LONDON – A UK government committee has called for a reduction in the £80 tax for premium economy services on long haul flights which was introduced in February.
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee said charging the same tax for premium economy as first class was wrong and would make it too expensive for some passengers, including those who opt for the seats on health grounds.
“The committee feels that an extra tax on those who may have a medical need for extra leg room is unfair.”
The committee also suggested that airlines should be forced to increase legroom on planes by at least two inches (5 cm) from the current minimum of 26 inches (66 cm) to at least 28.2 inches (71.6 cm).
The Lords said the increase was needed because people are getting bigger
Failure to increase legroom could prevent passengers making the recommended brace position during an emergency, it added.
Long-haul flights would not be affected as airlines already have a more generous seat pitch on these routes.
The committee also cited unions’ concern about fatigue among pilots flying for low-cost airlines, which may be putting passengers’ lives at risk.
It called for the UK Civil Aviation Authority to commission a long-term study into the effects of fatigue on aircrew.
