Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: "Which? has been campaigning for stronger powers for the aviation regulator, including the ability to directly fine airlines - so it's good news for passengers that the Department for Transport is planning legislation to give the Civil Aviation Authority powers to crack down on operators that flout the law. "It was positive to hear the Transport Secretary indicate that proposed cuts to domestic flight compensation may no longer go ahead, and acknowledge the consumer champion's view that when properly enforced, compensation rules act as a vital deterrent against airlines treating passengers badly and employing practices like overbooking flights or cancelling them at the last minute." -ENDS-Notes to editors: - Which? is campaigning to , and recently wrote to the Transport Secretary calling for: Enforcement - The CAA should be doing more by holding airlines to account proactively. It also needs direct powers to monitor and fine airlines when they flout the rules. Resolution - We need a dispute resolution system that is mandatory for all airlines flying to and from the UK so travellers don't have to go to the small claims court to enforce their rights. Compensation - We need to protect passengers' rights to redress when airlines are at fault for delays and cancellations. Proposals to slash payouts for domestic flights must be dropped. - Find Which?'s policy report, in which it makes 12 recommendations to improve the aviation and package holiday sector's consumer protection regime - In its 'Reforming Aviation Consumer Policy: Protecting Air Passenger Rights' consultation earlier this year, the government proposed cutting the amount of compensation payable for delays or cancellations of domestic flights. The Transport committee , saying: "The Committee is concerned that the effect of the Government's proposed compensation scheme, which is out for consultation, could result in much reduced compensation for passengers, albeit that a greater number of passengers may benefit from such a scheme. Although moving to a compensation scheme that is similar to the Delay Repay rail scheme might be desirable for consistency, in many cases flight delays are far more costly to the passenger than a delayed rail journey. Delayed air passengers can face missing holidays or increased travel and accommodation costs. The Government must take those factors into account in designing a new scheme."
