Lib Dems propose fines for airline check in delays

The Liberal Democrats have come up with a new proposal that would impose fines on airlines that failed to reduce delays experienced due to their check-in processes at airports.

Under their proposed guidelines, if a carrier is unable to ensure that 95 per cent of its passengers complete the check-in process in 15 minutes or less, the carrier will be fined by industry regulators.

Norman Baker, transport spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, stressed that land-side delays that passengers were experiencing at UK airports, particularly at London-area airports, had to be dealt with so that passengers would have a more “smooth and efficient journey.”

In addition to causing passengers distress, Baker said that inefficiencies at airline check-in desks lead to economic losses due to delayed flights and added emissions from planes forced to circle overhead.

“Queues at check-in and security should be minimised and passenger comfort, not retail takings, should be put first and foremost while waiting for flights,” Baker added.

In a report he issued on behalf of the Lib Dems, he noted: “Any travellers caught up in the chaos at the opening of Terminal 5 will recognise claims by the head of the International Air Transport Association, Giovanni Bisignani, that Heathrow is a ‘national embarrassment’.”

Despite the critical assessment of the current situation, the Air Transport Users Council released data last month showing that the number of passenger complaints has actually dropped this year.

For more information on this story please visit www.libdems.org.uk.