Will European air passengers receive fewer compensation?

European air passengers may face New difficulties in getting Compensation to delay. The European Union reviewed the regulations dating back to 2004, but the text finds political obstacles. Civil society and the air community request this The text has been updatedBut do not share the same analysis.

Nowadays, it can be obtained Compensation between 250 and 600 euros To delay 3 hours or more. But ongoing negotiations can lead to New standards are not favorable to consumersAccording to beuc (European Consumer Organization). The committee suggested amending the compensation period. It will not be three hours, but five, nine or twelve (hour), depending on the distance.

Impact on consumers

Specifically, what is the effect of this? If what is currently discussed, 85 % of consumers will not have the right to compensation“Euronews”, Stephen Berger, the legal expert at BeUC. It is “a big step back compared to the 2004 legislation.”

The guidance applies to all flights that leave an airport UeRegardless of the nationality of the airline, and the flights that reach the airports of the European Union if it is managed by a flight in the European Union. It does not apply to flights to Europe run by airlines outside the European Union, or to European Union flights with a scope in Europe.

The regulations apply to all member states, as well as to Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Compensation will not be paid in the case of “unusual conditions”, that is, harsh weather conditions, air traffic control restrictions, and the strikes where employees are employees Airlines Political instability.

Also He criticizes the expected final dates To impose the rights of passengers. “At this time, what is on the table (…) You will only have three months “To request compensation or your rights are respectful if you face a problem with the airline, which is very little,” says Stephen Berger.

Flexibility that airlines defends

Continuous discussions between member states are based on a proposal to his foot European Commission In 2013. Once again, civil society considers this text as old and no longer corresponds to the needs and requirements of the current passengers. For airlines, on the other hand, this document still 10 years ago is a good discussion base.

A4E (Airlines), which represents its companies 70 % of European air trafficHe wrote for an explanation that “the commitment proposal from the European Commission for the year 2013 will give the airlines the flexibility they need to manage the disturbances more effectively, and to help maintain flights and meet the main priority of passengers: access to their destination as soon as possible.” According to A4E, “Current legislation It is still mysterious, creating uncertainty for passengers, airlines and courts. ”

Although compensation for delay and cancellation in the center of difficulties, consumer associations also indicate the need for a review The role of travel intermediaries. These are comparison platforms, reservation and purchase of aircraft tickets, but are not subject to the standards set in the text of 2004.

Poland, who is practicing the semi -annual presidency of the European Union, has taken care of the file and wants to progress as much as possible in negotiations from here to June. At the present time, negotiations develop at the technical level and They have not yet reached the political level.