Warning Bell Rings: Consumer Watchdogs Caution Over Potential EU Flight Delay Compensation Reform
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Critics voice concerns over proposed EU revisions to compensation for flight disruptions
Consumer advocates are once more raising the alarm about the effects on air passengers if a proposed reform of EU regulations governing flight delay compensation comes to fruition. Andre Duderstaedt, flight rights expert at the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv), voiced concerns to AFP, stating, "Those who have truly suffered detriments could find themselves empty-handed in the future."
The EU Commission's 2013 proposals, which aim to raise the threshold for compensation, are under discussion. Currently, passengers receive financial compensation for delays of more than three hours. However, these changes would see compensation coming into effect only from five hours of delay and up to twelve hours for long-haul flights.
The decision on the reform is not yet final: The 27 EU countries could not agree on changes during a meeting last week. Poland, currently presiding over the Council of the 27 states, is pushing the negotiations and is hopeful for a settlement at the meeting of EU transport ministers on Thursday in Luxembourg. A compromise could differ from the Commission's proposed changes. Germany has reportedly submitted a counterproposal, as reported by diplomats, which maintains the threshold at three hours but offers lower average compensation of a flat €300.
Duderstaedt generally supported this proposal. He noted, "This would ensure that those currently entitled to compensation will continue to be so." The vzbv continues to campaign for better compensation. As Duderstaedt asserted, "The final chapter has not yet been written." If the 27 countries reach a consensus on Thursday, further talks with the European Parliament will ensue later in the fall.
Enrichment Data
Currently, the EU reform for flight delay compensation is a contentious topic due to ongoing negotiations between the EU Commission, airlines, and consumer groups [2][5].Key aspects of the proposed reform include:
- Increased thresholds for compensation, potentially denying compensation to 85% of passengers currently entitled [4][5].
- Extended timeframes for re-routing, giving airlines up to 12 hours to provide alternative travel for disrupted flights [4][5].
- Restrictions on passenger rights during delay periods, limiting their ability to seek alternative flights or claim reimbursement [4][5].
These changes could lead to reduced traveler entitlements, decreased airline accountability, longer wait times, and fewer alternative options. Additionally, consumer groups warn that these reforms risk significantly eroding passenger rights and service quality [5].
In essence, the proposed EU reform seeks to balance the interests of air passengers and the aviation industry, but it runs the risk of substantially weakening protections for travelers by raising the compensation threshold and delaying obligations for alternative arrangements [2][4][5].
- The Community policy discussions regarding the EU flight delay compensation reform include not only the aviation industry but also employment policies, as the potential changes could impact the employment of airline staff by altering their responsibilities during flight delays.
- The current debate over the EU flight delay compensation reform not only involves the finance sector, considering the potential monetary impacts on both passengers and airlines, but also lifestyle and travel, as air travelers might face changes in their rights and experiences during journeys.
