European Union (EU) legislators have approved a set of new measures that reinforce the rights of passengers in air transport. Among the changes is the right to carry free hand luggage on board, without additional payment, on flights operated in the EU.
Defined limits and dimensions
The approved proposal states that all passengers can take to the cabin, at no extra cost, a personal bag and a hand luggage. The personal bag should have a maximum of 40×15 centimeters and the hand luggage may have up to 100 centimeters and weigh up to 7 pounds, says Euronews.
This measure aims to end the additional charge for hand luggage which, according to the Court of Justice of the European Union, had already been considered unjustified as long as it respected reasonable criteria of safety, weight and size.
Right considered fundamental
According to Matteo Ricci, vice president of the European Parliament Commission of Transport and Tourism, “clearly defined rules for free hand luggage are a key right to avoid unjustified additional costs”, promoting more transparency in the EU air tariffs.
Despite approval, the Airlines for Europe association warned that this measure could lead to higher base tariffs, affecting passengers who normally travel with little or no luggage.
Consumer organizations in action
In recent years, consumer protection groups have requested the investigation of low -cost airlines that have allegedly charge for luggage considered “too large”, even when within the reasonable measures defined by European legislation.
Despite the positive vote, the entry into force of the new rules now depends on negotiations between the European Parliament and the Member States. Only after this process can the changes be applied to all EU countries.
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Changes in the reserve process
The renovation proposal also includes the obligation for airlines to present the total flight price, with all rates included, in the early phase of the reserve. This measure aims to avoid surprises at the end of the process.
In cancellation situations, significant delays or refusal of boarding, passengers must have access to a common form throughout the EU to facilitate reimbursement or compensation requests.
Defined deadlines for reimbursements
Deputies want reimbursement by airlines to be done within seven days if the intermediaries responsible for selling the tickets do not meet the 14 -day period.
The proposal also provides for additional measures to support passengers with reduced mobility, including the right to travel with a free companion and compensation for damage to equipment or assistance animals, explains.
Guaranteed seats for children
A clause that requires children under 12 years to be sitting next to the adult accompanying them, at no additional costs, was also approved.
The new rules also require ticket intermediaries to clearly inform passengers about any service committees or intermediation fees at the time of purchase, the same source reports.
Role of the defined intermediaries
The intermediaries are responsible for informing and dealing with reimbursements within the legal deadlines. If they fail, the carrier must assume this obligation directly.
The new free hand luggage rules are part of a broader approach to the European Commission to reinforce passenger rights and ensure fairer conditions in the air transport sector.
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