ECC-Net’s View on the Passenger Mobility Package
The European Commission recently presented its plans to improve passenger rights and information for travellers. Following the publication of the Passenger Mobility Package, the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net) has closely examined the proposed measures. While we acknowledge the efforts to strengthen passenger rights and provide better information, there is still room for improvement in requirements for airlines, issues with luggage, unclear definitions, transparency for travellers, and the role of national enforcement bodies.
What is the Passenger Mobility Package about?
The proposals that comprise the Passenger Mobility Package address critical aspects of passenger experiences, including rights enforcement, smoother journeys and transitions from one type of transport to another, and better support for those with disabilities or reduced mobility.
Issues that need to be addressed according to ECC-Net
As ECC-Net has been advising so many passengers with several issues over the past 20 years, the network has gained valuable insights that can be essential to ensure the effectiveness of the legislation as presented in the passenger mobility package. Based on our experience, here are three of our top recommendations to enhance passenger’s rights and information for travellers in the EU:
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Modernise the regulations rather than amending them
ECC-Net’s experience is that it is becoming more difficult to find amicable solutions out of court. Therefore, the current air passenger rights regulation needs to be simplified to help consumers better understand their rights and to reduce disputes that arise due to different interpretations of the regulation. In addition, new issues can be covered in a modernised version of the regulations.
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Require transparency from price comparison websites and booking platforms
ECC-Net has seen an increase in complaints about intermediaries, and the issues have only become more apparent with the widespread travel cancellations due to de COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, ECC-Net calls for measures to ensure transparent pricing and clear but detailed information from intermediaries.
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Harmonise luggage standards
Cabin baggage policies vary greatly between airlines in the EU, which makes it practically impossible to compare ticket prices. In addition, the ruling from the Court of Justice about hand baggage can be incorporated to ensure that it is respected by airlines.
ECC-Net’s position paper
Additional information is available in our latest position paper ‘Passenger Mobility Package: Feedback from the ECC-Net’. In this paper, we are highlighting certain issues that need to be considered to establish adequate consumer protections. As the proposals move through the legislative process, ECC-Net’s feedback may serve as a valuable resource for policymakers to ensure clear communication channels, accessible support, and consistent enforcement across all transport modes.
Want to know more?
Find more background information in our news article about the proposals on European Commission Wants to Improve Rights for Travellers or on the website of the European Commission: Passenger Mobility Package.