Latest news with #passengerRights
Sky News
a day ago
- Business
- Sky News
Rail firms taking 'disproportionate action' against passengers without valid tickets, watchdog warns
Rail firms are taking "disproportionate action" against some passengers without valid tickets, a watchdog has warned in a new report. The report, following an inquiry by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), also criticised Britain's "complex" fares system and found that travellers faced "inconsistent treatment and outcomes" for similar ticketing issues across the railway. The ORR highlighted one case where a passenger was threatened with prosecution for accidentally selecting a 16-25 railcard discount when they had a 26-30 railcard, both of which provide the same discount. The case was eventually dropped when the passenger's MP became involved. In another case, a passenger's printed e-ticket was damaged by water, and a member of rail staff was unable to scan the ticket. Despite later providing proof of a valid ticket for the journey, the person was threatened with prosecution. They agreed to settle out of court for £81 to avoid the risk of conviction, the ORR said. A third case study highlighted in the report saw a passenger successfully appeal a penalty fare, only to discover during a criminal records check for a job that they had been convicted of fare evasion without being aware of it. The passenger claimed they had never received any documentation or court material. The ORR found there were "a range of circumstances" in which passengers may innocently travel without a valid ticket, for example, when they forget their railcard or simply make a mistake. The review also found that prosecutions for ticketing offences had increased by 52% from 2019 to 2023, while passenger numbers had fallen by 7%. The extent to which each train operator used prosecutions varied considerably, even when normalised for passenger numbers, the report noted. But the regulator warned that these reasons could also be used by passengers who "deliberately choose" to underpay or avoid their fare, making it difficult for rail staff to determine their intent and the course of action. 9:57 Rail staff described how fare evasion was becoming "increasingly more challenging to tackle" and "normalised among certain passenger groups", according to the ORR. "Making this more challenging is the railway's complex fares and ticketing framework. This has grown more complicated over time," the report added. Under railway bylaws, not being able to present a valid ticket for a journey is an offence, regardless of a passenger's intent, which the ORR said meant "disproportionate action can end up taken against some passengers". The inquiry was commissioned by then transport secretary Louise Haigh in November 2024 to review the handling of revenue protection and fare evasion across the industry, following reports of cases where passengers were being prosecuted over a small amount of money. The ORR made a series of recommendations to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and the Department for Transport, like ensuring that passengers have "clearer information" about tickets, and creating consistency in how passengers are treated when ticket issues arise, particularly when it comes to prosecutions. "Deliberate fare-dodging costs the taxpayer up to £400 million annually - money which could be better spent on improving passenger experience - and must be dealt with, but ham-fisted prosecutions that punish people who have made an innocent mistake is not the way to do this," rail minister Lord Hendy said. He added that the government would study the report and set out how the address will be addressed "in due course". 0:41 A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators, said it welcomed the ORR's "sensible recommendations". She continued: "The rail industry will work on implementing the recommendations in line with our plans to create a simpler, better-value fares system. "We need to strike the right balance, addressing genuine, honest mistakes made by customers and taking firm action against those who deliberately and persistently seek to exploit the system."
