Here we illustrate to the serious effects upon air passengers of the condition of Aerotoxic or Sick Aircraft Syndrome!  We have reported significantly on this issue to CASA, EASA, Department for Transport, The UK Transport Select Committee and called for the establishment of a ‘no fault protocol’ to deal with this international problem!  These holidaymakers complaints reflect a very serious health problem, leaving many suffering with illness or sickness following their holiday experience!  We have only reproduced these stories from our e mail contacts.  These holidaymakers stories have been presented to the EU Commission in our campaigning reports!  The stories have been left largely unedited; they are in the words of the holidaymakers who have contacted us.  The names of travel companies have been removed because we consider the story or the experience of the holidaymaker is central! Read More

[Article first published 19/2/2010] I was in London last week discussing amongst other things, the future Consumer Objective and Regulation of the Airline Industry in the UK.  During that meeting, I discussed with one member of the stakeholder group, the issue of safety and in particular, the growing awareness surrounding the Aerotoxic or Sick Aircraft Syndrome issue.  I expressed the view that whatever the current enquiry commissioned by Parliament, this issue is real and will not go away.  I predicted that whilst some ‘interested parties’ are engaged in ‘naysayer’ activities on this subject, the next 3 to 5 years will see the growth of groups of airline passengers taking action because of their exposure to toxic fumes!  As if to underline this point, today’s news surrounding the emergency landing of a British airline jet, is surely a timely warning to the industry and the authorities! Read More

In 2007 we examined the issue of Neurotoxins in aircraft and found a surprising lack of urgency into this pressing question – nothing has changed!  This article sets out the real effect of neurotoxins (also known as Aerotoxic or Sick Aircraft Syndrome) on pilots and passengers – in our view, the issue is and remains an International Scandal!  It also raises a serious point – if these neurotoxins are escaping into aircraft cabins and cockpits, then surely there is the same potential for those toxins to reach those on the ground who live near to airports?  If that is the case, should they not also be included into a study that has purpose and meaning?  The issue still has wide resonance today! Read More

Following a complaint received from a Holidaymaker, we investigated and reported in the May 2007 edition of Get’Away, the issue of the potential for Carbon Monoxide or Neurotoxins within Aircraft Cabins.  This condition is now commonly known as Aerotoxic or Sick Aircraft Syndrome.  This has become one of the most important developing travel issue this decade!  We have reported extensively on this issue, our latest report having beiong submitted to EASA in January 2010! Read More

For several years, HolidayTravelWatch has been engaged in providing commentary and observations to Westminster and the EU Commission on Holiday and Travel Problems!  In making their comments, they have now provided over 1,500 ordinary Consumer comments on their holiday experiences.  We have responded to a wide variety of Public Consultations and attended the all important stakeholder meetings in London in January 2010 & Brussels on 22 April 2010.  In Brussels, we presented the Consumer position on the proposed amendments to The Package Travel Directive, to Industry and Consumer Representation Groups of the 27 Member States.  The range of reports submitted in 2010 include: Read More

^{“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

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