Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Paragraph: 66
In April 2021, the Global Travel Taskforce recommended that the Government consult on additional, flexible...
Conclusion
In April 2021, the Global Travel Taskforce recommended that the Government consult on additional, flexible and modern tools to enforce consumer rights before 48 UK aviation: reform for take-off the end of 2021. Although long overdue, the Government is now consulting on the merits of granting the Civil Aviation Authority additional powers to enforce aviation consumer protection laws. The Civil Aviation Authority urgently requires the power to impose financial penalties on airlines that do not provide complete refunds to consumers when they are required to do so by law.
Paragraph Reference:
66
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government has noted this recommendation. Air passenger rights remains a key priority for Government, and we are working hard to deliver for passengers, to ensure they are protected when things go wrong That is why we launched the Aviation Consumer Policy Reform Consultation on the 31 January 2022, seeking to collect views of ways to bolster air passenger rights and support the industry to provide the best service possible for consumers as it rebuilds following the pandemic. This included a proposal to provide the CAA with additional administrative powers to enforce breaches of consumer rights. The consultation closed on the 27 March, and we are currently conducting a comprehensive review and analysis of responses and will be carefully considering this issue. Next steps will be set out in in due course. Aviation consumer laws are in place to protect consumers’ rights. Airlines are under a legal obligation to pay refunds within 7 days, provide compensation, where appropriate, and to provide clear information to passengers in the event of cancellation, long delays or if a passenger is denied boarding. It is important that consumers have the information they need when travelling and have confidence in the aviation sector. That is why Government committed in the Flightpath to the Future, to develop an Aviation Passenger Charter, alongside industry and consumer groups, to help passengers understand their rights and responsibilities whilst travelling by air, including what to do if things go wrong.