The Consumer Council Newsroom

Consumer Council Issues Findings Of Passenger Rights Day Survey Ahead Of Eu Air Passenger Rights Day

Wednesday 4 July 2012

In preparation for EU Air Passenger Rights Day, the Consumer Council conducted an online survey to examine consumers’ awareness of the rights of passengers with a disability or reduced mobility when travelling by air.

Of the consumers who responded to the survey, 41 per cent had travelled at a time when their mobility was reduced, highlighting how important it is that people with a disability or reduced mobility are aware of their rights when travelling.  The survey was conducted in conjunction with the European Consumer Centre Ireland and the Commission for Aviation Regulation and the Consumer Council shared our results with them to help build an island of Ireland picture. 

Consumer Council staff will be present from 9.30 – 4.30pm at George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport to provide information on passengers’ rights and can help passengers with queries around delays, cancellation and special assistance requirements.

Antoinette McKeown, CEO of the Consumer Council said, “The regulations affecting those with a disability or mobility issues requiring additional assistance when flying could potentially affect anyone. Reduced mobility could be due to age, an illness or temporary injury and given that almost two out of five (37 per cent)[1]

households here include at least one person with a disabilityit is important that consumers are aware of their rights when travelling by air.  The Consumer Council is very proactive about informing consumers of their rights when travelling by air.  Knowing your rights and what you are entitled to can often make a substantial difference to those with mobility issues when considering how and when to travel”.

Only 16 per cent of  consumers surveyed said they are aware of the rights of passengers with a disability or reduced mobility.

If you are at either airport, take the opportunity to speak to one of our staff, who will be able to help you with any queries you may have around your passenger rights. If you would like any further information on your rights or would like help with making a complaint, please contact us on 0800 121 6022 or info@consumercouncil.org.uk

Additional Information

·        41 per cent of people had travelled when their mobility was reduced

·        16 per cent of people are aware of the rights of passengers with a disability when travelling by air

·        67 per of people who were aware of their rights had learnt about them through the Consumer Council or word of mouth.

Notes to Editors:

EU Air Passenger Rights Day is a Europe wide event, where designated organisations in each country hold events simultaneously to help raise awareness of passenger rights.

The Consumer Council are the designated body for handling complaints under the Access to Air Travel Regulation and can investigate a complaint on a passenger’s behalf. 

The Consumer Council has also developed a publication called Access to Air Travel: The Consumer Council’s guide for disabled and reduced mobility passengers which is available online at www.consumercouncil.org.ukor by telephone on 0800 121 6022

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1. Consumer Council media contact: Pauline Gordon, telephone, 028 9067 4813 or 079 0997 2704 or e-mail, pgordon@consumercouncil.org.uk  
2. The Consumer Council is an independent consumer organisation, working to bring about change to benefit Northern Ireland’s consumers. The Council campaigns for high standards of service and protection and a fair deal for all. It also carries out research, gives advice and publishes reports and other publications. It deals with individual complaints about buses, trains, planes, ferries, natural gas, electricity, coal and water.
3. For more information, visit our website at www.consumercouncil.org.uk