Sound the Alarm: EU Flight Delay Compensation Reform Under Threat
Critics Voice Concerns Regarding Proposed Amendments to Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Delays within the EU
In the world of air travel, it pays to watch your back. Consumer advocates are in a tizzy, predicting tough times ahead for passengers if a mooted EU reform on compensation for delays takes flight. "People could find themselves high and dry if this plan sees the light of day," warns André Duderstadt, aviation rights expert at the German Consumer Federation (vzbv), addressing news agency AFP.
The European Commission's 2013 proposals have resurfaced, suggesting a substantial rise in the bar for compensation. At present, three hours of delay triggers a payout. But this proposed change would shift the goalposts, with payouts only due in principle after five hours (and even longer for long-haul flights).
The decision on this issue hasn't been finalized. Last week, the 27 EU nations wrestled with the changes and couldn't find common ground. Poland, presently presiding over the Council of the 27 states, is driving the talks and hopes to reach a consensus during Thursday's gathering of EU transport ministers in Luxembourg. A compromise may differ from the Commission's proposal. Germany has thrown its hat in the ring with a counter-proposal that maintains the three-hour threshold but aims to slash the payout to an average of 300 euros.
vzbv's Duderstadt gives the proposal a thumbs-up in principle. "This means that anyone entitled to compensation today will still be eligible," he states. However, the vzbv continues to champion for higher compensation, asserting, "The final word on this matter isn't written just yet." If a majority of the 27 countries approves Thursday's vote, negotiations with the European Parliament loom in the autumn.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
Enrichment Insights:
- Current State: The European Union's present passenger rights enforced airlines to compensate passengers for delays surpassing three hours or cancellations without due notice. The compensation ranges from €250 to €600 depending on the flight distance.[1][5]
- Proposed Changes: The reform proposes increasing the delay threshold for compensation and tiered compensation amounts (€250 for delays over five hours, €400 for nine hours, and €600 from 12 hours). It could also allow airlines to delay flights for up to 12 hours without compensation, leaving up to 85% of passengers ineligible for compensation.[2][4]
- Implications: The reform may lead to diminished compensation, longer wait times, legal confusion, and potential changes in global standards for passenger rights.[3][4]
- The community policy discussion includes the potential reform of EU flight delay compensation, which could significantly impact employment policies within the aviation industry, as it may lead to changes in financing for airlines to cover compensation costs.
- Given the ongoing talks about the EU flight delay compensation reform, lifestyle choices such as travel may be affected, with possible changes in the landscape of consumer protection and employment policies within the travel and finance sectors.
