EU sets its sights on lost luggage woe. (North Shropshire Liberal Democrats)

North Shropshire Liberal Democrats <roma.hoseason@btinternet.com>

EU sets its sights on lost luggage woe.

March 18, 2009 4:21 PM
Originally published by Liz Lynne

West Midlands LibDem MEP Liz Lynne has today welcomed the news of an EU investigation into the compensation given to the millions of passengers who luggage is lost by airlines each year.

EU Transport Commissioner Antonio Tajani has said that he will launch the review after a British passenger watchdog found that many air travelers are left out of pocket due to the current compensations scheme.

The investigation could lead to tighter rules on when airlines have to pay compensation if it is found that current guidelines are not working.

According to the Association of European Airlines a staggering 3 million pieces of luggage were lost in 2008 and some watchdogs have said as many of 1 million of these may be lost forever.

Speaking today Liz Lynne, who is Vice- President of the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee, said:

"This investigation by EU authorities is excellent news for anyone who has suffered the stress and upset of being told their luggage has gone missing. It is bad enough to have come back from a holiday or a business meeting to find your possessions have been lost, but to then be told you will not be fully reimbursed by the airline adds insult to injury.

"I hope that this investigation will result in a clamp down on airlines who try to get around paying compensation and maybe will make companies more careful in future about flying peoples baggage to Bangalore instead of Birmingham."

ENDS