Latest news with #HeidiAlexander
Scottish Sun
40 minutes ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn
The EU are due to discuss the new law next month PACK IT IN UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn AIRLINES could be banned from charging British passengers bringing hand luggage on flights, it is claimed. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is understood to be considering proposals to change the rules after the EU Parliament transport and tourism committee put forward a new law to allow two carry-on items free as standard. Advertisement 5 Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, is reported to be considering the proposals Credit: Alamy 5 New rules could mean everyone gets a free carry-on bag Credit: Getty 5 But the new rules could drive up air fares for passengers Credit: Alamy If the new law is approved, passengers flying on any EU airline will be allowed a free cabin bag to put in the overhead locker - as long as it weighs no more than 7kg and measures up to 100cm. Ryanair and Wizz Air introduced fees for large cabin bags in 2018, and easyJet followed suit in 2021. However, the likes of British Airways and already include two pieces of cabin baggage as standard in their base fairs. But there are fears some airlines will put up ticket prices to claw back revenue losses - with some claiming the proposals are unworkable due to lack of space and warn flights maybe delayed. Advertisement A transport source spoke to the i newspaper after the EU committee voted to introduce the standardised allowance. Due to varying rules across airlines, the European Parliament hopes to create a common standard across the board for carry-on luggage. The proposals are still under discussion by member states and a time frame for implementation are unclear, though a meeting is scheduled for July. The UK source told the i the Government was also looking at changing the law in the coming months, although policy development is at an early stage. Advertisement A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: 'We do not comment on speculation but continue to closely monitor the EU's proposals on air passenger rights reforms. 'We want to make sure passengers can travel with ease, which is why we landed a deal with the EU to allow millions more British nationals to use e-gates at airports in time for the summer holidays.' Primark launches new range of cabin bags on wheels - they're approved by all budget airlines & there's matching carry-ons too Airlines have warned they may need to increase ticket prices which would impact all passengers, including those travelling with smaller bags. Airlines for Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou told Politico: 'The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't.' Advertisement Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Advertisement Last year, there were reports that there were going to be changes to the hand luggage rules - but these did not change. Speaking to The Independent at the time, Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Europe's biggest budget carrier, Ryanair said: "We do think there should be a standardised agreement on what can be brought on board. "We're working with the other airlines in A4E to try to agree standardised sizes, but we haven't reached an agreement with them yet." While the rules continue to be discussed, check out this popular travel bag that's allowed on Ryanair flights for free. Advertisement Plus the travel bags, plane outfits and accessories we can't live without – and they start from just 99p. Expert opinion on what the new rules mean for you Head of Travel Lisa Minot weighs in. EUROPEAN plans to force all airlines to allow passengers to bring a bag weighing less than 7kg into the cabin as well as an under-seat bag seem on the face of it to be a good outcome for travellers. But there could be a sting in the tail for flyers going forward. Low cost airlines have for years been keeping the price of base fares low by adding on an ever more dizzying array of extra charges. And these ancillary charges now make up an increasing percentage of their profits. These extra charges now make up more than 30per cent of Ryanair's revenue. Between October and December last year, Ryanair's ancillary revenues were worth £884million. Airlines argue that if they are forced to comply with the new laws, the base fares will have to rise for every passenger across the board, including those flying smaller bags. They also point out many airlines won't be able to comply with the new rules as typically planes that carry 180 passengers only have room for 90 trolley bags. But on the plus side, forcing all airlines to adhere to the same rules can only be a good thing. Right now, the disparity between the size and weight of bags and the prices airlines charge is hideously complicated and can often lead to passengers being caught out. 5 Potential new rules could mean all passengers can bring a free carry-on bag onboard Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
40 minutes ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn
