General Meeting European Parliament This Wednesday, it approved a critical, though non-binding, decision regarding the “different policies and restrictions” imposed by airlines. hand luggage on planesAccording to the decision of the EU Court of Justice nine years ago, it should be considered “an indispensable element”.price reinforcement“. The text had already received the unanimous approval of the petition committee two weeks ago.
The resolution calls for harmonization at European level of the following requirements: size, weight and type There is checked luggage as well as hand luggage for all airlines operating in the European Union; because this will increase transparency and consumer protection for all air passengers. They also demand that the European Commission present concrete strategic measures for the implementation of the CJEU decision.
MEPs want to define scope and specific requirements of “reasonable” weight and dimensions Addressing the issue of hand luggage and eliminating the complexity of the rules by revising the existing regulations. Within the framework of this legislative review, which the European Commission has already initiated, the plenary session requests the Community Administration to address other areas that are unclear and cause problems. hidden and additional costsaspect seating assignment or the complexity of airline offers in relation to baggage policies that “throttle” passengers’ ability to compare offers and limit their ability to choose the best offer.
The proposal is not binding; This means it will not have any direct impact in the short term, but it does represent an impact. call for attention to the issue The European Commission will review existing legislation with the aim of improving the protection and information of air passengers, strengthening their rights and ensuring that airlines operate under harmonious conditions in a liberalized market.
MEPs think different airlines’ inconsistent policies on carry-on baggage allowances “could be considered a problem”. abusive or unfair practice”, as well as a hassle for passengers who often fly with several airlines or have connecting flights with different airlines. pricing freedom The hand luggage prices recognized for airlines are not included in the regulation adopted in 2008, which sets common standards for the operation of air services.
According to a decision Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) 2014 – of a case brought against vueling– hand luggage should be considered an “indispensable element” of passenger transport, provided that the luggage in question meets “reasonable requirements” in terms of its weight and dimensions and its carriage is therefore not subject to any restrictions. surcharge on price. In other words, airlines should not charge for hand luggage carried in the cabin.
Each airline has its own rules. Baggage allowance size and fees they sometimes request “optional and arbitrary” from passengers. Additionally, if there is a change of airline on the same trip, baggage allowance sizes may be different. All of this leads to “confusion, inconvenience, less comfortable travel experiences, delays, and sometimes conflicts between passengers and airline staff,” the unanimously approved decision condemned. petition committee The European Parliament passed the decision two weeks ago and it will be decided at its plenary session this Wednesday.