New EU mobility law comes into force this week
(22 July 2008)
A new EU law to protect passengers with reduced mobility comes into force this week.
From July 26, agents must notify airlines of clients with reduced mobility at least 48 hours before departure. Agents can contact airlines by phone, email or by filling in a form on the carriers' websites.
The law protects pregnant women, people with broken limbs and elderly travellers with walking difficulties.
If a customer with reduced mobility feels the regulations have not been met, they can complain to the Disability Rights Commission, which can refer the matter to the Civil Aviation Authority. Repeated failure to meet legal requirements could lead to a fine of up to £5,000.
Transport minister Rosie Winterton said: "This is a major step in ensuring that disabled people and those with reduced mobility have the same access to the standards and services that everyone expects when they fly.
"We expect all airlines and airports to maintain these high standards and for strong action to be taken against anyone repeatedly breaking the regulations across Europe."
Winterton will join the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Civil Aviation Authority for a meeting tomorrow at London City Airport to outline the measures.
by Chloe Berman
Travel agents could face £5k fines under new mobility laws
(03 July 2008)
Breach of a new EU law to protect passengers with reduced mobility could leave travel agents facing a hefty fine.
From July 26, agents must notify airlines of clients with reduced mobility - including pregnant women, people with broken limbs and elderly travellers with walking difficulties -at least 48 hours before departure. Agents can contact airlines by phone, email or by filling in a formon the carriers' websites.
If a customer with reduced mobility feels the regulations have not been met, they can complain to the Disability Rights Commission, which can refer the matter to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Repeated failure to meet legal requirements could lead to a fine of up to £5,000.
ABTA head of consumer affairs Keith Richards said: "Some agents will struggle to get used to these new regulations. It is important agents realise the definition of reduced mobility is very wide - it includes people with temporary disabilities.
"Asking customers what mobility needs they have should become part of the everyday booking process. This is also about providing good customer service."
The new law also means airports must provide assistance for disabled passengers free of charge. The cost of providing support will be shared by all passengers.
The first part of the new law, which came into force last year, prohibits agents, tour operators and airlines from refusing a booking because of a disability. The only exemption is a refusal on health and safety grounds.
Meanwhile, ABTA is working with the Department for Transport on a revised voluntary Air Access Code, which is expected to be published this month. The code will outline steps agents, operators and airlines can take to help make their services more accessible to disabled passengers.
Are you prepared for the new regulations? Email travel.weekly@rbi.co.uk
By Chloe Berman