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Train ticket enforcement must be fair and proportionate, watchdog warns
Some train operators have excessively prosecuted alleged fare dodgers, according to the rail regulator, which has called for clearer tickets and a fairer system to avoid penalising mistakes. A report by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said passengers who boarded trains without a valid ticket faced 'inconsistent treatment and outcomes' across the network, with 'disproportionate action' sometimes taken over small errors. The review, commissioned in November by the then transport secretary, Louise Haigh, said fare evasion cost Britain's railways hundreds of millions of pounds every year and undermined the sense of fairness among paying passengers. However, the ORR also said it was vital that measures to tackle fare-dodging were 'applied appropriately and fairly'. Cases it noted included a passenger who was threatened with prosecution for accidentally selecting a ticket linked to the wrong railcard – even though the discount and fare paid were the same – and another who faced legal action after a water-damaged printout could not be scanned, despite them later providing proof of the valid ticket. The regulator urged the Department for Transport to ensure passengers get clearer information about tickets and their restrictions, and to introduce consistent standards for how passengers are treated when ticket issues arise. Stephanie Tobyn, the ORR's director of strategy, policy and reform, said: 'Effective revenue protection is essential for a sustainable railway, but it must be fair and proportionate for passengers. 'The legal framework and enforcement processes are increasingly complex and appear weighted towards industry, leaving some passengers who make innocent errors vulnerable to disproportionate outcomes. But meanwhile, fare evasion remains a significant problem, and rigorous action should be taken against those who intentionally seek to defraud the railway.' Peter Hendy, the rail minister, said privatisation had 'created a mess of deep-rooted issues across our railway', and the creation of Great British Railways would 'establish oversight and … end inconsistent prosecutions and making sure passengers are treated fairly'. He added: 'Deliberate fare-dodging costs the taxpayer up to £400m annually and must be dealt with, but ham-fisted prosecutions that punish people who have made an innocent mistake is not the way to do this.' A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators, said it welcomed the ORR's 'sensible recommendations'. They said: 'We need to strike the right balance addressing genuine, honest mistakes made by customers and taking firm action against those who deliberately and persistently seek to exploit the system.' The watchdog Transport Focus called for a 'yellow card' system for passengers who travel without the correct ticket on a national database.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Stand up on the plane too early? You could be risking a fine
Editor's note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. This week in travel news: A park that's home to the real Batcave, Asia's underrated adventure destination, and a Canadian-American romance that happened in Mexico. We all want to get off the plane as soon as it lands, but that can become a disorderly scramble, even before the aircraft has come to halt. Now the Turkish government has decided enough is enough. A memo from the country's Directorate General of Civil Aviation says that passengers can be fined if they 'stand up, go to the corridor, open the overhead bins and proceed along the aisles … despite the announcements about the rules during taxi after landing, when the aircraft has not yet reached the parking position and the seat belt warning lights have not turned off.' The amount of the fine was not mentioned, and it's unclear if anyone has actually been given one. But considering that IGA Istanbul Airport is the best connected airport in the world and this rule applies to all commercial flights entering the country, there are a lot of travelers who could potentially come under scrutiny. Besides the people who stand up before the plane is safely at the gate, fines can also be issued to 'passengers who use or attempt to use smoke-producing devices or products (aka vapes) on the aircraft.' Even if you live in an urban area, there are still ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors this summer. CNN's Sara Sidner finds happiness on horseback in LA's Griffith Park, which might just be the greatest city park in the US. Among the highlights: a Merry-Go-Round that inspired a guy named Walt Disney to think about building a theme park, various hiking and biking trails, Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, and any number of spots where your favorite movies and TV shows were filmed — including the real Batcave from the original '60s TV show. If your summer travel dreams take you farther afield, one Asian destination is becoming a major hub for wellness and outdoor pursuits. Taiwan is home to an inviting mix of different landscapes. Locals flock to Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge, but there are also 260 peaks over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), plus beaches, campsites, hiking trails and scenic train rides to choose from. Planning to get in the water this summer? Our