EU Member States have reached an agreement to Change the rules of financial compensation to passengers when flights are late. The project still has to go through the European Parliament, but already deserves criticism of both organizations that defend consumers as of airlines.
The countries of They are planear increase waiting time necessary to have right to one compensation to passengers when a flight It is late. Member States have agreed so that the number of hours of delay required is higher and also to change the amount of paid compensation.
According to Current rulesos Passengers are entitled to claim compensation if a flight is late or more. Now, dand according to the new Brussels plans, may need a longer waiting time.
What are the changes in question?
Qundor short distance flights, o delay teron to be at least four hoursso that passengers can claim a compensfinancial action. Already long -haul flightso plane will have to delay At least six hours.
Also There may be Changes in the value of financial compensations attributed, when exist arrears. No case two Short Flightsthe news is good: the idea is increase the compensation of 250 euros for 300 euros. Already in the case of long flightspassengers are losing: the plans are to Download compensation from 600 euros to 500 euros.
The revision of air rights in the European space he was to be negotiated by the Member States since 2013. Countries will havenow finally reached a Agreement to advance with changes regarding rights the compensation. It is agreement raisin also by automater The forms of compensation, include one right to be “redirected” when the delays are prolonged and reinforcementar the guarantees for passengers with reduced mobility or deficiencies.
Us gsupernant EU Member States consider that the new legislation is a step to improve the quality of service offered to passengers. O project temhowever, yet to pass through the European Parliament, before power becomesr-e Effective law.
Consumers and airlines are against
Same antes to be debated in the European Parliamentthe plan this Already being the target of criticismboth by the organizations of consumer protection as those representing the airlines themselves.
I and , representing several airlines operating in the European space, is against the plans because intended to wait time until there is right to compensation it was even bigger.
“Europe has been waiting for more transparent and feasible rules for passengers and member states for 12 years for 12 years. fell into the final barrier, ”says Ourania GeorgoutsakouDirector General of A4E, . “Instead of predicting Five and nine hour delay limitssthat would allow to save up to 70% of the canceled flightsthe Member States diluted the original proposal of the European Commission and introduced even more complexity”, Criticized.
