Traveling by plane within the European Union (EU) may change soon, with new rules that promise to change what passengers can take with them at no additional costs. The legislative proposal was approved by the EU council, but is far from consensual.
The proposal provides for the differentiation between two types of hand baggage on the plane: one free, which fits under the seat, and another, larger, which will result in additional cost. This distinction aims to standardize the criteria between airlines, but has generated discomfort in several Member States.
Portugal among the countries that voted against
Portugal, Spain, Germany and Slovenia were from countries that spoke out against this decision on the EU Council of Transportation Ministers, according to AS. Others, such as Austria and Estonia, abstained. The proposal was promoted by the Rotary Presidency of Poland.
European Parliament will still discuss the proposal
Although it has already been approved on the board, the measure is not yet definitive. It will now have to be analyzed and debated in the European Parliament, where MEPs can propose changes or reject parts of the text.
Regulation also provides for remedials in compensation
The new rules are not limited to the baggage of the plane. It is also at stake for the changes due to passengers in case of flight delays, a point that has caused controversy among countries.
Delay limit for compensation may increase
Currently, passengers may request compensation if the delay is three hours or more. The proposal suggests increasing this limit to four or up to six hours, which will significantly reduce the number of compensation.
Values receivable will be reviewed in low
The compensation values will also be reviewed. For trips over 3,500 kilometers, the compensation will be 300 euros. If the delay exceeds six hours, it may reach 500 euros, a lower value than the current one.
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Low-Cost had already been the target of processes
These changes arise in a context in which several low-cost airlines already face processes for abusive practices, such as the charge for hand luggage. In Spain, the authorities imposed large fines.
Fines aimed at companies with strong presence in Portugal
Among the target companies are Ryanair, Vueling and Easyjet. According to the same source, the Spanish government filed lawsuits over a year ago, culminating in millionaire fines for violation of consumer rights.
Ryanair was the most penalized, with a fine of 107 million euros. In total, low-cost companies were sanctioned in 179 million, a value that shows the severity of the infractions.
Spanish Attorney’s Office agrees with the Executive
The Spanish Public Prosecution Service supported the government’s decision. In March, the national audience prosecution stated that carrier practices violated the law and put consumers at a disadvantage.
Pablo Bustinduy, Spanish Minister of Social Rights, harshly criticized Brussels’ position, classifying new rates as “illegal” and “run over” national consumer protection standards, according to.
Despite the fines, the companies appealed and the lawsuits remain in court. The final decision may take months, maintaining uncertainty about the future of these practices.
New regulation can change the balance between companies and consumers
Meanwhile, passengers are waiting for clarification. If the proposal is approved, it may guarantee common rules, but also give companies more margin to charge services so far.
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