Only 19% of Portuguese respondents in a Eurobarometer published this Monday, below the 30% average for the European Union (EU), claim to be fully aware of their rights when travelling by air, a situation that concerns the European Commission, which has published guidelines.
In a Eurobarometer on passenger rights in the EU, published this Monday, Brussels concluded that only 19% of Portuguese people surveyed (in a total of 26,601 interviews conducted in January and February this year) feel well informed when travelling by plane, compared to 30% in all 27 countries.
Worse only in terms of transport by ship/ferry (14%, compared with 16% in the EU) and better in terms of rail transport (20%, 33% in the EU) and bus transport (23%, 27% in the EU).
In a statement, the European Commission states that “passengers need more information about their rights”, which is why it is today publishing revised interpretative guidelines on air passenger rights, which aim to facilitate compliance with the regulations and will harmonise application by national bodies.
“Since 2016, the Commission has been providing guidance to address common concerns raised by national enforcement bodies, passengers and their associations and industry representatives. Today’s review takes into account, in particular, the Court of Justice rulings issued since 2016 that clarify certain provisions, allowing for a more effective and consistent application of the rules”, it points out.
The EU is the only area in the world where passengers are protected by a comprehensive set of rights, whether they travel by plane, train, ship or bus.
These rights aim at non-discrimination, accurate, timely and accessible information and immediate and proportionate assistance, particularly in situations such as overbooked, cancelled and delayed flights, which, as Brussels recalls today, require compensation from airlines.
The information, published on the EU executive’s website and aimed at transport service providers and national bodies, comes at the height of the aviation season.
On Friday, a global computer failure in Microsoft’s system caused disruptions at airports worldwide, causing flight delays and cancellations and problems with luggage.
Source: www.cmjornal.pt
