ADVERTISEMENTThe proposals to allow the charge of air luggage air luggage passengers were lit in green by the EU transport ministers Thursday as part of the broader reforms of the EU air passengers, despite the resistance of Germany, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.
As Euronews reported, the proposal would create a new article with free -free luggage, which can be slipped under the siege, leaving other stored cabin bags exposed to loads.
The agreed proposals would mean that airlines must re -enhance passengers in the first opportunity, including through other carriers or modes of transport, if applicable.
If the reaches are not offered within three hours, passengers can reserve their own trip and claim up to 400% of the original cost in reimbursement.
Delays of more than four hours on short and intra-element (less than 3,500 km) will trigger € 300 in compensation.
Long-haul flights (over 3,500 km) will justify € 500 after six hours late.
Airlines would no longer be authorized to invoke “extraordinary circumstances” unless they prove that all reasonable measures have been taken to avoid disturbances. Airlines would also be explicitly necessary to provide food, drinks and accommodation during delays. If they don’t, passengers can organize them themselves and claim the costs.
To strengthen the application, the rules require stricter information requirements. Airlines must clearly inform passengers of their rights to the reservation and during the treatment of complaints.
New deadlines are planned: passengers would have up to six months to submit a complaint and airlines must respond within 14 days.
“The position has finally adopted responses to an urgent call today by air passengers and airlines for up -to -date, clearer and simpler rules,” Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure in Poland, told journalists, whose country holds the presidency of the European Council.
“The revised rules will bring more than 30 new rights to air passengers, applicable from the moment they buy a ticket, until they arrive at their destination, and in some cases even beyond. This is a historic stage because an agreement could not have been reached in the past 12 years,” said Klimczak.
Consumer group opposed to cabin luggage proposals
The organization of European consumers Beuc has criticized the position adopted by the Member States, claiming that it “considerably decreases several key rights”.
“Although the agreement has improved certain rights on paper, which gives consumers access to information in the event of disruption, care and assistance, it represents a substantial decline in other key rights,” said Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC, after the vote.
Take compensation for example. The new eligibility thresholds will deprive the majority of passengers in their remuneration rights, as most delays are between two and four hours, “said Reyna.
“Consumer groups have already pointed out that airlines should stop invoicing their hand luggage to passengers by fileing a complaint with consumer protection authorities and the European Commission last May.”
“Such practices are contrary to the EU rules and the EU’s case law, which stipulates that hand luggage is an essential aspect of the passenger car.
Now, it’s the European Parliament Tour to adopt its position on the file. If it does, the text will enter into interinstitutional negotiations with the Member States, the Parliament and the European Commission to find a common position on the new rules.
BEUC deplored the fact that the revision takes place through an accelerated procedure which gives shorter deadlines in Parliament, which will only have the proposal by an absolute majority.
