The European Union is about to implement a big change to holidaymakers’ compensation rules, likely meaning less people are eligible for payouts. The time allowance for flight delays before passengers can claim disruption compensation has been extended from three hours to four.
The move has been met with strong opposition from several EU members, including Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Slovenia. Under the new rules, travellers on flights delayed by four hours will be eligible for 300 euros (around £252) compensation for distances up to 3,500km, and 500 euros (around £421) for flights delayed by six hours or more.
Current regulations entitle passengers to 250 euros (around £210) for delays of three hours or more on flights covering up to 1,500 km, 400 euros (around £337) for distances between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and 600 euros (around £504) for longer journeys.
The revamp of the Air Passenger Rights Regulation, supported by member states, also introduces additional protections for peoplewith disabilities or reduced mobility.
It suggests that airlines should provide an automatic form for customers to file complaints.
The Polish EU council presidency has been celebrating a “historic” agreement, originating from a 2013 proposition, even though it has seen a backtrack from their original plans of extending the compensation delay threshold from three to five hours.
However, during the decisive stage of talks, Spanish Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility José Antonio Santano said: “We cannot support the proposal”. He said the issue was “very sensitive”, stressing that it would leave Spanish passengers at a loss.
Santano also pointed out in previous arguments the vagueness shrouding the term “technical problems”, which could let airlines dodge reparation payments. He therefore called for explicit legal text to eliminate any potential loopholes.
Germany has also voiced concerns over the proposed agreement, fearing it could lead to reduced protection for travellers. They are seeking to strengthen these protections during discussions with the Eurochamber, while Portugal too deems it unacceptable to extend compensation hours.
In the debate, European Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas urged member states to find a “balance between effective passenger rights protection and reasonable effects on carriers,” pressing for a consensus. He warned: “If we do not reach an agreement today, this could have enormous effects on passengers.”
The EU consumer group BEUC has indicated that several EU nations are trying “to reverse key air passenger rights” as “most delays are between two and four hours,” and is urging MEPs to staunchly “protect fundamental rights.”
The European Parliament now has a four-month window to raise objections to the revised proposals. If no objections are lodged, an implementation timeline will be established.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
