Potential decrease in flight delay compensation in the future?
Got a Problem with Long Flight Delays? Prepare for Changes in EU Compensation Rules
European Union countries are shaking things up when it comes to flight delays and passenger compensation. In a recent agreement, they've proposed reducing the amount passengers can claim for delays, with consumer groups crying foul.
© GETTY IMAGES By Alexis Fargeaudoux Published on
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Are you ready for changes in the compensation game? Last Thursday, June 5, 28 European Union countries decided to cut back on passenger compensation for flight delays. Currently, passengers can receive up to €600 for delays longer than three hours, a rule that's been in place for 20 years. However, airlines aren't happy with the estimated €8.1 billion annual financial burden this rule creates, according to the European Commission.
"Dennis de Wit, Secretary-General of ANEC, European consumer voice in standardization, calls it 'really worrying' to remove the possibility of compensation for a significant number of passengers", says ANEC to Franceinfo. "We estimate that approximately 75% of passengers who currently receive compensation because of flight delays would be left out of the new system."
Long flights might be out of pocket for passengers. Marie-Amandine Stévenin, president of consumer association UFC-Que Choisir, explains, "By prolonging the delay threshold from three hours to nine hours for flights over 3,500 kilometers, travelers lose €600."
What's Different Now?
Today, compensation varies depending on flight distance. For shorter trips, it's €250, jumping to €600 for journeys over 3,500 kilometers. Critics worry that the proposed delay threshold of nine hours for long-haul flights could limit, if not eliminate, passengers' ability to claim compensation.
"We hope to maintain passenger rights as they currently stand, with three types of compensation depending on the flight distance, which seems a fair system", asserts Stévenin. She goes on to argue that airlines are profiting more than they did in recent years.
Making Sense of the Changes
If you're flying long-haul, it's essential to understand the potential impact of these changes. UFC-Que Choisir warns that the proposed compensation reductions might not cover the financial harm and stress caused by lengthy delays.
Keep an eye on advocacy efforts from consumer protection groups and air passenger rights organizations. Their input could shape future policy decisions.
On another note, airlines may focus less on preventing delays due to reduced financial pressure from compensation claims, which could in turn affect their operations and customer service. Remember, your flight delay rights could change, so stay informed!
Sources:1. European Commission2. Air Help3. airlineinsight.com4. Simple Flying5. Selectra
With the proposed changes in EU compensation rules, business travelers might face reduced compensation for flight delays, potentially impacting their lifestyle and financial stability. Long-haul travelers may find themselves without compensation for delays longer than nine hours, which could significantly affect their travel-related expenses and planned itineraries.
