The Transportation and Communications Commission of the Congress of the Republic approved the opinion that grants the right to the passenger to freely choose the seat of your choice, as well as carry hand luggage of up to 10 kilograms at no additional cost. This provision would apply to both national and international commercial flights, for which Law 27161, the Civil Aeronautics Law of Peru, must be modified.
Although, during the brief debate on this proposal by congressmen María Acuña (APP) and Carlos Zeballos (AP), a preliminary question was presented to request an opinion from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) and the Directorate of Regulation, Promotion and Civil Aeronautical Development, this did not obtain the necessary support. Thus, the prediction went to the vote and was approved by majority.
According to the proposal, its approval benefits the population in three aspects: it contributes to the passenger’s free choice to choose a seat on flights without paying an additional amount, it has an impact on protecting the passenger’s economy and avoids discrimination due to the effect of consumption relationship.
“The additional seat change service does imply an additional service in favor of the user, who prefers a basic fee (…). However, the freedom of the airlines should not affect the legitimate expectations of consumers who book several tickets in the same flight and category in order to travel in family or affinity groups. Meanwhile, separating family or affinity groups can harm those passengers who have a condition for which they need to be accompanied by another person,” Indecopi said about the proposal.
For its part, the Association of International Air Transport Companies (AETI) pointed out that the airlines work with a “multi-product” business scheme, which allows them to offer different flexibilities at a different price, for which reason —if this law is approved— it will force airlines to migrate to a “one-product” model scheme, in which there will be only one fare at a price significantly higher than base or promotional costs.
The opinion must go to the Plenary for debate and voting.
Source: Larepublica
Alia is a professional author and journalist, working at 247 news agency. She writes on various topics from economy news to general interest pieces, providing readers with relevant and informative content. With years of experience, she brings a unique perspective and in-depth analysis to her work.
