In a move aimed at strengthening passenger rights and providing easier access to travel information, the Commission of the European Union has adopted a new passenger rights package.
The proposals were adopted today, November 29, and according to the Commission, they will clarify rules on reinstatement as well as provide for smoother journeys, among others.
I welcome the passenger rights package adopted today, which aims to better protect passengers against disruptions during a journey. The new framework will notably provide for smoother journeys, especially those involving different travel services or transport modes.
Currently, the EU has a passenger rights framework covering air, rail, ship, and bus travel. However, passengers often face challenges due to gaps in the rules and shortcomings in implementation.
The proposed revision of the Regulations on Passenger Rights seeks to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and introduce new rules for passengers who booked a flight through intermediaries. This group of people will now have more clarity on who will reimburse them if their flight gets cancelled.
Moreover, the proposal extends protection to passengers who take multimodal journeys, integrating various transport modes in a single trip. Passengers will now have improved information right before and during such journeys, with a focus on minimum connecting time between different transport services.
Changes have been made for passengers with disabilities too. They will receive assistance at connecting points when travelling under a single contract of carriage or through multimodal passenger hubs.
Airlines are also obligated to transport accompanying passengers free of charge and seat them next to the passenger requiring assistance.
In addition to the abovementioned, in line with the new rules, travellers will maintain the right to a refund within 14 days.
Moreover, to prevent excessive financial burdens for travellers, down payments for packages are now capped at 25 per cent of the package price.
Additionally, travellers will receive transparent information about vouchers and their characteristics, with automatic refunds if not used within the specified time.
The new rules will provide more rights and clearer information for travellers when they book a package. There will be clear rules on vouchers. We will also make the right for a refund bulletproof. With this proposal, we see concrete solutions to concrete problems.
The EU also want to have better multimodal travel information services and a common European mobility data space.
This will enhance passengers’ access to real-time information on different transport modes, including updates on cancellations, delays, and information on accessibility.
