The government released a new aviation passenger charter today (17 July 2022) outlining what passengers should anticipate if faced with aircraft delays and cancellations this summer.
The charter was produced in collaboration with government, industry, consumer, and disability groups.
The charter, which was developed to give travellers the assurance they need as they prepare to leave for their summer vacations, comes after the government’s 22-point plan to help the industry reduce disruption at airports and guarantee that vacationers and travellers can enjoy their well-earned breaks was published last month.
The new Aviation Passenger Charter will serve as a one-stop shop for travellers to learn about their rights for the duration of their trip, including when they book, travel to and through the airport, are on the flight, and when they return to the UK.
It describes what travellers might fairly anticipate from airports, airlines, travel agencies, and tour operators, as well as what to do if something goes wrong.
This contains suggestions on what to do in the event of airline cancellations or delays, lost luggage, and how to file a grievance if you believe you have been treated unfairly.
The charter will undergo frequent reviews to ensure that it continues to be as helpful as possible for travellers, both during the busy summer season and beyond.
Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, said:
The chaotic scenarios we’ve witnessed at airports are intolerable; passengers want dependable services and to be fairly reimbursed if things don’t go as planned.
“The new charter will contribute to bringing travellers from the UK peace of mind as they take advantage of the restored freedom to travel, whether for leisure, business, or to see loved ones.
Our passenger charter expands on our 22-point plan to help the sector support tourists and prevent major disruptions this summer.
For aviation to be accessible to everyone who wishes to fly, disabled passengers and those with impaired mobility must receive the finest service possible and be treated with respect and decency.
The charter will make sure that passengers with disabilities and others with limited mobility have quick access to information on their legal rights and what to do in an emergency.
In response to the consumer policy reform survey, the government will shortly make an announcement outlining how it will work with business and aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority to actually change things for regular airline passengers.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s chief executive, Richard Moriarty, said:
The Civil Aviation Authority and the larger industry must continue to collaborate for the benefit of consumers.
In order to assist and enhance their overall travel experience, we must, among other things, improve the information they receive and ensure that it is brief and clear.
The government revealed earlier this month that necessary national security checks for the aviation industry are being completed in record time, bolstering the sector as it struggles to quickly fill openings in the face of increased demand for flights this summer.
In the aviation industry, counter terrorist checks (CTC) are often performed in less than 10 days, with 97 percent of accreditation checks finishing in under 5 days on average.
Prior to the introduction of the priority measures for applications in the aviation sector in March, the average turnaround time for CTC inspections was 20 days.
The government issued a “amnesty” on airport slot regulations last month, allowing airlines to make advance plans and prevent last-minute cancellations.
This was offered as a special measure while the business community works to fill the necessary positions.
The government called on the sector to do everything in its power to prevent a repeat of the issues encountered during Easter and half-term, and the steps are a part of its 22-point strategy to assist passengers avoid a summer of disruption.
It outlines every action the government is taking to assist the aviation sector, including helping to hire and educate workers, guaranteeing the delivery of a workable summer schedule, minimizing disturbance, and offering assistance to customers when delays and cancellations are necessary.