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Written question asked by Lord Steel of Aikwood (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 22 June 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 July 2017. It was answered by Lord Callanan (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 June 2017 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Aviation: Unfair Practices

Question

Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on consumers of the cost of domestic flights on routes on which airlines have a monopoly or near monopoly; and whether they intend to investigate commercial practices whereby administrative charges are imposed on consumers who wish to change their flight details after having purchased fully flexible tickets.

Answer

The Government is not able to get involved in regulating the level of fares set by airlines operating in the UK, or abroad. Since the inception of the Single European Aviation market, any EU airline may establish the fare structure it wishes.

The Government has made no assessment on the impact of the costs of domestic flights, but has focused on ensuring connectivity to the regions.

However, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has started work on unfair contract terms with the airlines, in accordance with the CAA’s Strategic Plan 2016-2021. The work will include a review of the airlines’ terms and conditions with the aim of ensuring the rights and obligations of the consumers and businesses are fair and balanced and consumers are not being penalised by unfair contract terms.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL139
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Aviation Fares Fees and charges Monopolies Unfair practices
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk