A Brighton councillor has stepped in after someone living in his ward was deplaned after an airline oversold a flight.
Labour councillor Jacob Allen, who represents Woodingdean ward on Brighton and Hove City Council, denounced the practice.
Councillor Allen, the council’s cabinet member for customer services, public realm and local government reorganisation, has taken up the matter with the Aviation Minister Keir Mather.
The Woodingdean councillor wrote: “I am writing to you … on behalf of one of my constituents in Brighton who has reached out to me asking for the government to prohibit the practice of airlines operating out of British airports forcing passengers to deplane when the airlines have deliberately overbooked a flight.
“The practice of overbooking relies on passengers cancelling or not checking in for their flight.
“However, I agree with my constituent that deliberately overselling a product or service should not be viewed in a charitable light.
“This practice is highly stressful and unfair, potentially ruining plans set for arrival upon their destination abroad.
“Airlines should only be able to sell as many bookings as there are seats on the plane they intend to operate the flight route.
“I note that under our Labour government, the CAA has had stronger tools to enforce consumer law.
“With the Civil Aviation Bill progressing through Parliament, this seems an ideal time to review this practice to ensure that consumer rights are robustly protected.
“I would welcome hearing more of the government’s stance regarding this practice used by airlines, many of whom operate with impressive end-of-year profits from British customers.”
Another busy day for young Master Allen, who only yesterday was reassuring us that the council still answers the telephone and today has apparently moved on to reforming international aviation.
At this rate, by Monday he’ll be settling whether it’s Lake Ontario or Lake America.
One does hope he finds time to finish his summer prep before Michaelmas term begins.
I’ve heard he’s settling the Ukraine Russia conflict next week.
Can’t do a worse job than JD Vance, who seems to escalate whenever he’s involved in diplomacy!
They used to make generous offers to people to volunteer for the next flight but I suspect that these days the budget airlines give you next to nothing. It would be interesting to learn what was offered.
If the passenger was denied boarding there is statutory compensation payable to the passenger. And they will be rebooked onto another flight.
The passenger just needs to claim it from the airline.
No need for a councillor to get involved
Unless they are on maneuvers.