EU Countries Propose Relaxed Compensation Rules for Flight Delays
Countries within the European Union seek to diminish the claim for compensation in instances of flight delays. - Countries within the European Union seek to dilute the entitlement to financial compensation for disrupted air travel.
Here's a shift in the aviation landscape: Following a consensus amongst transport ministers in Luxembourg, the EU nations have proposed modifying the compensation rules for delays in flights. The revised rules aim to increase the delay threshold for compensation, as well as adjust the compensation amounts. Let's break down the key changes:
Changes Proposed:
- Short Haul Flights (Up to 3,500 km):
- Current Policy: Eligible passengers receive €250 to €400 compensation when flights are delayed by at least two to three hours, based on distance.
- Proposed Change: Passengers are entitled to €300 compensation if their flight experiences a delay of at least four hours.[1][2][3]
- Long-Haul Flights (Over 3,500 km):
- Current Policy: For delays of at least three or four hours, passengers can expect compensation up to €600.
- Proposed Change: In this scenario, passengers will receive €500 compensation if their flight is delayed by at least six hours.[2][3]
These adjustments are targeted at lessening the financial strain on airlines, which frequently cancel flights to steer clear of hefty compensation costs. However, consumer groups voice concerns that these new thresholds might infringe upon passengers' compensation rights—denying due compensation to many individuals.[1][3]
Now that the dust has settled in Luxembourg, the drafts are set to be negotiated with the European Parliament. Don't expect a swift movement in these talks—they're likely to pick up steam only in the fall.
- EU
- Compensation
- Flight Delay
- Flight
- Luxembourg
- The proposal from EU countries seeks to alter the compensation rules for flight delays, aiming to increase the delay threshold and adjust the compensation amounts, not only for short-haul flights but also for long-haul flights.
- In the case of short-haul flights (up to 3,500 km), the current policy offers €250 to €400 compensation for delays of at least two to three hours, whereas the proposed change would provide €300 compensation for delays of at least four hours.
- For long-haul flights (over 3,500 km), the current policy offers up to €600 compensation for delays of at least three or four hours, while the proposed change would offer €500 compensation for delays of at least six hours. These adjustments are intended to reduce financial strain on airlines, but consumer groups raise concerns that these new thresholds may compromise passengers' compensation rights.
