The European Parliament’s latest update to passenger rights aims to close long-standing loopholes that have historically sidelined travelers with reduced mobility. Under the agreed terms, airlines are mandated to provide free passage to companions if safety requirements dictate their presence. This provision marks a significant shift from earlier ministerial proposals that sought to permit airlines to continue collecting taxes and service charges for such companions.
Despite the legislative progress, the practical application remains contentious. Rapporteur Matteo Ricci initially framed the decision as a universal right for disabled passengers to travel with a companion at no extra cost. However, the fine print grants airlines the authority to determine when a companion is truly necessary for safety, effectively excluding personal assistants who support daily needs but do not meet the carrier's safety criteria. MEP Alex Agius Saliba noted that this creates a persistent financial barrier for those whose support needs are legitimate yet ignored by airline assessments. The European Disability Forum remains cautious, describing the updated protections as insufficient to fully address the challenges faced by the community.
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