AIRLINES could be banned from charging British passengers bringing hand luggage on flights, it is claimed. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is understood to be considering proposals to change the rules after the EU Parliament transport and tourism committee Advertisement 5 Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, is reported to be considering the proposals Credit: Alamy 5 New rules could mean everyone gets a free carry-on bag Credit: Getty 5 But the new rules could drive up air fares for passengers Credit: Alamy If the new law is approved, passengers flying on any EU airline will be allowed a free cabin bag to put in the overhead locker - as long as it weighs no more than 7kg and measures up to 100cm. Ryanair and Wizz Air introduced fees for large cabin bags in 2018, and easyJet followed suit in 2021. However, the likes of British Airways and already include two pieces of cabin baggage as standard in their base fairs. But there are fears some airlines will put up ticket prices to claw back revenue losses - with some claiming the proposals are unworkable due to lack of space and warn flights maybe delayed. Advertisement Read more news A transport source spoke to the Due to varying rules across airlines, the European Parliament hopes to create a common standard across the board for carry-on luggage. The proposals are still under discussion by member states and a time frame for implementation are unclear, though a meeting is scheduled for July. The UK source told the i the Government was also looking at changing the law in the coming months, although policy development is at an early stage. Advertisement Most read in News Travel A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: 'We do not comment on speculation but continue to closely monitor the EU's proposals on air passenger rights reforms. 'We want to make sure passengers can travel with ease, which is why we landed a deal with the EU to allow millions more British nationals to use e-gates at airports in time for the summer holidays.' Primark launches new range of cabin bags on wheels - they're approved by all budget airlines & there's matching carry-ons too Airlines have warned they may need to increase ticket prices which would impact all passengers, including those travelling with smaller bags. Airlines for Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou told : 'The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't.' Advertisement Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Advertisement Last year, there were Speaking to "We're working with the other airlines in A4E to try to agree standardised sizes, but we haven't reached an agreement with them yet." While the rules continue to be discussed, check out this Advertisement Plus the Expert opinion on what the new rules mean for you Head of Travel Lisa Minot weighs in. EUROPEAN plans to force all airlines to allow passengers to bring a bag weighing less than 7kg into the cabin as well as an under-seat bag seem on the face of it to be a good outcome for travellers. But there could be a sting in the tail for flyers going forward. Low cost airlines have for years been keeping the price of base fares low by adding on an ever more dizzying array of extra charges. And these ancillary charges now make up an increasing percentage of their profits. These extra charges now make up more than 30per cent of Ryanair's revenue. Between October and December last year, Ryanair's ancillary revenues were worth £884million. Airlines argue that if they are forced to comply with the new laws, the base fares will have to rise for every passenger across the board, including those flying smaller bags. They also point out many airlines won't be able to comply with the new rules as typically planes that carry 180 passengers only have room for 90 trolley bags. But on the plus side, forcing all airlines to adhere to the same rules can only be a good thing. Right now, the disparity between the size and weight of bags and the prices airlines charge is hideously complicated and can often lead to passengers being caught out. 5 Potential new rules could mean all passengers can bring a free carry-on bag onboard Credit: Alamy 5 Passengers boarding on a Ryanair plane at Timioara Traian Vuia International Airport Credit: Getty
The Sun
an hour ago
- Business
- The Sun
UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn
AIRLINES could be banned from charging British passengers bringing hand luggage on flights, it is claimed. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is understood to be considering proposals to change the rules after the EU Parliament transport and tourism committee put forward a new law to allow two carry-on items free as standard. 5 5 5 If the new law is approved, passengers flying on any EU airline will be allowed a free cabin bag to put in the overhead locker - as long as it weighs no more than 7kg and measures up to 100cm. Ryanair and Wizz Air introduced fees for large cabin bags in 2018, and easyJet followed suit in 2021. However, the likes of British Airways and already include two pieces of cabin baggage as standard in their base fairs. But there are fears some airlines will put up ticket prices to claw back revenue losses - with some claiming the proposals are unworkable due to lack of space and warn flights maybe delayed. A transport source spoke to the i newspaper after the EU committee voted to introduce the standardised allowance. Due to varying rules across airlines, the European Parliament hopes to create a common standard across the board for carry-on luggage. The proposals are still under discussion by member states and a time frame for implementation are unclear, though a meeting is scheduled for July. The UK source told the i the Government was also looking at changing the law in the coming months, although policy development is at an early stage. A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: 'We do not comment on speculation but continue to closely monitor the EU's proposals on air passenger rights reforms. 