EU reform in sight: Passenger rights are on the brink!

EU reform in sight: Passenger rights are on the brink!

The latest consultations by the EU countries on a proposal by the European Commission to reform the compensation regulations for passengers have caused a lot of excitement. The flight right regulation from 2004 (EG 261) is currently in force, the passengers assured compensation between 250 and 600 euros in the event of delays from three hours. However, a planned change could increase these threshold values ​​to five to twelve hours, depending on the flight distance, which would have significant consequences for many consumers. vienna.at reports that this could be eliminated for around 80 percent of the cases.

The reform has met with sharp criticism. Stefanie Hubig, the Federal Minister of Justice in Germany, expressed her concerns and emphasized that consumer rights should not be abolished. Karolina Wojtal, co-manager of the European Consumer Center Germany, described the proposal as a serious step backwards. She warned that most delays are between two and four hours and that airlines could possibly cause delays to avoid compensation. The lobbying organization "Airlines for Europe" (A4E), on the other hand, supports the reform and argues that longer time thresholds would give airlines more time to find solutions. However, it remains unclear whether and in what form the EU countries will follow the proposal. A final compromise with the EU Parliament is required to complete the reform.

background of the passenger rights regulation

The Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which came into force on February 17, 2005, was an important measure for the protection of passengers. It should ensure that passengers are adequately supervised when not transporting, cancellation or significant delays. According to the regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation payments depending on the flight distance:

In addition, airlines must offer care services such as meals, hotel accommodations and transport during longer stays at the airport. The regulation applies to all flights of EU airports, regardless of the seat of the airline, and also extends to flights from third countries to EU airports, provided they are carried out by EU airlines. EUR-LEX explains that the mandatory information rights for passengers are also part of this regulation.

consumer protection in focus

The consumer center emphasizes that the passenger rights regulation is very important for many affected people, since it can ensure up to 600 euros in the event of delays and cancellations. It remains to be seen whether the planned changes actually increase the expected pressure on airlines or whether they affect the protection of passengers. Consumer advocates also warn that proven extraordinary circumstances that could exclude compensation are often used by Airlines as an excuse.

With the current considerations for reforming passenger rights, the rights of consumers are on the brink. The outcome of the negotiations will be pursued in the coming weeks, in particular by those who rely on their passenger rights. Consumer center provides further information on the rights of passengers and possible claims with air travel.