News Desk

HolidayTravelWatch produces articles for easy reference for the travel consumer. They often result from changes in travel law, reports of holiday illness, or just to provide general comment on trends within the travel industry. The area is divided into easy access areas below. The articles are intended to be informative and are date sensitive – so if you are seeking to rely on information therein, always check the current state of those facts. Please note this material is copyrighted and reproduction in in any form is prohibited unless you have the express written permission of HolidayTravelWatch. We would ask you to note the Legal Notice at the bottom of this page.

Below is a selection of the articles from this section – if you would like to see the full range of articles, then either click on the links above or on the categories on the left. Please read our Legal Notice at the bottom of this page.

Call for a new relationship between the Consumer & The Aviation Industry

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Call to EU Commission to create real and sustainable Air Passenger Rights

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Since the latter part of 2009, Consumer Organisations and The Travel Industry have been engaged in a lengthy Political Consultation process, to determine the future of Consumer or Travel Industry Rights and Obligations or Safety Issues. HolidayTravelWatch has been fully engaged in this process and has responded to the European Commission’s request for Stakeholders to provide comment upon Air Passenger Rights.
The report centres in on the Commissions questions on EU Directives 889/2002 (Air Carrier Liability), 96/67 (Baggage Handling/Ground Handling), 261/2004 (Denied Boarding, Delayed Flights and Cancelled Flights), 1107/2006 (Reduced Mobility Rights), 1008/2008 (Common Rules for Air Operations) and 2111/2005 (Air Safety Issues). Read More

Consumer Group Calls for Strengthening of The Package Travel Directive

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Call for EASA to act on Aerotoxic or Sick Aircraft Syndrome

Friday, March 12th, 2010

^{Since the latter part of 2009, Consumer Organisations and The Travel Industry have been engaged in a lengthy Political Consultation process, to determine the future of Consumer or Travel Industry Rights and Obligations or Safety Issues. HolidayTravelWatch has been fully engaged in this process and has responded to the European Aviation Safety Agency’s request for Stakeholders to provide comment upon ‘Cabin Air Quality onboard Large Aeroplanes’}

^{Our report highlights that 63% of passengers surveyed declared that they had experienced smoke/fumes onboard aircraft. We found that many suffered with symptoms of light-headiness, disorientation, chest problems and skin conditions. We also discovered that a number of passengers continued to suffer with these symptoms along with irritability, behavioural problems, neurological difficulties, depression and other physical and psychological problems.}

^{HolidayTravelWatch provided further Consumer comment, supplementing that already given to The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority in June 2009.}

^{Frank Brehany, the Senior Consumer Advocate for HolidayTravelWatch states:}

^{“We have monitored and reported on this important issue since 2006. There appears to be an impasse between Government and Campaigners, perhaps fuelled by the fear of expensive litigation. We have called for the immediate installation of filters on all bleed aircraft, an obligatory reporting system for crew and passengers alike and the creation of a ‘no fault protocol’, uniting passengers, crew, airlines, manufacturers, oil companies, scientists, lawyers and politicians in a quest to resolve this important 21st century problem. I ask; is that too much to ask in order to guarantee safety – will EASA act to protect the interests of all aviation stakeholders?”} Read More

Consumer Objectives & The Aviation Industry – Response by HolidayTravelWatch to The UK Department for Transport

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

In the final Public Consultation this season, The UK Department for Transport has requested that stakeholders offer their views on their proposals to update the regulatory environment for the aviation industry. HolidayTravelWatch has responded to their detailed questionnaire, dealing with the effect of their proposals on the proposed ‘Consumer Objectives’ – Safety – Consumers – Environment. Many of the complaints we receive centre around failures under EU Directive 261/2004 (Denied Boarding, Flight Delays and Flight Cancellations), EU Directive 1107/2006 (Rights to Persons of Reduced Mobility), EU Directive 211/2005 (Issues concerning aircraft safety – eg EU Blacklist of Airlines etc) and lost and/or damaged luggage disputes. We have responded to this Consultation in a manner which is informative, constructive but nonetheless critical. We have called upon all stakeholders, to meet the challenges of dialogue and progress with Politicians and Consumers, to create a new deal and a truly sustainable future for the UK and EU airline industry! Read More

Air Passenger Rights – Report to The EU Commission – The Consumer Perspective!

Friday, February 26th, 2010

The EU Commission, through DG Mobility & Transport have ordered a Consultation into Air Passenger Rights. Such rights involve areas such as EU Directives 889/2002 (Air Carriers Liability – particularly on the issue of mishandled luggage), 96/67 (Baggage-handling/Ground-handling), 261/2004 (Denied Boarding, Flight Delays & Flight Cancellation), 1107/2006 (Reduced Mobility Passenger Rights), 1008/2008 (Common Rules for Air Operations) and 2111/2005 (Air Safety Issues). We have reported on the issues of flight rights, aircraft safety issues, lost or damaged luggage and financial protection for holidaymakers and air passengers. Read More