Fighting for Flight Compensation: EU Advocates Take a Stand Against Proposed Reforms
Europe plans reform in flight delay compensation, consumer activists issue caution - Flight Delay Compensation: Caution Over EU's Potential Regulation Change Issued by Consumer Rights Advocates
In the realm of EU regulations, a recent push from the Commission has brought forward the idea of increasing the compensation threshold for flight delays. At the moment, the threshold stands at a delay of three hours. The new proposition, if accepted, would see compensation only due after five hours of delay for regular flights and up to twelve hours for long-haul trips.
However, negotiations among the 27 EU countries are still underway. Last week's meeting concluded without a unanimous decision, with Poland, who currently holds the Council presidency, driving the negotiations forward. A potential agreement is expected to be finalized during the meeting of EU transport ministers on Thursday in Luxembourg.
Poland's push is met with resistance, though. Germany has reportedly released a counter-proposal, maintaining the threshold at the current three hours, but reducing compensation to an average of €300, figured as a flat rate.
The vzbv, Federal Association of German Consumer Organizations, welcomes this proposal in principle. Duderstaedt, a vzbv representative, acknowledges that such a regulation would maintain the rights of passengers who currently qualify. However, the vzbv continues to advocate for higher compensation, expressing that further discussions on the matter are yet to be had.
Should a majority of the 27 countries agree on Thursday, the agreement will necessitate further negotiations with the European Parliament. These discussions will likely escalate in the fall.
The current EU policy for flight delay compensation revolves around Regulation EC261. Since its implementation in 2004, the policy has been clarified by judgments from the Court of Justice of the European Union. Short-haul flights (under 1,500 km) result in €250 compensation for delays of three hours or more. Medium-haul flights (1,500-3,500 km) grant €400 compensation for the same, while long-haul flights (over 3,500 km) provide €600 compensation for four hours of delay or more [3][5].
The proposed changes aim to lessen the financial strain on airlines while still offering some relief to passengers. Short and medium-haul flights would qualify for €300 compensation if delayed by four hours or more, while long-haul flights would provide €500 compensation for delays of six hours or more [2][4].
Airlines for Europe (A4E) had earlier proposed even longer delay thresholds to minimize compensable flights, suggesting five and nine hours for short/medium-haul and long-haul flights, respectively, but these proposals were not accepted [1].
- In the midst of ongoing discussions among EC countries, particular attention is being given to the policy-and-legislation surrounding flight delay compensation, with the current regulation (Regulation EC261) under scrutiny.
- The politics of vocational training in the realm of general-news have taken a backseat as the EC countries grapple with the proposed reforms in flight delay compensation, highlighting the diversity in approaches towards regulation and legislation.
