As the main holiday season nears its end, Labour MEP Glenis Willmott is calling on European bosses to take more action to protect holidaymakers and others using cheap flights.

The East Midlands Euro MP, back in Brussels for the start of the new parliamentary session, is calling for a clear set of guidelines to prevent airlines ripping off passengers with hidden charges.

She said. “We all know the huge benefits which cheap flights can offer millions of British people.    Air travel across the European Union has never been so cheap and accessible.”

“However, some airlines are still ripping passengers off with a number of extra costs which are hidden; such as charges for paying by credit or debit card, or substantial payments for excess baggage.”

“We need far more transparency so consumers can make real price comparisons to get the best deal.   So I am calling on the European Commission to produce a clear and comprehensive set of guidelines for airlines operating within the European Union”

“If airlines argue that such charges are legitimate, they should make customers aware at the time of booking so they can see the true total cost of the transaction and make real price comparisons.”

1st September 2009
 

Background  

Laws previously passed by the European Parliament have ensured greater protection for passengers with compensation for loss of luggage, long delays or cancellations, as well as better protection for people with reduced mobility, and those on package holidays.

However, hidden costs can include such things as charges by some airlines for excess baggage – charging up to £15 per kilo of excess baggage.

Other costs involve airlines making charges for using debit and/or credit cards to book flights online.  A recent ruling in a German court ruled against excessive handling fees levied on consumers when booking flights on the internet by debit and credit card. : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/5796025/Ryanair-loses-handling-charges-case.html

Glenis has submitted two Written Questions to the European Commission in pursuit of her campaign for greater transparency by airlines regarding costs to the consumer.