United Kingdom
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CAA to gain powers to crack down on airlines
Regulator the CAA will be granted stronger powers to fine airlines while passengers will get better consumer protections.
New proposals published by the government will see stronger enforcement powers for the regulator and faster resolution for passenger claims and complaints.
It says it will lead to improved standards and increase consumer protections.
It includes ‘full and fair compensation’ for damage to wheelchairs in transit.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “It’s important that everyone can travel with confidence.”
“I recognise the work airlines do and these proposals set out how we can go even further for travellers.”
Ground handlers will also be offered new training by the Department for Transport to avoid incidents of mishandling disabled travellers equipment.
Paul Smith, Joint-Interim CEO at the CAA, said: “We have long called for a stronger enforcement toolkit to bring us in line with other regulators.”
“The plans will ensure that the CAA is better equipped to hold industry to account.”
The proposals are in response to the aviation consumer policy reform consultation, published last year.
Airlines will be required to be a member of an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body.
This would allow consumers to escalate a dispute when there is no resolution with the airline.
There are currently two ADR providers in the UK.
It will make it easier for the CAA to hand down fines to airlines when violations occur.
The proposal still requires further work to set reasonable compensation levels for disruption.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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