropriate information: - the destination and the means of transport used, the kind of accommodation and meals served, the itinerary, information on the passport and/or visa requirements, and the percentage of down payment that must be made as well as cancellation conditions. Any further information may be found on EuropeDirect. Each citizen may also raise the question or file a complaint via the emergency email address of the commissioner's private office (cab-tajani-webpage@ec.europa.eu). (A.By./transl.jl)