Airline doesn't have the authority to deny boarding for late arrivals, despite your tardiness.
In a landmark ruling, the Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main has set a precedent for cases involving late gate arrivals and missed flights, determining that airlines must show consideration for late-arriving passengers if the departure is delayed.
The case in question involved five travelers who booked a flight from Frankfurt to Doha. On the day of their departure, which was scheduled for 17:35, the gate for their flight closed 20 minutes earlier at 17:15. Despite the aircraft still being at the gate and passengers waiting to board, an airline employee denied them boarding.
The travelers sought compensation of €600 per person under EU air passenger rights regulations. Their initial claim was rejected by the local court but was upheld on appeal by the regional court. The court stated that if boarding is not yet complete and the aircraft doors are still open, or if the aircraft bus has not yet departed, the airline has an obligation to board the passengers.
The ruling emphasizes the importance of timely boarding for passengers to avoid missed flights. It also highlights that compensation entitlement applies to passengers who miss their flights due to late gate arrival and uncompleted boarding, as long as boarding has not been completed when the passenger arrives.
The compensation amount was not disclosed in the ruling, but it sets a significant precedent for similar cases. The court's decision underscores the need for airlines to be more flexible in accommodating late-arriving passengers, especially when departures are delayed.
This ruling comes at a time when the European Council is proposing changes to the regulations governing air passenger rights. The proposed changes could increase the delay threshold before compensation is eligible, potentially reducing the number of passengers entitled to compensation. However, the ruling in Frankfurt am Main serves as a reminder that airlines have an obligation to consider the needs of their passengers and strive to avoid missed flights whenever possible.
The ruling was made in Case No.: 2-24 S 93/24, and it is expected to have implications for airlines operating within the EU and beyond, as the principles established in this case could be applied to similar situations. As air travel continues to be a significant part of modern life, understanding and adhering to passenger rights will be crucial for maintaining a positive travel experience for all.
The travelers, following the Frankfurt am Main Regional Court's landmark ruling, argued for compensation of €600 per person due to missed flights caused by late gate arrivals and uncompleted boarding. This ruling serves as a reminder for airlines to exhibit flexibility in accommodating late-arriving passengers, particularly during flight delays, and emphasizes the significance of maintaining a lifestyle that includes timely boarding to avoid missing flights.
