The Flemish press has given quite some coverage about a new EU-rule which gives passengers with reduced mobility more rights. Some of the information I've heard is not correct, so here are the correct links:
1) press release from 25th July 2007:
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAct ... anguage=en
Remark LX-LGX: please note the information in this press release is limited - and therefore not fully correct. Example: the press release says "flying from airports in the EU", while the EU-Regulation says "flying from, to or through airports in the EU".
2. Principle (quote from the EU press release):
The EU ensures access to air transport for persons with reduced mobility. Tomorrow (= 26th July 2007) new rules will enter into force to offer the disabled and the elderly access to air transport comparable to that of any other passengers flying from airports in the European Union. The Commission believes that these measures will provide an effective response to the needs of a large and – with Europe’s demographic ageing – growing section of the population. "The phasing-in of these rules, starting tomorrow, will put an end to discrimination and give disabled and elderly passengers the help they need”, says Jacques Barrot, Vice President of the European Commission in charge of transport.
3. into force since 26th July 2007: "Equal treatment of persons affected by reduced mobility".
For flights from airports in the EU, the Regulation prohibits the refusal by airlines and tour operators to carry passengers, or to take bookings, on the basis of reduced mobility. Exceptions can be made only for duly justified safety reasons. This should put an end to (generally unintended) instances of discrimination.
4. into force as from 26th July 2008: "Free assistance in all EU airports".
As from 26 July 2008, airports will have to provide a specific set of services for persons with reduced mobility.
5. also into force as from 26th July 2008: "Assistance on board".
On flights from EU airports, airlines will be obliged to provide certain services, such as the carrying of wheelchairs or guide dogs, free of charge. These rules will also enter into force on 26 July 2008.
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6. text of Regulation 1107/2006 (English version):
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_porta ... 107_en.pdf
7. text of Regulation 1107/2006 in other languages:
just change in the above hyperlink the 2 letters "en" at the end (= just before ".pdf") into 2 letters of your preferred language: cs, da, de, el, en, es, et, fi, fr, hu, it, lt, lv, mt, nl, pl, pt, sk, sl, sv. And don't forget the .pdf
I know tinyurl.com, but I haven't used to show you the source is quite official.
EU-Regulation for passengers with reduced mobility
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