Revised Compensation Rules for Flight Delays in the EU: What Travelers Need to Know
Current Situation
- Presently, passengers are entitled to compensation if flights are delayed by more than three hours, with compensation amounts varying based on the distance of the flight.
- For flights up to 1,500 km, passengers receive €250; for flights between 1,501 km and 3,500 km, €400; and for flights over 3,500 km, €600.
Proposed Changes
- EU transport ministers have voted to increase the delay threshold ahead of the European Parliament's approval.
- For short-haul and medium-haul flights (up to 3,500 km), passengers must now experience at least four hours of delay to be eligible for compensation. For long-haul flights (over 3,500 km), the delay threshold increases to six hours.
- Additionally, proposed compensation amounts have been adjusted.
- Short-haul flights: The compensation amount will increase from €250 to €300.
- Medium-haul flights: The amount will decrease from €400 to €300 for flights up to 3,500 km.
- Long-haul flights: The compensation amount will decrease from €600 to €500.
Controversy Surrounding the Proposed Reforms
- Many consumer groups have expressed concerns that these changes could disadvantage passengers by increasing the delay threshold.
- Airlines, on the other hand, have criticized the proposal, contending that it does not go far enough to protect them from compensation payouts for "rescuable" flights. They believe more stringent delay thresholds, such as 5 and 9 hours, are necessary to save them from potential payouts.
EU Member States, Airlines, and the European Parliament's Stances
- The proposed changes are part of a broader overhaul aimed at simplifying the air passenger rights system.
- The European Parliament still needs to approve these changes, with some MEPs already expressing resistance to any deterioration of the current status quo.
Passenger Opinions
- Passengers generally view these proposed changes as unfavorable, as they would have to endure longer delays before receiving compensation, which could affect millions of passengers every year.
EU Proposes Amendments for Passengers to Seek Compensation - EU Proposes Modifications to Compensation Rights
The proposed changes in EU compensation rules for flight delays, affecting both short-haul, medium-haul, and long-haul flights, could potentially have a significant impact on travelers' lifestyles, as passengers may now endure longer delays before receiving compensation. This lifestyle alteration, caused by the raised delay threshold, could also be exacerbated for frequent fliers, as the employment policy within the aviation industry might need to adapt to accommodate this altered situation. Conversely, these changes could also potentially impact the employment policies of airlines, as they may face adjustments to their services orinternal operations to accommodate the altered delay thresholds, in an attempt to minimize compensation payouts.
