Three hours: that's how long it currently takes for a passenger in Europe to reach their destination. claim compensation from their airline. But that could change. Poland, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council until June, wants to tighten up the current rules, under the influence of the airline lobbies.
The compensation rules are included in a regulation known as EU261. Set up in 2005, it is certainly one of the most generous in the world to protect consumers.
It ensures that passengers receive compensation, assistance and reimbursement when their journey...
Three hours: that's how long it currently takes for a passenger in Europe to reach their destination. claim compensation from their airline. But that could change. Poland, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council until June, wants to tighten up the current rules, under the influence of the airline lobbies.
The compensation rules are included in a regulation known as EU261. Set up in 2005, it is certainly one of the most generous in the world to protect consumers.
It ensures that passengers receive compensation, assistance and reimbursement if their journey does not go as planned. It applies to ALL companiesregardless of nationality, from an airport in the EU, as well as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. However, it only concerns EU airlines (plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) for inbound flights. Le United Kingdom has modelled its own legislation on European criteria. However, it remains under British law.
Generous compensation
Passengers are currently entitled to a compensation of between 250 and 600 eurosThey can also benefit from accommodation and meals if necessary. They can also benefit from accommodation and meals if necessary.
A company cancelling a flight for up to 14 days before departure must reimburse and compensate the passenger. In the same way as a company that refuses a passenger boarding due to overbooking.
Extreme weather conditions, air traffic control restrictions and strikes not involving airline staff are not eligible for compensation..
Drastically reduce the bill for airlines
However, it is estimated that airline invoice for compensation amounts to approximately 3 billion euros per year. However, for the past decade, the EU has been debating changes. And it was Poland that decided to reactivate discussions that had stalled.
Poland's proposals to the Council of the European Union would aim to lengthen the delay threshold which would give entitlement to compensation. This threshold could be raised to five hours instead of three. The revised plan also aims to introduce new compensation bands. These would be based on longer flight distances and delay times.
Consumer protection associations are up in arms about the possibility of adopting these new rules. In particular, they believe that it is a "blank cheque" giving airlines free rein to incorporate delays and cancellations. in their programming. With no legal repercussions. Some associations believe that 80% of delayed flights would therefore be excluded any right to compensation for the passenger.
