News
Calls to increase leg-room, cut taxes
12 December 2007
A House of Lords committee has released a report calling for a minimum of 71cm of leg-room on flights and for extra taxes on premium economy flights to be scrapped.
The Science and Technology Committee urged the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to increase the current minimum distance between seats of 66cm in order to increase comfort and ensure safety.
Most UK airlines already offer 71cm of leg-room, the committee said, but it argued that this should be guaranteed by the CAA.
Committee member Lord Patel said: 'We are also disappointed that the government's increase in tax on air travel last February resulted in premium economy seats being taxed at the same level as first class travel.
'Premium economy was intended to offer a relatively affordable option for those who need extra leg-room, be it for comfort or due to a medical condition. The current £80 tax rate on long-haul flights will make this option unaffordable for many passengers.'
The committee also called for more research into the health issues related to flying, including the effects of jet-lag.
Opodo is a leading online travel company offering flights, hotels, rental cars and holidays worldwide. Search for travel deals.
© Adfero Ltd
The Science and Technology Committee urged the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to increase the current minimum distance between seats of 66cm in order to increase comfort and ensure safety.
Most UK airlines already offer 71cm of leg-room, the committee said, but it argued that this should be guaranteed by the CAA.
Committee member Lord Patel said: 'We are also disappointed that the government's increase in tax on air travel last February resulted in premium economy seats being taxed at the same level as first class travel.
'Premium economy was intended to offer a relatively affordable option for those who need extra leg-room, be it for comfort or due to a medical condition. The current £80 tax rate on long-haul flights will make this option unaffordable for many passengers.'
The committee also called for more research into the health issues related to flying, including the effects of jet-lag.
Opodo is a leading online travel company offering flights, hotels, rental cars and holidays worldwide. Search for travel deals.
© Adfero Ltd
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