Flights in EU countries: Passengers won't receive money unless their flight is delayed by at least four hours
Ready for a shake-up in air travel compensation rules? 🛄✈️
The EU is proposing a revamp of its air passenger rights, focusing on delayed flights and their compensation. As of now, passengers are entitled to reimbursement when their flights are delayed by more than three hours for distances between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, and over four hours for flights beyond 3,500 kilometers [ENR1]. However, the proposed updates aim to extend the delay threshold to four hours for flights up to 3,500 kilometers and six hours for trips surpassing 3,500 kilometers [ENR2][ENR3][ENR4].
European Parliament's Take
With a majority of EU transport ministers agreeing to this change in a meeting in Luxembourg, the ball is now in the court of the European Parliament. The legislative process is still underway [ENR1].
Compensation Amounts and Delay Thresholds
For short to medium haul flights, the new rule brings a decrease in compensation to €300, payable only after a delay of more than four hours compared to the current threshold of three hours for distances beyond 1,500 km and two hours for flights under 1,500 km [ENR2][ENR4]. On the other hand, long haul flights will see an increase in compensation to €500, but this will only be paid after exceeding a delay of more than six hours, as opposed to the current four hours [ENR3][ENR4].
Germany Speaks Loud and Clear
Germany has strongly advocated for maintaining compensations after three hours of delay, with a flat rate of €300, arguing that it would uphold consumer rights and relieve stress on long-haul airlines [ENR4]. Germany did not vote in favor of the change in the Luxembourg meeting [ENR4].
Airlines Argue for Replacement Flights
Airline associations argue that they are technically unable to provide a replacement aircraft with crew at numerous European destinations within three hours. This, they claim, may result in the cancellation of additional flights due to high compensation costs [ENR4].
Consumer Protection Organizations Voice Concerns
European consumer protection organizations are concerned that the new threshold values will leave the majority of passengers without their rights since most delays fall within the two to four-hour window [ENR5]. Flightright, a legal service provider, predicts that up to 60% of current compensation cases could be eliminated if the proposed changes are implemented [ENR5].
Members of the European Parliament Take Stands
Amidst growing resistance, especially from German lawmakers, the future of this proposed revision remains uncertain. MEPs from different parties have voiced their opposition to any possible deterioration of the existing status quo, promising to defend air passenger rights with a broad majority [ENR6].
The Polish EU Council Presidency's Perspective
Poland, currently holding the six-month rotating presidency of the EU, views the compromise as a step towards clearer and more straightforward regulations. The revised regulations, if implemented, are expected to grant air passengers more than 30 new rights, providing enhanced protection from the purchase of the ticket to arrival at the destination [ENR4].
- The European Parliament is now tasked with deciding on the revised air passenger rights policy-and-legislation, which aims to extend the delay threshold for compensation in air travel.
- Under the proposed changes, compensation amounts for short to medium haul flights would decrease to €300, payable only after a delay of more than four hours, while long haul flights would see an increase to €500, payable after a delay of more than six hours.
- Despite the proposed changes, consumer protection organizations and some Members of the European Parliament have voiced concerns that the new threshold values may leave the majority of passengers without their rights, as most delays fall within the two to four-hour window.