'We want to make sure passengers can travel with ease, which is why we landed a deal with the EU to allow millions more British nationals to use e-gates at airports in time for the summer holidays.' Airlines have warned they may need to increase ticket prices which would impact all passengers, including those travelling with smaller bags. Airlines for Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou told Politico: 'The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't.' Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Last year, there were reports that there were going to be changes to the hand luggage rules - but these did not change. Speaking to The Independent at the time, Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Europe's biggest budget carrier, Ryanair said: "We do think there should be a standardised agreement on what can be brought on board. "We're working with the other airlines in A4E to try to agree standardised sizes, but we haven't reached an agreement with them yet." While the rules continue to be discussed, check out this popular travel bag that's allowed on Ryanair flights for free. Plus the travel bags, plane outfits and accessories we can't live without – and they start from just 99p. Head of Travel Lisa Minot weighs in. EUROPEAN plans to force all airlines to allow passengers to bring a bag weighing less than 7kg into the cabin as well as an under-seat bag seem on the face of it to be a good outcome for travellers. But there could be a sting in the tail for flyers going forward. Low cost airlines have for years been keeping the price of base fares low by adding on an ever more dizzying array of extra charges. And these ancillary charges now make up an increasing percentage of their profits. These extra charges now make up more than 30per cent of Ryanair's revenue. Between October and December last year, Ryanair's ancillary revenues were worth £884million. Airlines argue that if they are forced to comply with the new laws, the base fares will have to rise for every passenger across the board, including those flying smaller bags. They also point out many airlines won't be able to comply with the new rules as typically planes that carry 180 passengers only have room for 90 trolley bags. But on the plus side, forcing all airlines to adhere to the same rules can only be a good thing. Right now, the disparity between the size and weight of bags and the prices airlines charge is hideously complicated and can often lead to passengers being caught out. 5 5
BBC News
a day ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Transport secretary vows to tighten taxi licensing laws
Ministers have vowed to pass laws to tackle inconsistent taxi and private hire standards amid fears some vehicles "are a dangerous place for many children and young people".Labour MP for Tipton and Wednesbury Antonia Bance spoke in the Commons on Thursday to ask what the government was doing about local taxi licensing referred to Wolverhampton, where applications are believed to be quicker and cheaper than those made Secretary Heidi Alexander said the matter was being taken "very seriously", promising to hold local authorities not following compliance to account. In January, the prime minister tasked Baroness Casey with conducting a rapid review into grooming gangs and child sexual findings, published on 17 June, identified "many cases of group-based child sexual exploitation" as having links with said: "Last week, the Casey review showed us yet again that private hire vehicles are a dangerous place for many children and young people.""What action is the minister going to take to make sure that local taxi licensing is done locally to high standards?" 'Lack of stringency' Alexander told MPs: "Baroness Casey has rightly brought this issue into sharp focus and we've committed to legislating this issue."We will work as quickly as possible and consider all options including out-of-area working, national standards and enforcement, seeking the best overall outcome for passenger safety."Baroness Casey dedicated a chapter of her audit to taxi licensing. It said taxis had historically been identified in a minority of cases as a way children became at risk of sexual exploitation."Both as a potential way for perpetrators to meet their victims, as well as a means of trafficking victims to different locations and introducing them to other perpetrators," the review later added: "A lack of stringency means that drivers who are unscrupulous can apply to a lax neighbouring borough" for a licence, and urged the government to "close these loopholes urgently". 