[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

The Transport Select Committee have requested stakeholders within the travel debate to submit their views on passenger’s experience of air travel. A wide remit was produced, and HolidayTravelWatch has concentrated its report on the issues of 261/2004 and aircraft safety.  HolidayTravelWatch has called for a review of the directive 261/2004, including giving air passengers improved rights to compensation when they suffer a delay, and a structured enforcement process, to ensure that rights are provided to the consumer.  We have also called for a ‘whistleblower’ campaign, akin to the one operated by the South African Civil Aviation Authority to highlight safety issues. Read More

This issue of Travel Insurance is very important to the Consumer, particularly where they suffer holiday problems.  Many holiday complaints involve reports of holiday illness/sickness, holiday accidents, changes to holidays, flight changes and poor customer service, and there are times when the presence of a Travel Insurance Policy is vital to the holidaymakers well-being!  HolidayTravelWatch has responded to The Treasury review of the sale of Travel Insurance, and whether the sale of this important financial product, should be brought into Regulatory control by the FSA.  Read More

HolidayTravelWatch has provided comment and observation, to The (Rt Hon. The) Lord Brennan QC, ahead of his presentation of a Bill before the House of Lords, designed to compensate victims of terror attacks overseas. Read More

This is the second lead article from our Travel-Zine in which we comment upon the threat to the Package Travel Regulations following the recent decision by the Court of Appeal in R v CAA.   This issue is very important to the Consumer, particularly where they suffer detriment in their holiday contracts.  Many holiday complaints involve reports of holiday illness/sickness, holiday accidents, changes to holidays, flight changes and poor customer service.  Read More

This major article first appeared within our own Travel-Zine – Get’Away – Your Route to Travel Rights. It attempts to calculate the cost of returning holiday illness to the holidaymaker, the NHS and British Industry. It was discovered that the cost to the Nation could be as high as £222m. The annual personal cost to holidaymakers on their return is calculated at £12.5m and the annual cost to the NHS is estimated at £25m. Read More