friends at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, have tried and tested the best one-piece swimsuits for women of all body types. It sounds like the plot of a romcom: a Canadian librarian ran off with an American yacht captain during the heady summer of 1968. But it's all true. Beverly Carriveau and Bob Parsons met in Mazatlan, Mexico. She says that it was like 'a thunderbolt' when she first glimpsed Parsons through a window in the hotel gift shop. Later, he sent a bottle of white wine over to the table where she was dining with her friend. From there, it was history. The couple were married for 52 years until Parsons' death five years ago. This is just one of the many stories of how travel can build lifelong connections. Check out Chance Encounters for more — or to submit one of your own. A man lost an AirPod under his train seat. It took 11 firefighters to rescue him — and the AirPod. This Japanese airport got a Sanrio makeover. Now landing at Hello Kitty International. Southwest will start charging for checked bags. Prices begin at $35. New Zealand has named its 'bug of the year.' It's an ancient worm that spits poison goo. Editor's Note: CNN's Gul Tuysuz contributed reporting.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Türkiye will fine airline passengers who unbuckle before the plane stops
A Turkish Airlines plane takes off from Istanbul Airport near the Black Sea shores, in Istanbul, on April 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) ANKARA, Türkiye — Passengers on flights to Türkiye who unbuckle their seat belts, enter an aisle or open overhead compartments before their plane has stopped taxiing upon arrival are eligible for fines under new regulations issued by the country's civil aviation authority. Under the updated rules, commercial airlines operating flights in Türkiye are required to revise their standard in-flight announcements telling passengers to remain seated with seat belts fastened until the aircraft has reached a gate or other final stopping point. Airlines now need to warn that violations of the procedure will be documented and reported, according to a circular issued by the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation. The announcements also are supposed to remind passengers to let the people sitting in the rows ahead of them exit first. Turkish media reports have said rule-breakers could be fined up to $70. The civil aviation directorate did not specify the amount but said it updated the regulations following passenger complaints and flight inspections that indicated a growing number of safety violations. 'Despite announcements informing passengers of the rules, many are standing up before the aircraft reaches its parking positions and before the seat belt sign is turned off,' the directorate said. 'This behavior compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travelers.' Passengers who race to stand up and grab their possessions the second the seat-belt light goes off — often referred to as 'aisle rushers' or worse — are the bane of many travelers. Many countries have regulations to deter unruly passengers, and most have regulations requiring people to follow instructions for when to stay buckled up. However, Türkiye's threat of financial repercussions for post-landing misbehavior is unusual enough to have attracted notice. The regulations took effect earlier this month. There have been no immediate reports about people getting fined or airlines enforcing the regulations by reporting violators. Türkiye is a popular travel destination that draws millions of tourists every year. The Associated Press reached out to Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines, a low-cost carrier also based in Türkiye, for comment on Tuesday. In the U.S., Federal Aviation Administration regulations require passengers to have their seat belts 'properly secured during taxiing, takeoff, landing, and any other time when instructed to by crewmembers,' the agency confirmed via email. A failure to obey safety instructions can result in a hefty civil penalty. But reports of the FAA and other aviation agencies actually fining passengers for not wearing their seat belts are rare — and, if such enforcement is taken, it's usually paired with additional 'unruly' behavior. In 2021, for instance, the FAA proposed a $14,000 civil fine for an Endeavor Airlines passenger who allegedly unfastened her seat belt while the 'fasten seat belt' sign was illuminated and also refused to wear a mask properly despite repeated instructions from flight attendants. Aviation agencies worldwide reported a concerning uptick in disruptive passenger behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to travelers who refused to follow mask policies. As incidents skyrocketed in 2021, the FAA implemented a 'zero-tolerance policy' of issuing fines instead of giving unruly passengers warning letters or the option of remedial counseling. These days, unruly passengers can face FAA fines of up to $37,000 per incident as well as criminal prosecution, the agency said via email. Airlines, aviation regulators and safety organizations alike have long-expressed the importance of remaining seated wearing a seat belt while a plane is in motion to avoid injuries from in-flight disruptions like turbulence. After a plane lands, passengers are at risk of falling or other injuries if they stand and attempt to move while the aircraft taxis to the gate.
