Boost for ferry travel as AUC criticises airlines

Ferry travel could prove a popular alternative to flying for many people this year following the release of a new report by the Air Transport Users Council (AUC) highlighting the inadequacy of airlines' baggage handling.

Research by the watchdog refers to industry data showing that airlines mishandled 42 million bags around the world in 2007, compared to 30 million in 2005.

Furthermore, air carriers have been failing to properly compensate their customers, with complaints to the AUC showing that passengers "often struggle to get reasonable redress from airlines" following the loss of their luggage.

Tina Tietjen, chairman of the council, said: "On too many occasions passengers are not fairly compensated for lost luggage because they do not have receipts for the items that were in their bag or because the airline is taking into account depreciation of the value of the items in the bag.

"With delayed baggage, passengers are often left out of pocket because airlines will not reimburse them fully for expenses they incurred buying essential items whilst they are without their bag."

Ms Tietjen also criticised airlines for "being too quick to load risk onto the passenger".

Promoting ferry travel as a relaxing and stress-free alternative to flying is one of the aims of an advertising campaign that was recently launched by Irish Ferries.