The European airline industry looks set to be forced to offer financial protection for its passengers after the European Parliament voted in favour of new regulations this week.
Like tour operators and agents, airlines will have to protect their customers in light of a company failure and they will also be forced to provide fares inclusive of taxes, fees and charges in addition to giving equal access to fares across the whole of Europe.
Before being officially put into place, the regulations have to be ratified by the European Council, which is set to meet on October 1 and it it then likely to be another two to three months before the new regulations come into force.
A spokesman for Association of British Travel Agents said it was a major step in the right direction, adding “We have been lobbying on these issues for a number of years but with lack of success with the UK Government.” “This cannot be anything other than a step in the right direction.”
“The transparent pricing issue basically supports steps already taken by ourselves and the Office of Fair Trading, although there are certain amendments that were rejected and we need to sit and look at these in more detail.”
“With regards to the opening up of access to fares, the fact that we have amongst the most competitive prices in Europe means agents will be presented with a great commercial opportunity.”
A Report by Bev Fearis
