News
BackFrom the AK’s point of view, a revision of air passenger rights has long been overdue. However, in many cases the proposals of the European Commission had meant deterioration for air passengers rather than necessary improvements. Yesterday, the European Parliament plenary session voted on the Commission proposal, which had been revised in the Transport Committee. A number of improvements for air passengers have been achieved.
One of the most controversial issues was the so-called “no show clause”: until now, airlines denied passengers their return flight if they had failed to take their outbound flight. Whilst the Commission provided for an amendment only in this specific case, the European Parliament followed the request of the AK and decided that this amendment should also apply in general, hence also to one or more flight legs.
Another amendment concerns compensation payments. Until now, in case of a delay of more than 3 hours, air passengers had been entitled to compensation, the amount of which depended on air miles. The respective proposal of the Commission represents a significant deterioration; moreover it only wanted to compensate stranded passengers with costs for a maximum number of three nights. It is regrettable that the solution of the Parliament does not go as far as the AK had hoped; however, from the point of view of consumers it is a great improvement over the proposal of the Commission. The compensation payments amount to between EUR 300 and 600, depending on delay and air miles. The number of nights, for which costs will be assumed, is five.
More clarity
A popular excuse of airlines to avoid paying compensation in the event of delays and cancellations, was pleading “circumstances beyond their control”. The Parliament has now provided for drawing up a comprehensive list, which shall clearly specify what counts as an exceptional circumstance.
More information
Stranded at the airport with no information as to what happens next or what kind of compensation one is entitled to - this shall be a thing of the past. In respect of delays, air passengers have to be informed about the situation within 30 minutes of the scheduled departure. In addition, airports should set up information counters where air passengers are able to obtain information about their rights.
Speedier processing
Also very welcome in the AK’s opinion is the decision taken by the Parliament that an airline is obliged to react to a complaint within two months. Failing to do so automatically entitles air passengers to compensation.
Further information:
Adopted text of the European Parliament
AK statement
Another amendment concerns compensation payments. Until now, in case of a delay of more than 3 hours, air passengers had been entitled to compensation, the amount of which depended on air miles. The respective proposal of the Commission represents a significant deterioration; moreover it only wanted to compensate stranded passengers with costs for a maximum number of three nights. It is regrettable that the solution of the Parliament does not go as far as the AK had hoped; however, from the point of view of consumers it is a great improvement over the proposal of the Commission. The compensation payments amount to between EUR 300 and 600, depending on delay and air miles. The number of nights, for which costs will be assumed, is five.
More clarity
A popular excuse of airlines to avoid paying compensation in the event of delays and cancellations, was pleading “circumstances beyond their control”. The Parliament has now provided for drawing up a comprehensive list, which shall clearly specify what counts as an exceptional circumstance.
More information
Stranded at the airport with no information as to what happens next or what kind of compensation one is entitled to - this shall be a thing of the past. In respect of delays, air passengers have to be informed about the situation within 30 minutes of the scheduled departure. In addition, airports should set up information counters where air passengers are able to obtain information about their rights.
Speedier processing
Also very welcome in the AK’s opinion is the decision taken by the Parliament that an airline is obliged to react to a complaint within two months. Failing to do so automatically entitles air passengers to compensation.
Further information:
Adopted text of the European Parliament
AK statement