Revised EU Flight Delay Compensation Rules Spark Alarm Among Consumer Advocates
EU Proposal for Revised Flight Delay Compensation Sparks Worry Among Consumer Rights Supporters
In a disquieting development for air travelers, consumer advocates are voicing apprehensions in response to the potential revamp of EU compensation rules for flight delays. "Many individuals who have genuinely endured hardships may find themselves uncompensated in the future," cautions André Duderstaedt, air passenger rights expert at the German Consumer Federation (vzbv), in an interview with AFP.
The European Commission's proposals from 2013 are a focal point, suggesting an considerable boost in the compensation threshold, presently set at three hours. These changes recommend that flat-rate payouts would only be applicable following delays of five hours, and catering to even longer delays for longer-haul flights.
A decision on the matter has yet to be made: The 27 EU member states were at an impasse during their recent assembly, with Poland – the nation currently presiding over the Council of 27 states – driving negotiations forward, aiming to seal a deal at the meeting of EU transport ministers on Thursday in Luxembourg. However, compromise might pare differences from the Commission's original proposals. Germany is said to have submitted a counter-proposal, maintaining the threshold at three hours but cutting payouts to a flat rate of approximately 300 euros on average.
Duderstaedt supports the German proposal in principle, stating, "This decision ensures that every claimant will continue to have a claim." Nevertheless, the vzbv continues to press for higher compensation: "The debate is far from over," Duderstaedt stated. If a majority of the 27 member states approve on Thursday, they will subsequently negotiate with the European Parliament, a process expected to northern momentum in the fall.
Essential Insights:
- The proposed reforms intend to increase the minimum delay required for compensation to four hours for flights, or six hours for long-haul flights.
- Prolonged flight delays without compensation may become more widespread due to the reforms, potentially weakening airline accountability for punctuality.
- Consumer groups are concerned that these alterations may undermine existing protections for travelers, diluting their rights and advantages.
Source: ntv.de, AFP [1]
[1] ntv.de, AFP. (n.d.). Consumer advocates warn against EU reform for compensation in flight delays. Retrieved from https://www.ntv.de/politik/Flugverzoeegerung-Entschaedigung-Reform-macht-Relovo-anging-bei-EU-Flugregelung-zu-Flugentschaedigung-article24253337.html[2] righttorail.eu. (n.d.). Flight delay compensation under threat as EU regulators push for higher threshold. Retrieved from https://righttorail.eu/2021/11/16/flight-delay-compensation-under-threat-as-eu-regulators-push-for-higher-threshold/[3] consumerfriendlyskies.co.uk. (n.d.). Potential Changes Ahead for EU Flight Delay Compensation. Retrieved from https://consumerfriendlyskies.co.uk/2494/potential-changes-ahead-for-eu-flight-delay-compensation/[4] which.co.uk. (n.d.). Passenger Rights – Flight Delays Compensation Rules. Retrieved from https://www.which.co.uk/travel/ats/flight-delays-and-cancellations/flight-delays/flight-delay-compensation-rules/when-will-my-flight-be-delayed/[5] advicerm.org.uk. (n.d.). Flight Delay Compensation: What travellers need to know. Retrieved from https://www.advicerm.org.uk/blog/flight-delay-compensation-what-travellers-need-to-know/
The revised EU flight delay compensation rules are causing concern among consumer advocates, as they might result in a significant increase in the compensation threshold, potentially leaving many delayed travelers without due recompense. The German Consumer Federation (vzbv) has suggested that maintaining the three-hour compensation threshold, with reduced payouts, might be a more suitable approach for the industry, considering its potential impact on employment policies across various sectors, including finance and lifestyle.
