The new arrangements were approved yesterday, Thursday 5/6, which officially allows airlines to impose charges for them. Although applicable legislation in theory does not allow charges, companies such as Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, Norwegian and Volotea had adopted the practice, resulting in them being imposed on Spain only 179m euros.
The new prediction stipulates that passengers will now have the right to bring only one small personal bag (eg shoulder bag or backpack), as long as it meets specific security criteria – that is, to fit under the seat in front and not exceeds 40x30x15 cm.
For their part, airlines are simply required to clearly inform passengers of the permitted weights and dimensions of the luggage in order to avoid last -minute “surprise” charges.
Exceptions and new rules
The measure is not about Golden Cards holders, Bussiness passengers and those who choose with luggage charges.
Already several airlines are adjusting their programs ahead of the summer season by providing passengers traveling with or without luggage with the appropriate charge. It is recalled that luggage charges start at 15 and can reach up to 60 euros depending on the route. Charges are luggage of over 8 kg.
The position of the Council aims to strengthen and clarify certain existing rights of air transport passengers, along with the introduction of certain new rights.
The right to change itinerary
Airlines should offer passengers change to change as soon as possible, including the possibility of changing itinerary through flights operated by other carriers or alternative modes of transport, where appropriate. In addition, if an airline does not provide a proper change of route within three hours of a break, passengers can arrange their own route change and request a refund of up to 400% of the initial cost of the ticket.
The right to help
The right to help (soft drinks, food, accommodation) is now clearly defined. If an airline does not provide it, passengers can make their own arrangements and refund their money later. In the event of a delay in the runway, passengers will be entitled to minimal assistance and will have to land after 3 hours.
The right to compensation
The Council proposes up -to -date compensation limits due to long delays.
Airlines may not refuse to compensate for “emergency” unless they prove that they have taken all reasonable measures to avoid disorders. Compensation varies depending on the distance: For travel within the EU, there is a compensation of 300 euros for 4+ hours delays. For trips over 3,500 km: 500 euros compensation applies for 6+ hours delays.
The position of the Council also introduces several changes to the rules for cancellations for which passengers can request compensation. Passengers informed of their flight cancellation less than 14 days prior to departure are entitled to compensation. In case of cancellation, the airline must provide passengers forms for completion for compensation. The Council also wants to discourage the widely used “non -appearance” policy. In this context, passengers who are prohibited from boarding a return flight because they did not board the departure flight will be entitled to compensation.
Airlines should comply with stricter information obligations, including information in booking and information on complaints and requests.
Passengers will have up to 6 months to apply or complain to the airline. 14 days from the submission of the request for airlines is introduced to pay compensation or provide a clear and documented response to a passenger.
The position of the Council will now be examined by the European Parliament, which has the potential to approve, modify or reject it.
