Change to airline law
A new EU ruling bans airlines from refusing to carry passengers with physical disabilities - up to now this has not been unusual for certain low fares airlines.
Discrimination against elderly and disabled flight guests in Europe is since the 26th of July no longer allowed. According to a statement from the responsible EU Commission, new laws will come into power from this date. As the authorities from Brussels communicated, they have forbidden airline companies and travel agents from refusing clients with limited mobility. "This will see an end to discrimination and will give disabled and elderly passengers the help they need", explains EU Transport commissioner Jacques Barrot. According to Barrot every tenth EU citizen is limited in his/her mobility and requires special support, for example when long distances need to be covered in an airport (i.e. from check-in to departure gate).
End of the discrimination by cheap airlines
Not all Airlines held themselves to the freedom from discrimination imperative, says Barrots Spokesperson Michele Cercone. The Irish low fare airline Ryanair can for "safety reasons" as it appears in the Terms & Conditions, carry a maximum of four people who are either; "limited in mobility or blind / visually impaired and with a guide dog respectively without an escort or who need special help at the airport". In one year from now, all airlines must provide cost free assistance for elderly and disabled people, as well as the cost free transport of guide dogs and wheelchairs. Some airlines and airports offer this service already, others however charge additional charges for these services. This will be forbidden in the future.
Penalties for those who are unwilling to learn
The 27 EU States will also be required to put suitable penalties in place for any airlines and travel agents who do not abide by the new regulations. Clients that feel disadvantaged should protest against the concerned company. When this doesn't help, then according to the new regulation the regulatory authority for the country where the person is discriminated is responsible.
Author: cb 9.2007 - MyH
Top
