New ENAC regulation: no surcharge on airline seats for children and disabled persons

 The regulation in brief

ENAC's regulation confirms the principles of the centrality of passengers and their rights, already protected by the body's founding decree (no. 250 of 1997) and by EU regulations to protect minors and fragile persons. Underlying the decision are also reasons of flight quality and safety: in an emergency, in fact, children and people with disabilities or pathologies might not be able to walk or move without help

Here is a summary of what was decided.

For children, free seats next to their parents

All airlines operating in Italy must guarantee children between the ages of 2 and 12 years the allocation of seats next to their parents or those accompanying them, at no extra cost. When it is not possible to have side-by-side seats, minors must be at least in the same row, or no more than one row away from accompanying persons.

Persons with reduced mobility travel free of charge next to their carer

Same guarantees for those who cannot move independently. Airlines must guarantee persons with reduced mobility (PRM) a seat next to their carer (or at least as close as possible), without charging additional fees. 

The surcharge will be refunded

From the date of entry into force of the regulation (which, we remind you, is 16 July 2021), it is possible to request reimbursement of sums paid to airlines for the allocation of adjacent seats. The sums are refundable even if the flight has already taken place.

Airlines have ten days to comply

The regulation becomes enforceable ten days after its publication on ENAC's website. In this short period of time, airlines must adapt their reservation and seat allocation systems, including online.

Heavy fines for those who do not comply with the regulation

For companies that do not comply with the regulation, the ENAC may impose fines of between EUR 10,000 and EUR 50,000.

This article  New ENAC regulation: no surcharge on airline seats for children and disabled persons is provided courtesy Studio Legale Palmigiano.