'Illegal to refuse applicants' Licensed taxi drivers are allowed to operate anywhere in England and Wales and are not tied to the district where they got their licence.A report by Taxi Point highlighted 96% of Wolverhampton approved taxi and private hire licence holders lived outside the city between April 2023 and March 2024. City of Wolverhampton Council told the BBC safeguarding was its "number one priority" in taxi licensing and that it was "the first to implement the government's statutory standards and best practice guidance".A spokesman said. "It is illegal for the council to refuse applicants a taxi licence on the basis of where they live."It is also illegal for licensing authorities to impose a limit on the number of private hire licences they issue."The council does not gain financially from taxi licensing, as the fees are legally ring-fenced for spend only on related activities." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Major UK travel announcement could see end of £18billion problem
The governmental body has announced that mobile signal blackspots are set to be a thing of the past on many of Britain's key train routes. This comes after Network Rail, owned by the Government, signed a deal with telecoms firms Neos Networks and Freshwave A major Department for Transport (DfT) announcement could soon see the end of an £18billion problem facing the UK's railways. The governmental body has announced that mobile signal blackspots are set to be a thing of the past on many of Britain's key train routes. This comes after Network Rail, owned by the Government, signed a deal with telecoms firms Neos Networks and Freshwave. Travellers frequently experience dropped calls and poor internet connectivity while on trains. Dubbed Project Reach, the new agreement will see Neos Networks lay down 1,000km (621 miles) of high-speed fibre optic cable along sections of the East Coast Main Line, West Coast Main Line, Great Western Main Line, and Chiltern Main Line as an initial step. The DfT has expressed hopes to extend the cabling to over 5,000km (3,107 miles) in the "near future". Freshwave is set to address signal issues in 57 tunnels spanning almost 50km (31 miles), including tackling the notorious Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol. Additionally, mobile network operators are poised to pour investment into new 4G and 5G infrastructure at 12 major railway stations: Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, Edinburgh Waverley, Euston, Glasgow Central, King's Cross, Leeds, Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Paddington, and Waterloo. The DfT has hailed the agreement as a fusion of public and private sector investment and infrastructure, which is anticipated to save taxpayers "around £300 million". The financial incentive to out connection issues on the UK's rail network is clear. Economics Professor Daniel Susskind, from Kings College London, estimates that the total economic value tied up in time spent on board trains in the UK is around £18 billion a year. If all trains in the country had fast, reliable internet, then either commuting white collar workers could put in extra hours rather than reading a book or looking out of the window, or time spent in the office could be made shorter by starting the workday from the carriage of a train. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has hailed a major development as "a game-changer for passengers up and down the country," promising to transform trips from Paddington to Penzance and Edinburgh to Euston. "By boosting connectivity and tackling signal blackspots, we are also ensuring a more reliable and efficient service," she said. READ MORE: 'I tried the UK's new high-tech £200million trains with underfloor heating' Alexander highlighted that these improvements align with wider objectives, stating, "This means better journeys for passengers while supporting our broader plan for change goals of economic growth and digital innovation." Jacqueline Starr, the Rail Delivery Group's executive chair and CEO, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: "We know how much customers value good mobile connections when they travel and we're delighted that a digitally connected railway will soon become a reality. "We know how much customers value good mobile connections when they travel and we're delighted that a digitally connected railway will soon become a reality." Starr also pointed out the economic and environmental advantages of rail travel: "Travelling by rail drives economic growth by connecting businesses and communities, improving productivity, and supporting the transition to net zero. "Travelling by rail drives economic growth by connecting businesses and communities, improving productivity, and supporting the transition to net zero." She further added that the telecoms upgrade across the network will enable everyone to stay in touch during their travels: "This vital upgrade to telecoms across the network will give everyone the opportunity to stay connected, wherever they're headed. "This vital upgrade to telecoms across the network will give everyone the opportunity to stay connected, wherever they're headed." The rollout of Project Reach's infrastructure is set to kick off next year, with completion targeted for 2028.
