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

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

2008 and 2009 has proven to many British holidaymakers that the ‘holiday from hell’, or a less than satisfactory holiday experience exists, many with serious or catatrophic consequences? So if you have a holiday complaint – what can you do about it? Do you put it down to ‘just another experience’? You may have a holiday food poisoning claim, the facilities in the hotel or cruise ship were not up to standard, or your suffered at the hands of an airline! Did you suffer from a holiday accident? Read More

In 2009, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) called on pilots, crew, airlines, aircraft manufacturers and other interested parties, to submit their views on the problem of smoke or fumes escaping into aircraft cabins/cockpits.  We have written extensively on the issue that has become known as Aertoxic Syndrome and the profound effects upon pilots, crew and passengers following exposure to engine fumes/smoke.  We launched our own online petition – The Brown Bag Campaign – which seeks to highlight the ‘intelligent’ debate on this important subject.  We have submitted our own report, whjich follows on from our own report to The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.  The report to EASA contains the latest HolidayTravelWatch survey which contains important pointers and compels politicians that the time for action is now! Read More

The news of the FlyGlobeSpan collapse provides a timely and important reminder of the recently announced Department for Transport Consultation, to update the Regulatory Framework for Aviation.  Within the many aspects of this Consultation is the proposal to completely review the ATOL (Air Tour Operators Licence) scheme.  This follows on from a number of  high profile airline/travel company collapses which have left many holidaymakers either physically or financially stranded.  We have dealt with a number of Consumers who have been ‘bounced’ between the CAA, ABTA and the Credit Card Companies – some of whom are still waiting for their money following the XL collpase!  Read More

The news last week revealed that the CAA’s action against the Travel Republic now lies in tatters.  Once again, the issue of Financial Protection remains smouldering on its own funeral pyre.  Once again, the Travel Industry has split right down the middle between those that support the ‘Agency’ position and those that ‘support’ the CAA position! Read More

The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), has called for evidence on the issue of Aerotoxic or Sick Aircraft Syndrome.  Their investigation remit has stated that: Read More