Having done a little more googling and reading around the CAA and DfT websites, it seems the enforcement model is fundamentally flawed.

The intention of the "light touch" approach (according to the DfT) is to target "flagrant or systematic non-compliance". Now, how can the CAA/ATUC acquire the appropriate body of evidence if they are effectively discouraging consumers from reporting breaches ? Surely they can't track every relevant small claims case UK-wide ?

I can't imagine people calling up the ATUC and saying "I know you're going to do bu**** all about it, but fyi, I'm just about to sue BA ..."

The docs relating to the most recent DfT consultation on this issue (reported over 2 years ago) are here : http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/...2005/dbcrsecc/

Further evidence here : http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?ca...90&pageid=6480

"The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for enforcement; the Air Transport Users Council (AUC) provides advice to the public on alleged infringements, and provides information to the Civil Aviation Authority if, in its opinion, a particular airline is consistently breaking the rules."