MEPs Vote In Favour Of Streamlining Inconsistent Rules For Airline Hand Luggage
In a resolution on uniform standards for airline carry-on luggage, MEPs are arguing that consistent EU rules on sizing and pricing are needed.
The text, adopted with a show hands, highlights citizens’ concerns about the inconvenience and discomfort caused by inconsistent rules on airline carry-on luggage.
EU legislation on air passenger rights should be revised to offer a solution, the adopted resolution states.
This comes as the European Commission has launched a consultation to review the Air Services Regulation, as stated in its most recent communication on Mobility Strategy.
MEPs are arguing that different airline rules on hand luggage create hidden fees and make it more difficult to compare prices, thus creating an unfair environment for customers. Furthermore, when passengers use different airlines or need to change their plans, inconsistent rules tend to create confusion.
MEPs stressed that when reviewing the current EU Air Services legislation, the Commission should fully implement the relevant ruling by the Court of Justice of the EU.
The Court recently found that airlines should not charge a supplement for hand baggage “on condition that such hand baggage meets reasonable requirements in terms of its weight and dimensions, and complies with applicable security requirements”.
New legislation should also address other hidden costs, for example fees related to seat allocation, argue MEPs.
This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Do you think airline hand-luggage rules need to be more consistent?
READ NEXT: Cervical Cancer Treatment Presented In Malta Saves Future Patients From Having To Travel Abroad
