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BRUSSELS (REUTERS) – Airlines will not have to leave seats empty, but passengers flying in the European Union will be required to wear masks on planes and at airports according to plans to revive the travel industry.
The European Commission formulated the non-binding recommendations on Wednesday (May 13) as part of broader proposals to save the crisis tourism sector, which previously represented approximately 10 percent of the EU’s economic output and employed almost 12 percent of their workforce.
The Commission also said Wednesday that it would open legal cases against countries that violate EU law by failing to ensure that consumers can effectively get cash reimbursements for travel or vacations canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The starting point here is that European consumers are entitled to a cash refund, if that is what they want. End point, ”said Margrethe Vestager, deputy director of the Commission.
The Commission also said that airlines should limit the risks of infection, which could be achieved by using hospital-grade air filters, personal protective equipment and limiting movements.
Ryanair said Tuesday (May 12) that its passengers would be required to ask permission to use the restrooms to avoid queuing on low-budget airline planes.
“Therefore, the use of empty seats is not recommended to increase physical distance on airplanes,” says the European Commission document.
Airlines have expressed concern that measures to stem the spread of the pandemic could affect profitability long after travel restrictions end.
The European Commission said check-in, drop-off and pick-up should be rearranged to avoid crowds.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has already advised airlines to check passenger temperatures, collect personal data for any contact tracing, and to clean and disinfect terminals and equipment.
IATA, which has estimated that the coronavirus crisis could cost airlines a total of $ 314 billion (S $ 445 billion), recommended wearing face masks during flights but not blocking intermediate seats.
Some U.S. airlines have already implemented distancing measures, with some blocking intermediate seats, pausing automatic updates, and changing the boarding process.
BONDS
Among his other plans, the European bloc executive proposed that coupons for canceled flights or holidays remain valid for at least a year with bankruptcy protection so that people are more willing to accept them, rather than demanding full refunds.
But he refused to suspend an EU law that gives passengers the right to a full cash refund if a flight is canceled.
He said companies should make coupons more attractive by giving them a longer validity period, offering the same conditions as the original reservation or even a higher value.
“Many companies have been pressured and this liquidity crisis would be less severe if customers accepted coupons instead of cash refunds,” said Vestager.
Such vouchers should also be automatically transferable and refundable if they are not redeemed after one year, the commission said.
For rail transport, the EU executive said that social distancing should be applied through increased train frequency and capacity. Masks should be required on trains and at stations, rush hour travel should be discouraged, doors should open automatically, and disinfectant gel should be available.
Similar rules will apply to other public transportation and cruises.
The Commission said cruise ship passenger numbers should be reduced and that ships should have cabins available to quarantine people if necessary. It is up to Member States to follow the guidelines, which do not specify a date to resume the journey and are not legally binding.
The European Aviation Safety Agency and the European Center for Disease Control will publish more safety protocols for airlines in the coming weeks.
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