Consumer associations suggest that the European standards update proposal for compensation may lose 85% of passengers in the event of flight delays.
European flight passengers can face New difficulties in getting Compensation for delays. The European Union has reviewed the regulations since 2004, but the text has been detecting political obstacles. Civil community and aircraft community asks it The text has been updatedBut do not share the same analysis.
Currently, can be obtained Compensation from 250 to 600 euros For 3 hours or more delays. But the current negotiations can lead to New unfavorable standards for consumersAccording to Beuc (European Consumer System). “The commission proposed to change the compensation period, and it will no longer be three hours, but depending on the distance five, nine or twelve (twelve).
Impact on consumer
In particular, what impact does this have? If it is currently discussed, 85% of the consumers will no longer have the right Compensation“He told Steven Berger, the legal specialist of Beuc,” EuroNius’. This is a great step in compared to the 2004 law. “
This order applies to all flights that leave an airport Ue. This does not apply to Europe’s flights operated by airlines outside the European Union or EU planes in Europe.
Regulation applies to all member states Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. “Extraordinary situations”, ie extreme weather, air traffic control controls, strikes, employees of staff Air company And political instability.
Beuc too Criticize the expected deadline To implement the rights of passengers. “At this time, what’s on the table (…) You only have three months If you have any problems with the airline, it is very low, ”says Steven Berger.
Flexibility protected by airlines
The ongoing debates between member states are based on a plan presented Authority In 2013. Again, the civil society considers that the text has expired and is not similar to the needs and demands of the current travelers. As for airlines, on the other hand, this document has been a good discussion platform 10 years ago.
A4E Association (Airlines 4 Euro), its companies represent 70% of European air transportHe wrote to explain, “The 2013 European Commission’s Dedicated proposal helps to protect the flights and fulfill the main priority of the passengers: they can soon achieve their goal.” According to A4E, ”Current law It is still vague, creating uncertainty for passengers, airlines and courts. ”
Consumer associations indicate the need to review even though the compensation for delays and cancellation is at the center of difficulties The role of travel intermediaries. These are sites for comparing air tickets, reserve and purchase, but they are not subject to standards installed in the 2004 text.
Poland, who uses the European Union’s half -hearted presidency, wants to take care of the trophy and advance to June as much as possible. At this time, negotiations are formed at the technical level They have not yet reached politics.