Liability of air carriers to passengers strengthened

Now, the rules includes order of destruction of unclaimed luggage, conditions and basis of liability of the carrier in case of failure to provide services and delayed departure of the passengers, Norma.uz said.

The rules said that perishable products of unclaimed baggage will be destroyed there will be signs of spoilage. At the same time, the employees of the airport and customs body will register an act, which will specify initial stage of the baggage and list of remaining items in the luggage.

After three months, the head of luggage storage service of the airport creates the commission on destroying unclaimed baggage. The commission will include representatives of the customs service and interior affairs bodies. The commission studies the copies of registration book of the unclaimed luggage and start search of luggage owners and adopt act on accepting luggage to storage. The items, which are impossible to burn, will be destroyed via mechanical wreckage. The documents on destroying luggage, as well as video and photo materials, proving destroy of luggage, will be stored at the airport.

The rules said that precious metals, precious and semi-precious stones, natural pearls and similar items will not be destroyed. They will be given special numbers and sealed bags. The Commission will establish a list of such items with their weight and individual characteristics. The list is drawn up in two copies and signed by the committee members as well as representatives of the Customs Service and the interior affairs bodies. Head of the airport, within 3 working days after the list is drawn up, should apply to the Civil Court for a court order on use of the items, showed in the list.

The rules noted that if the airline refuses to transport passenger, who holds ticket and booked place, and in this result the passenger should spend more time at departure point, the airline will pay compensation and provide free additional services.

The document said that order and size of the compensation is determined by the airline based on the Air Code, the rules, internal rules of the airline, and the laws of the arrival or transit country and requirements of international commercial unions.

If the flight delayed the time, set by the airline, it should compensate damages to the passenger. At the same time, the airline will provide free additional service, which include:

- A phone call or one telegram or other communication service;
- Provide food and water during waiting time or provide transportation services by other means;
- Provide hospital if the wait time exceeds term, set by transportation rules;
- Provide transport for shipment of passengers to a temporary residence and back;
- Repayment of cost, associated with delay of connecting flights, shown in the ticket.

The rules also set cases, when the airline does not make compensations. The passengers will not receive compensations, if:

- the passenger refuses from other flight and request to return money, paid for tickets;
- the passenger violated the terms of ticket purchase and to register, set by the carrier;
- the passenger is pulled away from the flight for violation of transportation rules;
- the passenger was registered, but did not come to the place of departure;
- the passenger offered transportation in a higher class than indicated in his ticket at no additional charge;
- when shipping is free.

The rules also amended and changed to comply with Air Code of Uzbekistan in part of advertisement of flights, responsibility for death or damage to health, loss, etc.