EU Air Passenger Rights: Rising Delay Thresholds, Charges for Cabin Baggage
Airlines in the European Union are pushing for reduced passenger rights, aiming to relax rules surrounding flight delays and cancellations.
A shift in Europe's air travel landscape is underway as the EU proposes updates to air passenger rights. Changes include raising the threshold for flight delay compensation and allowing airlines to charge for cabin baggage. These changes have not seen major revisions in over a decade.
Delay Compensation Thresholds
The current three-hour delay compensation threshold will be stretched to six hours for long-haul flights over 3,500 km. Passengers will now only be eligible for €500 in compensation for delays of six hours or more—a shift from the previous system where claimable delays start at three hours[1][3].
Cabin Baggage Fees
A contentious issue involves the potential for airlines to start charging for cabin baggage, a move disagreed upon by several member states. This decision stands in contrast to previous regulations, considering hand luggage a crucial part of passenger travel[2][3].
Time Constraints
Passengers will have up to six months to submit a claim, with airlines required to respond within 14 days[2].
Implications for Travelers
These alterations could have profound consequences for passengers:
- Reduced Compensation Eligibility: The new thresholds could potentially affect 85% of passengers, as most delays fall within the two-to-four-hour range[5].
- Decreased Service Quality: With less incentive for compensation for shorter delays, airlines might pay less attention to punctuality[5].
- Consumer Criticism: Critics such as BEUC argue that these changes rollback crucial passenger rights and neglect to incorporate EU case law[4][5].
Future of the Proposals
These updates have faced resistance from consumer organizations and some member states. Negotiations between the EU and the European Parliament will determine the future of the legislation[2][4]. The changes represent a balancing act between consumer rights and airline operational needs, though consumer groups argue that they favor airlines disproportionately[3][4].
[1] ntv.de, mpa/dpa/AFP[2] European Commission[3] BEUC (European Consumer Organization)[4] Euroconsumers[5] Which? (UK Consumer Watchdog)
The EU's proposed updates to air passenger rights have sparked debate, particularly regarding community and employment policies, as they involve changes in delay compensation thresholds and the possible implementation of charges for cabin baggage, both of which could significantly impact travelers. These policy and legislation changes in the realm of politics are controversial, with consumer organizations voicing concerns over the potential rollback of passenger rights and an imbalance in favor of airlines. The future of these proposals remains uncertain, as negotiations between the EU and the European Parliament will determine their fate.