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Hand luggage fees could soon be banned. We have the Spanish to thank
Last week, a court in Spain's 31st biggest city issued Ryanair a €147 (£124) fine. Small fry, for a multi-billion euro business, I know. But the ruling could have wide-reaching ramifications for both airlines and passengers, and could even spell the beginning of the end for hand luggage fees. The court in Salamanca ordered Ryanair to reimburse a passenger for hand luggage charges paid over five flights between 2019 and 2024. The passenger travelled with a standard small suitcase that was larger than Ryanair's free hand luggage allowance, but small enough to take on board. According to Ryanair's rules, the passenger was correctly charged to bring the case on the flight. But according to the Salamanca judge, hand luggage is an essential and indispensable element of air transport and, therefore, the airline was ordered to issue a refund plus interest and costs. There are a number of different legal considerations in the mix here. In 2014, a European Union court said hand luggage 'must, in principle, be considered an indispensable element of passenger transport and that its carriage cannot, therefore, be subject to a price supplement.' This is supported by Article 97 of Spain's Air Navigation Law, which says airlines are 'obliged to transport not only the passenger, but also, and without charging anything for it, the objects and hand luggage that they carry' with them. But on the flip side, many airlines and Spain's Airline Association says that charging for hand luggage is legal under EU law. This €147 fine might seem quibbly and irrelevant to your summer holiday plans. But the Salamanca case sets a legal precedent that could spell more court cases for low-cost airlines, potentially even in the UK, and the ultimate end of hand luggage charges for passengers. Spanish courts vs low-cost airlines The Salamanca case is the latest chapter in an emerging war between Spanish lawmakers and low-cost airlines. In October 2024, Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs fined five low-cost airlines a total of €179m (£149m) for hidden fees. Ryanair faced the biggest fine of €108m (£90m), while easyJet received a penalty of €29m (£24m). Vueling, Volotea and Norwegian were also fined. The Salamanca case was backed by the Spanish consumer rights group, Facua, and marked their fifth success in battling Ryanair and Vueling over hand luggage fees. In a similar 2025 case in San Sebastian, Vueling were ordered to refund a passenger €11. After the latest Salamanca case, lawyer Isaac Guijarro said it was a 'huge win for travellers everywhere. It shows Ryanair can't get away with treating passengers like walking ATMs.' The drip fees have, indeed, ramped up in recent years. In November 2018, Wizz and Ryanair began charging passengers to bring a large cabin bag on board. Only a laptop bag or small backpack, small enough to fit under a seat, could be carried on for free. EasyJet followed suit in December 2020. These days, low-cost airlines make the bulk of their profits from ancillary sales; in 2023, Ryanair made €4.2bn through things like luggage extras, seat selection and speedy boarding. Some legacy airlines are at it, too. At least seven – United, Air Canada, Finnair, Sas, KM Malta Airlines, Latam and Avianca – now offer only a limited cabin bag allowance at their cheapest rate. But is a reversal now on the cards? A legal precedent While the add-on fee structure feels relatively entrenched in aviation, lawyers say this could change after the Salamanca ruling. Daniel Scognamiglio of the law firm Blake Morgan told The Telegraph: 'This will have consequences for all airlines flying to and from Spain and possibly other EU destinations as well. 'It was a small claims process, so the authority of the judgment could be brought into question, but it does show how courts are likely to deal with this issue and the judgment is going to be persuasive.' 'The judgment is likely to cause further difficulties for an airline not being completely transparent in its charges. It is also likely that passengers in the UK and elsewhere may well challenge charges for taking hand luggage on board a flight,' Scognamiglio added. In the event that Ryanair and other low-cost airlines do end up scrapping their additional luggage fees, this would not necessarily be a 'huge win' for all travellers. A clampdown on cabin luggage fees would almost certainly lead to return to higher base-line fares as airlines look to make up for lost revenue. So a 'loss', in fact, for air passengers who travel light or who usually just pay for a bigger bag in the hold. This, on top of Ryanair's impending fare rises announced this week, could make low-cost airlines feel less low-cost than before. But that's all hypothetical for now, because Ryanair remains bullish. In response to the ruling, a spokesperson for Ryanair said: 'Ryanair allows each passenger to carry a generous (40 x 25 x 20 cm) personal bag on board as part of the basic air fare, with the option to add extra bags for an optional fee should they so wish. 'This policy promotes both low fares and consumer choice, and is fully compliant with EU law, as upheld by several recent Spanish court rulings, including in Coruña, Segovia, Ontinyent, Seville, and Madrid.' Ryanair may be unwavering, but I suspect that Spanish air passengers, Facua and, who knows, maybe even some disgruntled, litigiously minded British holidaymakers, will be emboldened by what happened in Salamanca this month. The battle for the wheelie bag has only just begun.
