MORE TRANSPARENCY FOR AIRLINE TICKET PRICES

3.53.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 25th Jun 2008

Due to the lack of legal certainty and transparency, passengers are not adequately informed about ticket prices and in many instances have to pay more than expected.

This week in Brussels the European Parliament Committee on Transport passed a regulation on common rules for the operation of air transport services in the EU. Its purpose is to address and update the third aviation package which constituted the final stage in the liberalisation of air transport in the EU and dates back to 1992.

Besides other provisions which are currently in force in the Community, the document enables the passengers to receive information on the details of the ticket price.

"This regulation promotes price transparency for the passenger and fair prices. The passenger has a right to know the actual price of the ticket, including taxes and extra chargers. It is misleading to advertise a ticket at 1 or 2 euros, when the actual cost is actually much higher." says local LibDem Euro-MP Liz Lynne.

"The regulation would help to avoid a distortion of competition arising from the application of different rules at national level and it is necessary to ensure transparency."

Liz Lynne drew attention to the other important provision that defends passenger rights in the case of airline bankruptcy:

"The directive foresees stricter control of the financial situation that the airline is in. In the case where an airline is on the verge of bankruptcy, such control would allow for timely action to protect the interests of passengers from any deterioration in the financial situation of the airline. Many believe that the present market situation and rising oil prices will cause a wave of bankruptcies in the airline sector. The European Commission must take all necessary measures to protect passengers."

The European Parliament will vote on this document in the July Plenary session, to confirm a second reading agreement with Council. If approved, it will be implemented by the end of the year.