Flight Delay Compensation Reform: A Troubling Shift for European Air Travelers
EU Proposed Revision Sparks Concerns among Consumer Rights Supporters over Delayed Flight Compensation Policy
In a turn of events that might leave travelers fuming, a planned overhaul of EU regulations on flight delay compensation is causing buzz and concern. Experts are voicing their concerns that ordinary passengers could end up losing out if this reform becomes a reality.
André Duderstaedt, an authority on flight passenger rights at the German Consumer Organizations Federation (vzbv), expressed his concerns in a recent interview with AFP, stating, "Travelers who have genuinely been impacted could potentially be denied their due in the future."
The proposals being put forth by the EU Commission back in 2013 are at the heart of the current debate. They suggest a drastic increase in the threshold for compensation that, as of now, stands at a three-hour delay. Under the proposed changes, a flat rate payout would only be applicable after a delay of five hours, and the length of delays for long-haul flights would determine the compensation amount.
As of now, the reform's finalization is uncertain; the 27 EU countries were unable to reach an agreement on the changes at a recent meeting. Poland, which is the current EU Council president, is driving the negotiations forward and aims for a resolution at a meeting of EU transport ministers on Thursday in Luxembourg. It is possible that a compromise might deviate from the Commission's original proposals. Germany has reportedly tabled a counter-proposal, suggesting that the threshold remains at three hours, but the compensation would be lowered to an average flat rate of 300 euros[1]. vzbv expert, Duderstaedt, deemed this proposal acceptable in principle, but stressed that the fight for higher compensation continues, stating, "The last word has not been the final say yet."
If the majority of the 27 nations strike an agreement on Thursday, negotiations with the European Parliament would follow[2]. These discussions might intensify in the fall.
The Present State of the EU Reform
Currently, the proposed reform for air passenger compensation in case of flight delays stands at a point of indecision. The EU has been deliberating on the matter since 2013, but progress has been impeded due to opposition from several countries led by Germany[1][2].
Potential Changes to Threshold and Compensation
The reform aims to hike the threshold for compensation to four or even six hours for long-haul flights in a bid to provide airlines with greater flexibility. The reasoning behind this is that the present three-hour threshold often results in flights being canceled instead[2][3]. However, consumer advocates worry that such an adjustment might lead to fewer compensation claims being approved.
Proposed Compensation Structure:- Delays of 5 hours or more (up to 3,500 km): A potential €250 compensation.- Delays of 9 hours or more (more than 3,500 km within the EU or 6,000 km outside): A proposed €400 compensation.- Delays of 12 hours or more (long-haul): A possible €600 compensation[4].
Possible Impact on Passengers
If passed, the reform could potentially affect up to 85% of passengers' current entitlement to compensation as airlines might intentionally stretch delays without compensating passengers[4]. Furthermore, the reform appears to overlook significant legal precedents set by the Court of Justice of the EU, which have been instrumental in safeguarding the rights of air passengers[4].
In summary, the proposed changes could potentially diminish the quality of airline services by reducing the incentive for timeliness if airlines are not required to compensate passengers for delays below specific thresholds[4].
[1] euobserver.com[2] vzbv.de[3] consumer-finance.eu[4] transport-environment.org
- The EU Commission's proposals for flight delay compensation reform are causing concern among experts, as they suggest an increase in the threshold for compensation, potentially denying due compensation to ordinary passengers.
- If the reform's proposals are adopted, lifestyle choices such as travel plans might be affected, as passengers could potentially lose out on compensation for delays below specific thresholds.
- The ongoing debate about flight delay compensation reform is a matter of policy-and-legislation and politics, with consumer advocates opposing the proposals that aim to provide greater flexibility to airlines by increasing the threshold for compensation.
