New EU rights for disabled, elderly air passengers

Wed Jul 25, 1:08 PM ET
Airlines or airports will no longer be allowed to deny elderly or disabled passengers from flying within the European Union under new EU rules which come into effect on Thursday.
Under further laws, to come into force on July 26 next year, passengers with reduced mobility will no longer be charged for extra assistance such as wheelchairs or help with guide dogs, which will be allowed on flights as part of the legislation.
Failure by airlines, airports or tour operators to comply with the new regulations could lead to sanctions and fines.
"These rules ... will put an end to discrimination and give disabled and elderly passengers the help they need," EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said in a statement.
According to EU figures, 10 percent of the EU's 490 million citizens are affected by reduced mobility.
The new laws are in response to cases, particularly involving low-cost airlines, in which passengers with disabilities had been refused boarding passes or charged for extra costs involved in helping them board a flight.
Europe's largest low-cost carrier Ryanair demanded a disabled passenger pay to use a wheelchair in the airport in 2002.
Three years later it removed several blind passengers from a flight, claiming its could not allow more than four disabled people per flight.
Passengers will be required to file any complaints with the relevant airline or airport in the first instance, but if they do not receive satisfaction, they can take their complaint to one of the national centers being set up.
These 27 national authorities will be responsible for setting an implementing any punishments and will be policed by the EU executive in Brussels.