Upcoming Changes in EU: Four-Hour Delay Rule for Flight Compensation
EU Contemplates Amendments to Air Travel Compensation Claims Process - EU Proposes New Regulations for Customer Refunds
Get ready for a shift in air travel compensation rules in the EU! The proposed new regulations will extend the delay threshold for flight passengers to claim compensation, moving from the current three hours to four hours for flights up to 3500 kilometers. This change was agreed upon by the majority of EU transport ministers at a recent meeting in Luxembourg [1][2].
The Four-Hour Rule
This new four-hour rule will apply to flights up to a distance of 3500 kilometers. Longer flights will see a six-hour deadline [1][3]. Initially, the German government advocated for passengers to continue receiving compensation after three hours of delay, offering a flat rate of €300. However, they did not receive the necessary support at the Luxembourg meeting [3].
Germany's Opposition
The German government was among those who opposed this change, highlighting concerns that significantly fewer passengers would qualify for compensation if the rules are amended [3]. Under the current Air Passenger Rights Regulation, passengers receive €250, €400, or €600 for delays of more than two, three, or four hours respectively, depending on the distance of the flight [1][3].
Passenger Survey
Interestingly, a survey conducted by the German lobby association BDL revealed that 73% of the respondents were willing to accept compensation claims only after five hours of delay, if they could still reach their destination the same day [3].
Airlines' Argument
Airlines and their associations argue that providing a replacement aircraft with crew within three hours can be challenging at many European destinations, potentially leading them to choose not to operate an additional flight due to high compensation payments. They believe that a five-hour rule would be more appropriate [3].
Future in the European Parliament
The European Parliament still has the opportunity to make changes to the new rules before they are implemented. The potential resistance in the European Parliament is significant, with MEPs emphasizing their intention to maintain the current three-hour requirement [3].
- EU
- Flight
- Compensation
- Delay
- European Parliament
- Despite the German government's initial proposal for a flat rate compensation of €300 for delays exceeding three hours, the European Parliament may maintain the current three-hour delay requirement for flight compensation, compared to the proposed four-hour rule.
- A shift in lifestyle and travel plans might be necessary for some air passengers, as the potential new regulation in the EU could result in fewer people qualifying for flight compensation due to the extended delay threshold from three to four hours.
